Review: Lay's New Thanksgiving Potato Chip Flavors Are So Good I'd Eat Them On Turkey Day

If you're already dreaming about carving a thick, juicy slice of Thanksgiving turkey, or planning what show-stopping sides you're going to bring to the table on the big day, you're in the right place. I'm right there with you — my peripheral vision is already blooming with visions of fluffy mashed potatoes and piles of roasted green beans, not to mention a vast array of desserts. There's one holiday food that might not be on your Thanksgiving radar yet, but you'd be remiss not to include it.

Today, I'm talking about a special seasonal release from Lay's — which obviously had to be dubbed "Holi-Lay's" – three potato chip flavors that are basically a Thanksgiving feast in themselves. The new flavors are Cheddar Scalloped Style Potatoes, Maple Bacon, and Roasted Holiday Turkey; together, they form a trifecta that might have the casual consumer thinking, "What the *bleep* is that company thinking?" But I'd urge you not to be too quick to judge. Lay's is a master of its craft, and I, for one, am happy the company seems to know no bounds. 

Some recommendations are based on firsthand impressions of promotional materials and products provided by the manufacturer.

I actually got to initially taste these chips during a trip to Wisconsin hosted by Lay's, during which we learned a lot about potato breeding and harvesting — and a sneak peek of the new flavors rounded out the experience. I'm glad I don't have to be tight-lipped about them anymore! They're intriguing and inventive, and as a self-proclaimed potato chip snob, I'm pretty discerning when it comes to the snack.

I needed a couple of things for these chips to get the editorial green light on my end. First, they needed to have Lay's signature light, crispy, effortlessly snackable character. Second, they needed to fulfill all of their on-bag promises, while remaining a potato chip — in other words, I wanted to feel like I was having Thanksgiving dinner in a chip, à la Willy Wonka's chewing gum creation. Keep reading to see how they performed!

Listen, I get it — nobody asked for a Thanksgiving turkey in potato form. But sometimes, the greatest creations appear out of the ether without a warning. Lay's Roasted Holiday Turkey chips aren't necessarily the best potato chip in the world (personally, I'm a sour cream and onion girl every day of the week), but they are among the most inventive, and they certainly deliver on their promise. 

I'd even venture a guess that those with discerning noses could come very close to naming this flavor just from smelling an open bag. It has it all — rich, meaty aromas kissed with some spice and a heavy hint of sage — and, to be honest, I was super into it. It gives that distinct roasted turkey vibe while still staying staunchly in its potato lane. The balance here was really impeccable, and I think the sage rounded out the whole experience for me. It's an undeniably Thanksgiving-themed chip that I'd happily eat in the same bite as the bird itself.

Maple bacon isn't the most iconic holiday flavor combination out there, but this sweet-and-savory chip managed to fit right in with the other two — in fact, I might find myself calling on the duo more during the holidays after trying this flavor. And, if I could only go with one of these Holi-Lay's concoctions, I'd pick Maple Bacon, hands down. I was simply enamored with it. 

Again, Lay's managed to strike the perfect balance of flavors here. You get a decent meaty appeal right alongside that tinge of maple-flavored sweetness, and the combination is pretty impeccable — yet the chip remains a chip. It's incredibly smoky, too, which really rounded things out for me. Think honey barbecue, but really focused on those maple and bacon flavors, and you'll get close to imagining what this tastes like — though you'll have to try it to get the full experience!

Potatoes are probably my favorite food, so give me a potato-style potato, and it's really just a double whammy of delight — which is exactly what I found in Lay's Cheddar Scalloped Style Potatoes potato chips. I'd take these over instant scalloped potatoes any day, and aside from the fact that they're not hot and dripping in cream and cheese, they hit all the same spots. 

You might be wondering what makes these different from regular potato chips. It's the seasoning, darling. Hints of thyme and nutmeg run through each chip, and alongside that unmistakably indulgent cheddar flavor, it's a match made in heaven for those who consider potatoes to be their own food group (aka people like me). Don't sleep on these — they're perfect fodder to help you get yourself hyped for the big day, without sneaking too many bites of the actual scalloped potatoes before dinner time. 

In case it isn't already obvious, I'm a fan of Holi-Lay's, though I was (admittedly) skeptical prior to trying them. I just couldn't conceive a turkey-flavored potato chip being desirable. I was happy to be proven wrong.

So, it would seem that Thanksgiving flavors are no longer restricted to an eagerly anticipated Thursday. Why not indulge a little earlier? These chips hint at all the delights of the big day, without fully spoiling them, and they still satisfy that crunchy snack craving, just as any Lay's chip would. Seriously, try them. 

Roasted Turkey and Cheddar Scalloped Style Potatoes Holi-Lay's are available at nationwide retailers beginning October 25, and you'll be able to find them throughout the season while supplies last. Maple Bacon will make its debut at participating stores on November 8, and will also be available for a limited time. An SRP has yet to be announced at the time of writing, but we expect the pricing to be in line with that of other Lay's bags at your preferred retailer. 

One serving (or 28 grams) of Lay's Cheddar Scalloped Style Potatoes has 160 calories, 10 grams of fat, 15 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of protein. The same serving size of Roasted Holiday Turkey has 150 calories, 10 grams of fat, 16 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of protein. A serving of the Maple Bacon chips has 150 calories, 10 grams of fat, 16 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of protein.