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One thing I fell in love with when I came to France is potato chips. Crispy, salty, thin potato chips. Do not get me wrong, there were potato chips, or potato crisps (as the British say), in Benin. But if you ever decide to explore my home country, Benin, you will be amazed to notice how many other snacks are competing with potato chips. We have sweet potato chips, banana chips, and even cocoyam chips. It was hard to only focus on potato crisps back home. However, here in France, they are way more popular and come in so many different brands. Let me walk you through my absolute favorites potato chips brands.

Why are Potato Chips so Popular in France?

In France, there is something called “l’heure de l’apéro.” Literally translating to “the hour of the apéritif,” it is a pre-dinner (or pre-lunch on Sundays, in my experience) social ritual. It is enjoyed with friends and family and involves drinks and snacks. These snacks usually include fruits, veggies (radishes, carrots, cucumbers), saucisson, and lots—and I mean lots—of potato crisps.

If you are new to this world or don’t want to be overwhelmed by the options in the supermarket, here are my humble recommendations.

The Battle of the Brands: From Lay’s to Tyrrells

1) Best potato chips brands under 2 euros

In this category, you have Vico and Belle France. My favorite? Belle France! Do not be worried about its affordability. Belle France’s “Nature” potato chips simply have everything you need in potato chips. They are crispy with just enough salt, and handy. That’s always the one I go for when I want a little snack without spending too much. They come in different sizes, just go for the small one to try it first.

Now, I have to give a special mention to Doritos chips. I love the Sweet Chili Pepper flavor (to be honest, it’s the only one I’ve tried from this brand). Although, because of its form and texture, Doritos feels more like a “snack” to me than a potato crisp. Do you understand what I mean? I guess it’s their originality, but the overthinker in me bugs a little bit over the fact that the chips don’t have that circular, thin shape!

2) Best potato chips brands in France from 2 euros and more

Here, we have Lay’s, Bret’s, and Tyrrells.

I am going to be honest with you (but this is just my opinion): I am not a big fan of Chips Lay’s. Their chips are a little bit too oily for me. Maybe I should give them more of a chance since I’ve only tried two options: the “Paysanne Nature” and the classic “Nature.” But that was enough for me; I really cannot stand oily food.

Then there is Tyrrells. Tyrrells is known as a premium brand, which makes sense if you look at their price range. The packaging is beautiful and the texture is very interesting, but the taste just doesn’t hit the spot for me. I feel like I get more taste satisfaction with cheaper brands (again, just my opinion, I have friends who disagree!).

However, if you are looking for veggie chips, I would definitely recommend Tyrrells Veg Crisps (parsnip, carrot, beetroot ). I am not a fan of veg crisps, but I liked these! Another recommendation would be Tyrrells Sweet Chili & Red Pepper chips. (Yes, I know… what can I say? I am African; we love spice!).

Note: Prices may vary according to supermarket, location and package size. 

Now, do you want to know the best brand? Drumroll, please!

My Ultimate Bret’s Chips Review: The Best of the Bests!

Bret’s is the undisputed best potato chips brand! It is an authentic French brand (Bret’s as in Bretagne or Brittany) and they are incredibly innovative with their flavors. Sometimes too innovative, some might say (some flavors are very risky), but I like it. They are fun—just check check Brets website to see how creative they are. If a potato chips brand isn’t fun, what’s the point?

Their packaging? On point. The texture and flavor? On point! My two favorites are Pesto Mozzarella and Miel Moutarde (Honey Mustard). I am still on a journey to discover more, like the Brets chips crepe range that is trending right now. When I tell you this brand is innovative, I mean it: Bret’s created a range of sweet chips with crepe flavors!

I am sure you are only one taste away from discovering your own favorite Bret’s flavor.

Where to Buy Potato Chips in France?

You can buy potato crips anywhere in France, but in Angers these supermarkets are my go-to:

• Diagonal Supermarché: My spot for Belle France chips and my favorite flavors of Bret’s.
• Carrefour: Best for finding Tyrrells.
• Intermarché / Super U / Auchan: Great for Lay’s, Vico, and the wider Bret’s range.

These supermarkets are also available in Paris (obviously) and again you will easily find potato chips in France!

I know I haven’t talked about every brand, like Chips Pringles, which is also a good one. I am still discovering, so feel free to tell me in the comments which brand I should try next!

(Now you know what “Chips” stands for in my blog’s name: Pen, Chips, and Plane!)

XO

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