Lays 2015 ‘Do Us A Flavor’ Review

Lay's 'Do Us a Flavor' contest is back, where people submit new chip flavor ideas in hopes of scoring the winning prize: $1 million.

The flavor finalists have been announced, and I was able to get all four varieties for a taste test.

This year's flavors are Greektown Gyro, New York Reuben, West Coast Truffle Fries, and Southern Biscuits and Gravy.

I was most excited to try the Biscuits and Gravy flavor, because I love that dish, and we don't have nearly enough of it in Jersey. I was least excited for the Reuben flavor, just because I don't like Reuben sandwiches (I hate Swiss cheese and most mayo-based dressings/sauces, like Thousand Island dressing.)

First things first, I opened all the bags. They all smelled pretty close to the flavors they supposedly represent...except the Truffle Fries chips, which have an overwhelming and very off-putting smell of fish. Not good.

Okay, so the Reuben chips are surprisingly close to what the sandwich tastes like. You get notes of mustard and sauerkraut, then hints of rye and corned beef. It's not my favorite combo, but if you like Reubens, you'd probably enjoy these. I do think they'd be better served on a thicker, kettle-cooked chip, since Reubens are generally pretty hearty and all.

Next up was the Greektown Gyro. They smell of tzatziki, but as a fan of Greek food, I was hopeful these would be good. They are not. They are gross. I don't know if it's the faux-lamb flavor or the spices or what, but they are just nasty.

The Truffle Fries chips taste pretty close to what truffle-topped french fries taste like...earthy and mushroomy. Considering french fries and potato chips are basically the same thing, it shouldn't be too hard to recreate the flavor right? A co-worker said they tasted like 'high-end sour cream and onion chips." I didn't hate them, but the smell is so off-putting I don't think I'd buy them.

Finally, the Southern Biscuits and Gravy. The first note is black pepper, then you slowly get hints of sausage that the gravy is known for, with just a light biscuity taste. This was my favorite of the four, but it wasn't anything mind-blowing.

All in all, I wasn't impressed with any of these chips, and probably wouldn't buy any of them. I kind of feel like my taste buds have been assaulted. I still think my Churro-flavored chip is a good idea, and am (im)patiently waiting for that to happen.

All four flavors are hitting stores now for a limited time, and starting on July 27, you can vote for your favorite at dousaflavor.com.