Lay's

Lay's (Template:IPAc-en, Template:Respell) is a brand of potato chips with different flavors, as well as the name of the company that founded the chip brand in the United States. The brand is also referred to as Frito-Lay, as both Lay's and Fritos are brands sold by the Frito-Lay company, which has been a wholly owned subsidiary of PepsiCo since 1965. Frito-Lay primarily uses the brand name "Lay's" in the United States and Canada, and uses other brand names in some other countries, such as Walkers in the UK and Ireland, and Smith's in Australia.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

History

In 1932, salesman Herman Lay opened a snack food operation in Nashville, Tennessee.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 1938, he purchased the Atlanta, Georgia-based potato manufacturer "Barrett Food Company", renaming it "H.W. Lay Lingo & Company". Lay crisscrossed the southern United States, selling the product from the trunk of his car.

In 1961, the Frito Company, founded by Charles E. Doolin, merged with Lay’s, forming Frito-Lay Inc., a snack food giant with combined sales of over $127 million annually, which was then the highest sales revenue earned by any manufacturer. Shortly thereafter, Lay's introduced what became its best-known slogan: "betcha can't eat just one". Sales of the chips became international, with marketing assisted by a number of celebrity endorsers. Annual revenues for Frito-Lay exceeded $180 million by 1965, when the company had more than 8,000 employees and 46 manufacturing plants.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In 1965, Frito-Lay merged with the Pepsi-Cola Company to form PepsiCo, Inc. In 1991, the company introduced a new formulation of their chip that was crisper and kept fresher longer. Shortly thereafter, the company introduced the "Wavy Lay's" products to grocery shelves, with a national rollout in 1994.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> In the mid- to late 1990s, Lay's introduced a lower-calorie baked variety, and a fat-free variety (Lay's WOW chips) that contained the fat substitute olestra.

In the 2000s, the company introduced “kettle-cooked” varieties, as well as a more highly processed variety (Lay's Stax) that was intended to compete with Pringles,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and several differently flavored varieties.

In 2012, Frito-Lay products comprised 59% of the United States savory snack-food market.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In April 2019, PepsiCo's Indian subsidiary sued four farmers in Gujarat, India for copyright infringement, claiming they were growing a variety of potatoes trademarked by the company for exclusive use in its Lay's potato chips.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Two years later, the ruling was done in the farmers' favour under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act, 2001.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

International branding

Template:Further Frito-Lay primarily uses the brand name "Lay's" in the United States, and uses other brand names in some other countries, including Walkers (UK and Ireland); Smith's (Australia); Chipsy (Egypt and the West Balkans<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>); Tapuchips (Israel);<ref name=Tapuchips>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Margarita (Colombia); and Sabritas (Mexico).

Nutritional information

As with most snack foods, the Lay's brands contain very few vitamins and minerals in any variety. At ten percent of the daily requirement per serving, vitamin C is the highest. Salt content is particularly high, with a serving containing as much as 380 mg of sodium.<ref name=":0">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

A one-ounce (28 gram) serving of Lay's regular potato chips has 160 calories, and contains ten grams of fat, with one gram of saturated fat.<ref name=":0" /> Kettle-cooked brands have seven to eight grams of fat and one gram of saturated fat, and are 140 calories. Lay's Natural has nine grams of fat, two grams of saturated fat and 150 calories. Stax chips typically contain ten grams of fat, 2.5 grams saturated fat, and are 160 calories per serving. Wavy Lay's are identical to the regular brand, except for a half-gram less of saturated fat in some combinations. Now the various brands do not contain any trans fats.Template:Citation needed

A 50 gram serving of Lay's BarBQ chips contains 270 calories, and 17 grams of fat. It also contains 270 mg of sodium, and 15% of the daily recommended dose of Vitamin C.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The baked variety, introduced in the mid 1990s, feature 1.5 grams of fat per one ounce serving, and have no saturated fat. Each serving has 110 to 120 calories. Lay's Light servings are 75 calories per ounce and have no fat.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Lay's Classic Potato chips were cooked in hydrogenated oil until 2003.<ref>Tracy Sayler A Defining Moment for Sunflower Template:Webarchive. Oil Mill Gazetteer • Volume 112, December 2006</ref> In 2024, according to ET, in the United States the chips are made with sunflower, corn and/or canola oil.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

International

Country	Description
Argentina	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Australia	PepsiCo acquired The Smith's Snackfood Company in 1998<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> and marketed Frito-Lay products under that label, using the name Thins.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After Thin's was sold to Snack Brands Australia (Owned by Arnotts), Smith's produced a line of potato chips under the Lay's brand for a brief period of time. The Lay's line was eventually rebranded in 2004 as Smith's Chips, while the traditional Smith's line was renamed Smith's Crinkles. This is still sold in Australia as a direct competitor to Smith's Chips. Since 2009, Lay's have been available in Australia exclusively at Costco, where they are available in a single flavor and size (500g plain). They continue to be manufactured in Australia by Smith's.Template:Citation needed
Bangladesh	Transcom Group have marketed and produced Lay's as they manage the franchise of PepsiCo in the country.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> It was introduced in 2023 and Lay's India helped them to establish its production plant in Bogra District.<ref name=bd>Template:Cite news</ref>
Benelux	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Brazil	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> It returned in 2013 and has remained on sale since then.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2021, the Sensações brand was renamed as Lay's Sensações.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Canada	As Lay's were produced by another company at that time, the chips were known as Hostess. In 1996, Hostess was rebranded to Lay's with a television commercial featuring Mark Messier and Eric Lindros aired in 1997 that relaunched the brand.Template:Citation needed
Colombia	The chips are sold under the name Margarita. They are still commercialized under the label Lay's, however. Template:Citation needed
Egypt	Lay's was once sold under its own label until it was merged with the local label Chipsy ({{#invoke:IPA|main}}), which has since become the local unit of Lay's under much the same arrangement as Walkers.Template:Citation needed
India	Cricketers Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and actors Saif Ali Khan<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> and Ranbir Kapoor<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> have endorsed Lay's. It was introduced in 1995 as Ruffles Lay's and it retained the name until 1999.
Indonesia	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> In March 2025, Lay's was reintroduced in Indonesia, which is currently produced by PT PepsiCo Indonesia Foods and Beverages in Cikarang, Bekasi Regency, West Java,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> is available in two flavors, Seaweed and Sweet Spicy Sauce, as well as Lay's Wavy in two flavours, Onion Fried Chicken and Grilled Beef. While PT Quaker Indonesia imported Lay's Stax from PepsiCo Thailand since January 2025 in three flavors, Original, Sour Cream & Onion, and Spicy Prawn.
Israel	Lay's label is distributed with the name Tapuchips (תפוצ'יפס) by Strauss-Elite.<ref name=Tapuchips />
Mexico	PepsiCo acquired Sabritas S. de R.L. in 1966. Lay's along with other products such as Cheetos, Fritos, Doritos and Ruffles are marketed under the Sabritas brand. The logo for the Mexican company sports the red ribbon, but it has a stylized smiling face instead of the sun. It controls around 80% of the market.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Pakistan	In Pakistan, Lay's has been introduced in 2007 and has been endorsed by a renowned star of the country Ali Zafar. It is owned by Frito-Lay Pakistan alongside other brands such as Cheetos, Kurkure etc.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Serbia	Lay's are distributed as Chipsy, domestic company acquired by PepsiCo in 2008.<ref name="pepsicoTakover">Template:Cite news</ref>
South Africa	Lay's are distributed by the Simba Chip company.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
United Arab Emirates	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Vietnam	The chips were sold under the name of Poca until it was rebranded to Lay's in 2019.<ref name="Vietnam" />

Flavors

Country	Flavors
Belgium	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Brazil	Lay's: Classic, Sour Cream, Salt & Vinegar. Lay's Rústicas: Cream Cheese and Sea Salt. Lay's Sensações: Grilled Chicken and Turkey Breast.
Canada	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
China	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Egypt	lang}} {{#invoke:IPA|main}}, shortened to {{#invoke:IPA|main}}), Lay's chips (marketed as Chipsy) in Egypt inherited the Chipsy range of flavors as well as the pre-merger Lay's flavors. These flavors include Salt and Vinegar, Cheese (most likely based on Rumi cheese and the most popular flavor), seasoned cheese, Tomato (a Ketchup-based flavor), Charcoal-grilled Kebab, Chili & Lime, Peri peri flavor. Forno: French Cheese, Tomato & Za'atar. Crushed Black Pepper & Salt, Basil & Spices. Forno Fusion: Cumin & Lemon, Lebanese Mix, Mediterranean Greek mix, Sweet chili & Tangy Cheese. Playz (Discontinued) : Tomato & Black Pepper, Chicken & Herbs, Cheese & Chili. Flamin' Hot: Regular Flamin' Hot, Flamin' Hot with Lime. In 2010, a Shrimp flavor was added after a national contest.Template:Citation needed
France	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Germany	Lay's are sold in several varieties: Herbal Butter, Salt & Vinegar, Sour Cream & Black Pepper, Salted, Paprika, Sour Cream & Onion, Smoked Bacon, Sweet Paprika, Bugles (Nacho Cheese, Paprika, Original, Sour Cream & Black Pepper), Super Chips (Salt and Paprika), Light (Salted and Paprika), Iconic Restaurant Flavors (Pizza Hut Margherita, KFC Original Recipe, Subway Teriyaki)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Greece, Cyprus	Lay's are made and packed by Tasty Foods and Corina Snacks LTD, with Mediterranean flavors which include Feta cheese flavor, Tzatziki, Olive and Tomato, Oregano, Sea Salt & Black Pepper, Onion & Cheese, Prawn Cocktail, Salt, Salt & Vinegar, Barbeque and various more. There are hundreds of sub-variations in the Mediterranean line adjusted to each country's liking. Template:Citation needed
India	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Since 2015 under their Maxx label Maxx Sizzling barbeque and Maxx Macho chili.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }} And recentlyTemplate:Citation needed, the peppery cheddar flavor of Maxx has been launched.</ref> In 2025, Lays released their latest promotion, aptly named "Flavors of the World". Flavors Mediterranean Pizza<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> and Korean Chilli<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> were released. In 2010 there was a competition in making new flavors and the flavor 'Mastana Mango' was selected, however this flavor is discontinued <ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Timor Leste	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Mauritius	Lay's flavors consist of barbeque, salt and vinegar, roasted chicken, paprika, onion and cheese. Template:Citation needed
Mexico	The following Lay's (called Sabritas) are available nationally in Mexico: Original, Ruffles, Tostitos, Doritos, Cheetos, Pake-Taxo, Japoneses (peanuts), Cheetos Poffets, Rancheritos, Adobados, Frit-os, Churrumais, Caseras, Sabritones, Crujitos and Chicharrón Clásico. Template:Citation needed
Netherlands	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Pakistan	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Peru	Ruffles are a variant of the Lay's called "Lay's Ondas" (Lay's Waves).
Philippines, Thailand	Flavors featured are Classic, Sour Cream & Onion, Cheese & Onion, Mexican Bar-B-Q, Japanese Nori Seaweed, Basil, Squid, Spicy Chili Squid, Seafood and Mayonnaise, and Spicy Seafood. Temporary international flavors have also been introduced, such as French Mayonnaise, Balsamic Vinegar and Salt (England), Garlic Soft Shelled Crab (Hong Kong), Soy Sauce, Salmon Teriyaki (Japan), Lobster, Bacon & Cheese (America). Other traditional "Thai" flavors include Tom Yum, Thai Chili Paste, Thai Seafood Dip, Chili and Lime.Template:Citation needed
Poland	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Salt & Vinegar is also available at Żabka stores.
Romania	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Russia	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries	It is available in several flavors, including Salt, Salt & Vinegar, Chilli, Chilli-Lemon, Ketchup, French cheese, Pizza, and Flaming Hot. Lay's Max is available in flavors: Chili, Cheese and Italian Blend. Lay's Forno, which has less fat by 60%, is available in six flavors: Authentic Cheese, Black Pepper, Lemon & Black Pepper, Labneh & Mint, Italian Mix (a spicy tomato flavor) and Za’atar.Template:Citation needed
United States	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Vietnam	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>

See also

• Lay's Replay Field (Santa Ana)

External links

• Template:Official website