Style testing 13 of the most effective potato chip flavors in France

Upon visiting grocery shops in France, you’ll discover that they give the impression of being comparable sufficient to what you’re used to again house. They’ve all the same old departments like produce, dairy, a butcher and all of the grocery buying staples.

However in case you look extra intently, you’ll see that there are all types of fantastic French merchandise simply ready to be found. One model I’m so completely happy to have come throughout is Brets. They make the most effective potato chips in France and right now, we’re style testing 13 varieties for you.

In full transparency, that is undoubtedly NOT sponsored. We fortunately went nuts shopping for all of the chips and don’t have any affiliation with Brets.

Through the years, I’ve been to a bunch of French grocery shops and I get pleasure from writing and making movies about them. From large hypermarchés, to little nook markets, to natural shops, to your common run-of-the-mill grocery shops, I’ve been to all of them and actually get pleasure from grocery buying (simply not on Saturday afternoons!).

I’ve written about variations between U.S. and French grocery shops and shared my finest suggestions for vacationers grocery buying in France… in addition to movies over on my YT channel declaring my favourite merchandise and touring my high shops.

This put up happened as a result of I posted a photograph of the grocery store show on my FB web page, and surprisingly, it bought a ton of engagement so we needed to do a put up. You had lots to say about chips!

A choice of the potato chips we tasted

One merchandise you’ll discover at just about each French grocery retailer is the much-loved potato chip. They’re fashionable with the French, and in order for you the most effective model on the market, look no additional than Brets.

With a big selection of attention-grabbing taste combos, Brets potato chips are a step above your on a regular basis chip. They’re value a style the subsequent time you end up wandering the aisles.

The place can you purchase Brets chips? They’re a preferred mainstream model so that you received’t should look far in France. Brets chips might be discovered at just about any grocery store in France, though most shops solely carry about 5-6 flavors. For those who’re within the U.S., store right here.

Right here’s a latest show of Brets in my native Intermarché pictured under. More often than not, they solely carry a handful of flavors, however with all {the summertime} BBQs and get-togethers happening now, it appears like they needed to have the complete unfold accessible to customers.

Flavors like Saveur Pastis, Cheddar Jalapeno, and Sauce Curry, to call a number of, are all new for 2024.

Rising up, I wasn’t too adventurous with my chips again in suburban NJ. We had BBQ, bitter cream and onion, oil & vinegar and I feel that’s about it. My favourite was oil & vinegar. However Brets takes it to a wholly new degree.

For this put up, we steered away from probably the most “regular” flavors like BBQ and rotisserie hen (poulet rôti) since a bunch of manufacturers make them and as an alternative went for extra impressed varieties.

About Brets 

Earlier than I get into our style check, let me inform you in regards to the model. Brets is a family-owned enterprise that was based within the ’90s. The chips are produced in Brittany, St Gérand to be actual, and so they solely use potatoes from Brittany due to their high quality.

In 2020, Brets began a second manufacturing line in Pouzin (Ardèche). Between the 2 websites, Brets employs 450 workers and produces 45,ooo tons of chips per yr — which is 180,000 tons of potatoes! 

Through the years, the model has grown to be the second hottest flavored chip model in France (and I’d argue the most effective!).

Flavored potato chips solely grew to become fashionable about 20 years in the past in France and it’s fairly spectacular how a lot Brets has grown, particularly contemplating they’re a younger model.

One thing you’ll discover on their brand on the high of the bag is that they name themselves “le chipsier français.” The phrase “chipsier” isn’t an precise French phrase however on this context, it will discuss with somebody who makes chips, so “the French chip maker.” It’s a intelligent slogan.

Over the previous week, Tom and I gladly took on the duty of tasting 13 flavors so our ideas are simply as recent because the chips. 

One thing to notice is that many of the flavors are fairly delicate and never overpowering in any respect. You continue to really feel such as you’re consuming a potato chip and never a crunchy chili, piece of bacon, block of Camembert or regardless of the taste is. You’ll be able to style the flavour, nevertheless it’s mild and that’s undoubtedly a great factor. Nobody desires to be blasted by a specific taste.

For those who have been blindfolded, you won’t have the ability to pinpoint precisely what taste you’re tasting however you’d know that you just needed to eat a number of extra. 😉 

Additionally, all of Brets chips are textured with ridges/ripples and there’s additionally a slight worth variation between the flavors (30-ish centimes). A 125-gram bag prices about €2.

Brets chips style check

For every selection, we tried the potato chips two methods: First, we simply put one in our mouth, instantly crunched the chip to interrupt it down, chewed, and swallowed. Second, we put the complete chip in our mouth and licked it to essentially style the flavour earlier than crunching away and slowly breaking the chip down, as a option to savor the flavour.

We needed to verify we completely tasted every taste and took our style check very severely… and 200 chips every later, we’ve our ultimate rankings. 😉

OK, let’s get to it.

Brets potato chips: Our style check rankings

Listed here are the 13 Brets chips we tasted for the weblog put up (in no specific order):

Côte de Bœuf Grillée (Grilled prime rib)

That is Tom’s high taste and he describes it as “juicy meat on the grill.” We don’t eat precise côte de bœuf (prime rib) tremendous steadily, so he says it’s a approach for him to channel the flavour he loves in chip kind and it didn’t disappoint. He says it reminds him of our Christmas prime rib dinner.

I like them as effectively however the grilled/meat flavors simply aren’t my favourite.

Tom needed me to say that Brets is great at reproducing flavors in chip kind throughout the board in a really correct but delicate approach. They by no means style overbearing or synthetic and for him, the côte de bœuf is the proper instance of that.

Diane’s rating: 5/10
Tom’s rating: 9/10

Cheddar Jalapeño

I get pleasure from scorching and spicy meals and was fairly pumped to do this taste. The pepper scale (two out of three peppers) appears to indicate they’re a couple of medium degree of warmth, and as a cheddar lover as effectively, I had excessive hopes. They didn’t disappoint. Nice mixture of spice and cheese however they weren’t as scorching as I’d hoped in order that’s why the didn’t get the next rating from me.

The French aren’t large followers of spicy meals (therefore my husband’s rating), so I get it, and so they didn’t have me reaching for a glass of water to chill my mouth down. Regardless of that, it’s an important taste and I’d purchase them once more.

Diane’s rating: 7/10 (would have been an 8 or 9 in the event that they have been spicier)
Tom’s rating: 3/10

Saveur Pastis

Pastis was probably the most surprising potato chip taste we got here throughout. New for 2024, curiosity bought the most effective of me, so naturally we had to purchase a bag — even though neither of us are followers of Pastis liqueur or licorice-flavored issues on the whole.

For those who’re not aware of it, Pastis is an anise-flavored natural spirit and apéritif. Its anise and licorice notes come from elements like anise seeds, fennel, and licorice root itself. The alcohol is about 45% alcohol by quantity, however the bag of chips is clearly labeled “sans alcool” (with out alcohol) simply in case there have been any doubts.

So what do Pastis chips style like? Properly, the very first thing that hits you is the licorice scent and taste, you then style the potatoes and the salt as you chew, and as you swallow, you’ll get a light-weight licorice style once more on the end.

They’re not disgusting by any means, however I’d say steer clear in case you aren’t a fan of the Pastis style on the whole. We each thought it was an odd taste for chips.

Diane’s rating: 2/10
Tom’s rating: 2/10

Saveur Bacon Grillée

We each love bacon, so may Brets convey bacon to life in chip kind? They certain tried and we’re right here for it! These have a slight preliminary smokiness to them and style like bacon in a frying pan.

As with all of the flavors, it’s considerably delicate and also you received’t be overwhelmed by the style of bacon. It’s not synthetic or excessive. I’m not an enormous fan of grilled/smoky flavors as I discussed, however they have been fairly good. Tom stated they have been rather well achieved however a bit too écœurant for him.

P.S. Tom needed to make clear one thing about his lower-ish rating right here though he likes the flavour and is “impressed by the style.” He says the upper the rating, the extra probably he’s to eat a complete bag in a single sitting… that he’d simply hold reaching in for one chip after the opposite.

He likes this taste however the bacon taste is a bit robust “like once you go away it within the frying pan till the bacon is darkish and crunchy.” Though he likes the style, he’d eat 5 – 6 chips and be glad.

I’m not an eat-the-whole-bag form of snacker and didn’t really feel they have been too bacony or something. However they have been good. Simply not one among my favorites.

Diane’s rating: 6/10
Tom’s rating: 6/10

Pili Pili

Pili Pili (additionally referred to as piri piri) is a scorching pepper initially produced by Portuguese explorers in Portugal’s former Southern African territories. Primarily based on the bag alone, I had excessive hopes for these chips. I used to be prepared for some warmth since these are the most well liked ones Brets makes, as you possibly can see by the three peppers crammed in on the pepper scale up there on the bag.

Besides…. I didn’t find yourself tasting them in any respect. MAJOR bummer. Proper earlier than I put one in my mouth, I checked the elements and realized it contained one thing I’m extremely allergic to so I sadly needed to cross on this selection.

I’m nonetheless majorly bummed out as a result of I’m certain they’re precisely what I used to be in search of… a pleasant burn and a step up from the cheddar jalapeño ones. Oh effectively, nothing is value a hospital go to. Tom hates something spicy, therefore his low rating, so these are going within the trash.

Diane’s rating: N/A
Tom’s rating: 1/10

Tartiflette

For those who’re not aware of it, tartiflette is a hearty potato dish from Savoy within the French Alps. It’s made with potatoes, reblochon cheese, lardons, and onions.

Let me begin off by saying I’m NOT an enormous fan of tartiflette (the meal). It’s too heavy with all of the potatoes and isn’t one thing I really like. Tom, alternatively, loves a great tartiflette within the winter. In order that’s why this taste stunned me. I really LOVED them — like severely stored going again for extra. Brets captures the flavour impeccably effectively.

Proper after the crunch, there’s a touch of lardons with simply sufficient cheese that the combo is severely spectacular. That is my high taste and I by no means would have guessed.

Tom says consuming these chips mentally transported him to when he had tartiflette within the mountains along with his household on a ski journey. They’re THAT good.

Diane’s rating: 9.5/10
Tom’s rating: 9/10

Tomates Séchées & Vinaigre Balsamique (Solar-dried tomatoes & balsamic vinegar)

OK, most of Brets chips have very delicate flavors however this one could be the exception. Straight away, you’re hit with a blast of balsamic vinegar and it’s fairly candy. It makes you pucker up just a little bit. The sun-dried tomato taste could be very delicate and overpowered by the extreme vinegar.

We didn’t like these in any respect. The candy vinegar was too robust and form of ruined it. They appeared promising however laborious cross from us.

Diane’s rating: 2/10
Tom’s rating: 3/10

Saveur Cheddar Oignon de Roscoff

Roscoff onions are from Brittany and are identified for his or her pink coloration and mildly candy taste. I like onions and cheddar, so how’d the combo come collectively? REALLY effectively.

I feel the onion style was just a little extra outstanding than the cheddar and collectively, the flavour combo was nice. You’ll be able to actually style the Roscoff onion subtleties. Brets nailed the flavour right here, as soon as once more.

Diane’s rating: 7/10

Tom’s rating: 7.5/10

Saveur Camembert

Camembert is a well-liked creamy cow’s milk cheese in France, so in fact Brets has a Camembert chip! They’re tacky and great. They style like straight up cheese — you virtually get hints of very ripe Camembert — so in case you’re a cheese lover, you’ll need to strive these. If I blind style examined them, I’m unsure I’d know they have been Camembert chips particularly however they’re realllly good.

Diane’s rating: 8/10

Tom’s rating: 8/10

Saveur Poivrons Grillés Chorizo (Grilled bell peppers chorizo)

These have a barely spiced paprika type of style with a touch of bell pepper and smoky chorizo. They’re fairly good and can be nice for a summer time barbecue. We didn’t assume they have been excellent, however they have been stable in case you’re right into a smoky style and a tiny kick of spice.

Diane’s rating: 6/10
Tom’s rating: 5/10

Saveur Pizza au Feu de Bois (Wooden-fired pizza)

A high quality wood-fired pizza is one among my high meals, so I had excessive hopes for these chips. May they encapsulate all of the goodness of a wood-fired pizza? The decision is… not precisely. They’re good however simply weren’t a standout taste for me. I tasted the oregano and herbs upon the primary crunch and Tom stated the wood-fired crust was the very first thing he tasted and was actually mesmerized by these.

They’re a stable chip selection however in case you’re a real pizza lover, you could be just a little disillusioned and need to go for precise pizza as an alternative.

Diane’s rating: 5/10
Tom’s rating: 8/10

Saveur Miel Moutarde (Honey mustard)

For those who’re a fan of honey mustard, you’ll like these. The flavors are equally balanced (mustard may win out a tiny bit over the honey). You undoubtedly style the sweetness from the honey and get a kick from the mustard. It’s extra of a spicy mustard and never yellow mustard.

The combo of flavors is a bit much less delicate than a number of the different flavors, although. 

These are effectively achieved however have been a bit too daring for my private style. Tom didn’t assume he’d like these and was pleasantly stunned.

Diane’s rating: 3/10
Tom’s rating: 5/10

Brets chips: The winners

From the flavour title alone, I assumed I’d have ranked the Pizza Feu de Bois a bit greater so my high flavors stunned me a bit. Tom was just a little extra predictable.

General, listed here are our high flavors:

Diane: 

1. Tartiflette
2. Chili Pointe de Menthe
3. Camembert

Tom:

1. Côte de Bœuf
2. Tartiflette
3. Camembert

**Particular point out:** Pizza au Feu de Bois/Cheddar Oignons Roscoff: Tom had a tough time rating his favorites as a result of he’s a chip lover and appreciated all of the flavors. A lot of them ranked actually excessive for him and he needed to verify he gave each the pizza and Roscoff onions flavors extra love right here in his particular point out as a result of they have been THAT good.

Yet another notice: Tom’s all-time favourite taste from Brets is Fromage du Jura which has a taste profile form of like Camembert, simply with Jura cheese. For those who’re not aware of Jura, it tastes like Comté cheese, from the Jura Mountains. They didn’t have any Jura chips once we did our buying this time in order that they weren’t included on this style check. However we eat them usually in our home and they’re 100% value a glance in case you discover them in your subsequent grocery run!

The place to purchase Brets chips within the U.S.?

In case your style buds are salivating, head over to myPanier in case you dwell within the U.S. to seize a number of baggage for your self. They’re my go-to on-line French grocery store and received’t disappoint!

Get the Camembert chips right here and Tartiflette right here.

Learn this put up for extra about French snack meals!

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Have you ever tried Brets potato chips? What are your favourite flavors or what flavors would you strive in case you had the chance?

Disclosure: This put up is NOT sponsored by Brets. I’m an affiliate of myPanier.

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