Pringles: Exploring the Diverse Flavors of Asia
Pringles is a stackable snack brand consisting of potato-based chips and owned by American food company Kellonova (AKA Kellogg's). It’s a revolutionary snack with massive global popularity. You have probably seen the famous treat on TV or in real life. What you may not know, however, is that Pringles is not technically potato chips. Rather, it’s what we call “potato crisps.” This is because the snacks are manufactured with dehydrated processed potato and not real potato. Nevertheless, there is no denying that Pringles is one tasty snack!
Pringles is sold in over 140 countries, making it one of the most popular potato-flavored brands in the world. The different regions are served by five factories, which are located in the US, Malaysia, Belgium, China, and Poland. Today, you can find a wide variety of flavors of Pringles, including region-specific and seasonal flavors. Asia is home to many such Pringles flavors, and hence variations from the region have captured the taste buds of snack lovers worldwide.
The Unmistakable Design
Pringles’ focus on packaging shape, color, and design has contributed to its global popularity. Its unique packaging design is not only appealing but also introduced consumers to a refreshing new way to eat potato chips in an era when most brands used bags. Pringles are distributed in colorful cylindrical containers, and each container is filled with a stack of tightly packaged chips. Consumers did not need too much space to store their Pringles thanks to the upright cylindrical shape. The colors of the containers are carefully selected to match the flavors of the crisps they contain. Each Pringles chip is shaped like a hyperbolic paraboloid. This curved shape helps to eliminate stress lines on the chips and prevent them from cracking before they get to the consumer. The unique mathematical shape also adds to its famous crunch.
The Evolution of a Snacking Giant
The story of Pringles began with a dream to revolutionize how people enjoyed potato chips. In 1958, American consumer goods company Procter & Gamble (P&G) tasked a chemist named Fredric J. Baur with the development of a special type of potato chips that was not too greasy and did not break before getting to the consumer, unlike common potato chips at the time. P&G eventually succeeded in making the chips they wanted after bringing researcher Alexander Liepa and mechanical engineer Gene Wolfe to the project. So, Pringles was introduced in the United States in 1968 and marketed under the name “Pringles Newfangled Potato Chips.” Distribution started in Indiana but gradually expanded to other parts of the US. After various complaints by other snack manufacturers and a US Food and Drug Administration ruling that required them to use the phrase “potato chips made from dried potatoes”. In their promotions, P&G decided to avoid the mess by changing the snake's name to “Pringles Potato Crisp” in 1975.
Pringles truly became a successful brand in the 1980s, when sales went through the roof. It began entering international markets in 1991, and by 1995, the snacks were sold in Asia, Europe, and Latin America. This newfound notoriety sparked the creation of innovative flavors like Seaweed, Roast Chicken, and Blueberry. In 2012, Kellogg's acquired the Pringles brand from P&G, becoming one of the largest snack companies in the world as a result.
Pringles' Recipe: What Percentage Is Potatoes?
We’ve already established the pringles is not made with real potatoes. In fact, the potato content in a single crisp is only 42%. The rest of the snack is made of corn flour, rice flour, wheat starch, seasoning, salt, vegetable oils, and other ingredients such as sweeteners. While most brands in the same category are made from fried, salted, and seasoned pieces of potato, Pringles is made with dehydrated processed potato. This unique formula allows the crisp to be extruded into the desired shape during the manufacturing process. This process is responsible for its hyperbolic paraboloid shape, thereby contributing to its distinct crunchy texture.
What are the different flavors of Pringles?
There are many different flavors of Pringles. The original, non-flavored variant was the only available version until the 1980s, when new variants came into the US market. Today, standard flavors such as Sour Cream and Onion, Barbecue, Hot and Spicy, Salt and Vinegar, Cheddar Cheese, and Original are available in all 140+ countries in Pringle’s vast distribution network. Kellogg’s also distributes certain flavors in specific regions, such as Takoyaki in Japan (Kansai region only), Prawn Cocktail in the UK, and Pizza in the US. Limited edition and seasonal Pringles are some of the most unique flavors you can find. They include, Texas BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ketchup, jalapeño, blueberry and hazelnut, lemon and sesame, cheesy fries, and cheeseburger. Some of these limited edition flavors are only available in specific regions.
Pringles in Asia
Many standard and regional Pringles from Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Korea, and China are considered some of the brand’s most unique flavors. The following are some of the best Asian flavors of Pringles:
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Seaweed: Enjoy eating the earthy, umami-rich taste of nori seaweed in the form of potato crisps. This flavor is available exclusively in China.
Bokksu is not responsible for the accuracy of the products’ nutritional or allergen information. Warning: California’s Proposition 65 may be in effect. For more information,visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. Some Bokksu Market products are produced overseas and may have a Production Date printed on the packaging, rather than a Best Buy Date as is standard in North America. If your product appears expired, do not be alarmed! This is most likely the Production Date. All items have been double checked to ensure they are not expired and safe to eat.
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Spicy Grilled Squid: Available in Thailand, this version contains the seafood taste of grilled squid combined with the heat of Thai spices.
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Umashio: This product was created specifically to satisfy the love of umami in Japan. It tastes similar to the original Pringles flavor.
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Tomato: This version offers the unique taste of ripe tomatoes. It’s a great treat to pair with a burger. This product is available only in China.
Bokksu is not responsible for the accuracy of the products’ nutritional or allergen information. Warning: California’s Proposition 65 may be in effect. For more information,visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. Some Bokksu Market products are produced overseas and may have a Production Date printed on the packaging, rather than a Best Buy Date as is standard in North America. If your product appears expired, do not be alarmed! This is most likely the Production Date. All items have been double checked to ensure they are not expired and safe to eat.
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Super Hot: Seasoned with Sichuan spices, this version offers a bold and fiery flavor perfect for lovers of spicy food. The chips can be crushed and used as a coating for chicken and other meats.
Bokksu is not responsible for the accuracy of the products’ nutritional or allergen information. Warning: California’s Proposition 65 may be in effect. For more information,visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. Some Bokksu Market products are produced overseas and may have a Production Date printed on the packaging, rather than a Best Buy Date as is standard in North America. If your product appears expired, do not be alarmed! This is most likely the Production Date. All items have been double checked to ensure they are not expired and safe to eat.
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King Crab: This chip uses a seasoning mix of savoy crab and tangy chili lemon. It’s spicy, zesty, and utterly delicious. The perfect pairing for Asian dishes.
Cultural Impact
Nearly every aspect of Pringle’s marketing strategies has had an impact on different cultures. Even its logo, which includes a curved moustache, has become a global symbol of tasty and fun snacks. Pringles also changed the general perceptions of potato chips by proving that these treats could come in a wide variety of unconventional flavors. They also provided a welcome respite from greasy chips. By providing different versions that appealed to all kinds of audiences, irrespective of age, gender, background, or location, Pringles single-handedly transformed the global snacking culture.
Pringles vs. Other Potato Chips: A Taste Test
The main difference between Pringles and traditional potato chips is their potato content. While regular chips are wholly made from potato slices, Pringles uses a pulverized version of dried potatoes in 42% of its entire content. Pringles also contains gluten, unlike other potato chips. The snack comes in a cylindrical container, which was the first of its kind in the potato chip space.
Where to Buy
You can buy Pringles at your local supermarket or convenience store. The standard flavors are often available in most countries. Asian flavors, however, are harder to find. We recommend that you visit Bokksu Market to get unique and rare Asian Pringles, such as Seaweed, Tomato, and King Crab.
The Lasting Appeal of Pringles
Pringles continues to be a leading choice for crisps lovers thanks to its crispy and stackable nature, unique flavors, and moderate use of oil. We invite you to explore the diverse flavors offered in Asian stores like Bokksu Market. We also updated these snacks regularly, based on popular request.
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