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Frito-Lay
Note: Some flavors have had limited-time returns or regional availability after their main discontinuation dates.
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Discontinued: 1991
Back when Herman Lay was selling chips from his car trunk across the American South, the Original Lay’s Classic Formula was born from pure necessity.
For 59 years, this simple recipe contained just potatoes, oil, and salt. The perfect potato chip.
At 10 cents a bag, these chips were an affordable luxury during the Great Depression.
But by 1991, consumer expectations had evolved. Lay’s reformulated its flagship for a crispier bite and longer shelf life, quietly ending its six-decade-long recipe.
Discontinued: 2004 (rebranded)
The 1990s promised fat-free everything, and Lay’s WOW Chips was bent on riding that wave.
Made with Olestra, a synthetic fat that passes through your body unabsorbed. These chips delivered on taste while slashing calories.
The first year brought $347 million in sales, making WOW the bestselling new product in America.
Then came the side effects.
“Leakage.” A word that became WOW’s legacy.
The FDA required warning labels, late-night comedians had a field day, and consumers shared horror stories.
By 2000, sales had plummeted to $200 million. And after that, the chip was discontinued for the good of your toilet.
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Discontinued: 2016
When WOW became a punchline, Frito-Lay attempted to rebrand as Lay’s Light in 2004.
New name, same Olestra formula, same problems.
For 12 more years, they fought to salvage the technology, but the damage was done.
In 2016, Lay’s finally admitted defeat and removed Olestra from all products.
Discontinued: 2014
The 2013 “Do Us A Flavor” contest seemed foolproof. It let fans vote for their favorite, guarantee success.
Cheesy Garlic Bread won with a million votes, combining two beloved comfort foods into chip form. The flavor delivered exactly what it promised. Genuine garlic bread taste with a whole lot of cheese.
So why did it disappear after just one year? These contest winners were never meant to be permanent. Even a million votes couldn’t save Cheesy Garlic Bread from its predetermined fate.
Discontinued: 2014
Some ideas sound better in theory. Cappuccino chips competed in the 2014 “Do Us A Flavor” contest alongside Cheddar Bacon Mac & Cheese and Wasabi Ginger.
Coffee-flavored chips? Critics called it “abominable,” and for good reason.
Discontinued: 2014
The 2014 contest brought international flair with Wasabi Ginger, blending Japanese heat with warming spice.
On paper, it sounded too good to be true.
Asian fusion meets American snacking.
In practice, the combination proved too bold for American taste buds. While adventurous eaters appreciated the authentic flavors, most consumers weren’t ready for such an intense experience.
Discontinued: 2014
Tropical fruit meets Mexican salsa—what could go wrong?
Everything, according to reviewers who described Mango Salsa as “like a chemical attack on your mouth.”
The sweet-savory combination that works great in real food somehow translated poorly to potato chip form.
Discontinued: 2015
A 2014 contest winner, Cheddar Bacon Mac & Cheese delivered on its promise with strong cheddar notes and subtle bacon undertones.
It tasted like loaded fries.
Despite winning the contest and pleasing consumers, it followed the standard pattern of being available for one year before being retired.
Discontinued: 2014
Canada’s first “Do Us A Flavour” contest produced the most controversial winner ever: Maple Moose.
Created by Tyler LeFrense, this flavor was intended to mimic the taste of roasted moose meat with a maple syrup glaze.
The reality? Most people just tasted maple sugar on chips.
Many didn’t even realize it was meant to evoke the actual taste of moose meat. They thought the cartoon moose was just Canadian branding.
When the truth emerged, reactions ranged from confusion to horror. Maple Moose disappeared after just a few months.
Discontinued: 2015
The “Passport to Flavor” campaign of 2014 brought Indian Tikka Masala to American shelves, introducing chip lovers to authentic Indian spicing.
While fans appreciated the authentic taste, it proved too niche.
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Discontinued: 2019
Chicago deep dish pizza in chip form?
The 2018 “Tastes of America” campaign partnered with Giordano’s to create a special experience.
Deep Dish Pizza chips actually delivered, fans said they tasted as close to pizza as chips could get.
The flavor has returned multiple times since 2019. And we can’t wait for it to return again.
Discontinued: Mid-2010s
Mediterranean elegance met American snacking with Garden Tomato & Basil.
This Lay’s chip was released in the early 2010s.
These chips captured summer garden freshness with sun-dried tomato, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, and sour cream. Fans described them as having an “almost pizza-like flavor.”
Today, Garden Tomato & Basil remains one of the most requested discontinued flavors. I’m sure they’ll revive again soon.
Discontinued: Late 2010s
Vibrant red chips that were meant to bring the Mexican experience into reality, but Pico de Gallo subverted expectations beautifully.
Instead of standard salsa flavor, these chips delivered herb-forward complexity with cilantro notes and gentle heat.
The unexpected flavor impressed some people, but perhaps confused mainstream consumers who were expecting a simpler salsa taste.
Discontinued: Unknown
Lay’s brought the Southern Comfort experience in 2015, bringing breakfast nostalgia to snack aisles.
Southern Biscuits & Gravy delivered exactly what it promised—the warm, hearty flavors of a perfect Southern morning. Rated 4.3 stars by Walmart shoppers, it built a devoted following.
Rather than announcing discontinuation, Lay’s declared the flavor “enjoying retirement.”
The company promises to share fan feedback with their teams, keeping hope alive for a comeback. Sometimes retirement isn’t permanent.
Discontinued: 2021
Health-conscious snacking drove Lightly Salted chips. These snacks offered 50% less sodium than regular Lay’s.
For years, these chips helped consumers reduce salt intake without sacrificing snack satisfaction.
In 2012, Lay’s broke hearts with their official statement: “We’re very sad to say this flavor has been discontinued.”
Discontinued: 2024
Heat lovers found their match in Habanero Flavored Chips, but Lay’s relationship with this spicy flavor proved complicated.
After discontinuing the original version “for no apparent reason,” they quietly introduced a new habanero option in their 2024 Global Flavors collection.
Then they discontinued it again. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
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