National Chip and Dip Day is the perfect excuse to snack big

From crispy potato chips and tortilla chips to newer varieties like veggie chips or bagel chips, chips and dip have been a staple at parties and gatherings for decades. While both have existed for hundreds of years, nowadays, there are nearly endless salty snacks to plunge into.

Despite their popularity, chips and dips are less than 100 years old. Food writer Gary Allen explains in Roll Magazine how mechanized potato slicers in the 1920s made potato chips possible for the first time. By the 1940s, Lay's potato chips were on grocery store shelves. In 1952, Lipton completed the combo by encouraging buyers to mix their dried onion soup mix into sour cream, creating the perfect pairing for salty potato chips.

Around the same time, tortilla chips and salsa arrived in the United States. Pepper Palace describes how tortilla factories began frying up leftover tortilla scraps. Salsa was already a staple in many Mexican kitchens. Tex-Mex cuisine combined the two.

Chip and dip trends to celebrate

Today, chips and dip remain popular. SF&WB found in its 2024 State of the Industry report that major chip brands like Lay's and Ruffles saw approximately a 5% increase in sales. Smaller, private-label brands saw an impressive 25% increase. Dips like buffalo chicken, cowboy caviar, jalapeno popper and crab were among the most popular at the last Super Bowl, according to News Nation.

However, as buyers seek healthier options and wholesome ingredients, the industry is catering to changing tastes. Oils like avocado oil and alternatives to potatoes, like sweet potatoes, apples and vegetables, are growing in popularity. Innovative flavor options offer delicious exploration, from new potato chip seasonings to the unexpectedly good varieties proposed in the Lay's Do Us a Flavor contest.

The science of the perfect chip and dip

Dipping chips is more than just delicious. There's a science behind it. Charles Banks, co-founder of a food trend agency, told The Guardian, "It's a much more engaged, physical experience when you remove the 'barrier' of a fork and spoon." Although you can certainly keep your chips and dip all for yourself, the experience of sharing with others is often part of the fun.

It's also science to choose the right dip for your chip. The best pairings contrast with both the chip and the dip, lending flavor to each bite. Salty and sweet blend well, like a salty tortilla chip with a sweet mango salsa. Or try crunchy and creamy, pairing chips with a sour cream- or yogurt-based dip.

Whatever your dip, choose a chip sturdy enough for it. Thicker dips need a chip that won't crack, while scoop-shaped chips or chips with ruffles can hold thinner dips better.

Creative chip and dip pairings to try this year

Pull from classics or get creative when picking your National Chip and Dip Day combos. Tortilla chips with salsa, queso, guacamole or a seven-layer dip can bring fresh flavors and spice. Potato chips complement French onion dip, while pita chips pair perfectly with hummus. Bagel chips are a great match for spinach artichoke dip, or try Southern favorite pimento cheese dip with crackers.

Innovative takes on classics can include experimenting with salsa varieties. Swap red salsa for green tomatillo salsa, play with heat levels or choose a different texture. Corn, bell pepper or fruit salsa offer bright and refreshing alternatives. Enhance hummus with ingredients like roasted red pepper, curry powder or dill pickle.

For inventive dip ideas, provide a creamy, tangy twist on guacamole with avocado crema. Bacon ranch aioli adds a smoky, herby depth to your snack. Smoked salmon dip or crab cream cheese dip are upscale dip options for your party. You can even try dessert dips like cheesecake dip, s'mores dip or cannoli dip served with graham crackers or cannoli chips.

Healthier alternatives for chip and dip lovers

If you're looking for a healthier snack, lighter chip and dip options can keep things nutritious. Try cowboy caviar or salsa for dips made with fruit and veggies, or opt for hummus or tzatziki for a protein-packed dip. If you are making a sour cream-based dip, replace some or all of the sour cream with Greek yogurt for more protein and fewer calories.

Baked or air fryer chips are healthier than those traditionally fried in oil. Chips made with vegetables or fruit, like veggie sticks or apple chips, can provide extra nutrients for snacking. Many widely available brands make these healthy substitutes, but you can also create your own. Air fryer kale chips are quick, easy and nutritious, or experiment with other thinly cut vegetables for a crunchy treat.

Celebrate with snacks on National Chip and Dip Day

This National Chip and Dip Day, indulge in old favorites or mix things up with bold new pairings. Intense flavors, lighter alternatives or the original potato chip and sour cream dip — there's no wrong way to enjoy this unbeatable snack combo. Bring out a couple of bowls on March 23 and get ready to dig in.