If you’re shopping for a Fourth of July barbecue this week, there’s one snack item on your grocery list you need to get right: potato chips.
Nothing says summer like crunching into that salty, crispy goodness. Locally, the chip of choice is Hanover, Pennsylvania-based Utz.
But what flavor should you stock up on? You wouldn’t want relatives leaving your backyard bash with a chip on their shoulder, of course.
Fortunately, a new survey commissioned by Utz with Censuswide reveals the favorite flavor in each state, including Maryland.
When Marylanders reach into an Utz chip bag, they are most likely to be pleased pulling out a Classic/Original chip, the survey found.
Yeah, we were hoping for the Old Bay flavor, too. But hey, there’s something to be said for the classics, right?
It seems fitting, too, that The New York Times’ Wirecutter named Utz’s Original as one of its runners up for the best potato chips of 2026, describing it as “a great, not-so-salty classic chip.”
“Noticeably less salty than other chips we tasted, these Utz chips are still very flavorful, with a dark, golden-brown color and toasty-sweet flavor that paired well with dip,” the Wirecutter team wrote.
Nationally, the Classic/Original flavor eked out a plurality as the most popular pick of 18.7% of survey respondents. But it was followed closely by Sour Cream & Onion (18.5%) and Barbecue (17.8%). Other Utz flavors included Salt & Vinegar (13.3%), Jalapeño/Spicy (8.5%), Dill Pickle (6.6%), Ranch (5.6%) and Salt & Pepper (4.4%).
Now, here’s the catch: while Classic/Original was a favorite overall, when asked specifically about the occasion of a Fourth of July picnic nearly one-third of Americans said they’d be reaching for Barbecue chips.
Of course, those who are a little more daring could try out some of Utz’s limited-edition flavors, like Lemonade Chips and Summer Sizzlin’ Burger Ripple Chips.
Founded in 1921, Utz might not be quite as old as our nation. But no matter the flavor, it seems chips might be the timeless snack destined for any sesquecentennial picnic table.
“Summer has always been the ultimate snacking season, and this survey confirms what we hear from snack lovers every year: when the sun comes out, so do the chips,” said Stacey Schultz, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Utz Quality Foods, LLC, a subsidiary of Utz Brands, Inc.
