For over a century, Good's Potato Chips has built a loyal following with its no-frills, old-fashioned recipe. The company, which originated in Pennsylvania, has resisted the trend toward more complex flavorings and alternative oils, sticking to a proven formula. The result is a simple, classic chip defined by its key ingredients and a traditional cooking process. This article breaks down the components that give Good's chips their signature taste and texture.
The Core Ingredients
Good's has long been known for its simple and transparent approach to snack food. The core ingredients list for their original Homestyle and Kettle Cooked chips is short and straightforward.
Whole Fresh Potatoes
Like any quality potato chip, the foundation is the potato itself. Good's uses high-quality, whole fresh potatoes, selected specifically for chipping. The brand sources these potatoes locally and from farms that grow specific varieties with the right balance of starch and moisture to ensure an ideal texture when fried. For example, floury potatoes like Russet or Shepody are often used for their superior crisping properties.
Lard
Perhaps the most distinctive ingredient in Good's chips is the use of lard for frying. While many mass-produced potato chips have switched to vegetable oils, Good's has maintained its use of rendered pork fat. This choice has a significant impact on the final product, imparting a richer, deeper, and more unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other brands. It contributes to the hearty, old-fashioned taste that fans have come to love.
Salt
Salt is a critical component for flavor, but Good's uses it sparingly in its original recipe, resulting in a balanced taste profile. This allows the natural flavors of the potatoes and the richness of the lard to stand out, rather than being overpowered by excessive sodium. Fans of the chips appreciate this subtlety, which highlights the quality of the ingredients.
TBHQ Added to Protect Flavor
TBHQ, or tertiary butylhydroquinone, is a common antioxidant food additive. Its purpose is to prevent the fats and oils in the chips from going rancid over time, thereby protecting the overall flavor. This ensures that when a customer opens a bag of Good's, the chips are fresh and the traditional flavor is preserved. For consumers concerned about food additives, it is worth noting this ingredient, though it is used in minute quantities and approved for use by food safety authorities.
Homestyle vs. Kettle Cooked: The Production Difference
Good's offers two primary types of chips, the classic Homestyle (packaged in a red bag) and the Kettle Cooked (in a blue bag). The key difference between these two products lies not in the ingredients, but in the cooking process, which affects the final texture.
Homestyle (Red Bag)
These chips are made using a continuous cooking method. Sliced potatoes are mechanically moved through a bath of melted lard at a consistent temperature. This results in a lighter, thinner, and often less-curled chip. The texture is delicate and crispy, making it a classic, all-purpose snack chip.
Kettle Cooked (Blue Bag)
For the crunchier Blue Bag chips, the potatoes are cooked in a batch process using large steel kettles. When the slices are first added, the oil temperature drops and then rises again as they cook more slowly. The agitation of the chips in the kettle and the varying temperature results in a thicker, harder, and darker chip with more curls and a much deeper crunch.
Comparison of Good's Chip Types
| Feature | Homestyle (Red Bag) | Kettle Cooked (Blue Bag) |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Method | Continuous, consistent temperature | Batch-cooked, variable temperature |
| Texture | Lighter, thinner, delicate | Harder, thicker, deeper crunch |
| Appearance | Light, pale yellow, relatively flat | Darker, more curled |
| Ideal Use | All-purpose snacking, sandwiches | Dipping, hearty crunch |
Conclusion
In a market full of complex flavors and modern processing techniques, Good's Potato Chips stand out for their simplicity. The limited ingredient list—whole fresh potatoes, lard, salt, and TBHQ—is a testament to a traditional approach to snack-making. For fans of an old-fashioned, hearty chip, this recipe is a cherished classic. The choice between the lighter Homestyle and the crunchier Kettle Cooked variety comes down to a matter of personal texture preference, but both share the same rich flavor profile derived from their time-honored ingredients. The simplicity of what are the ingredients in Good's potato chips is a core part of the brand's enduring appeal.
Nutritional Notes
While the focus of this article is on the ingredients, it's worth briefly mentioning the nutritional profile. The use of lard means the chips are higher in saturated fat than some modern alternatives fried in vegetable oil. The sodium content for the plain chips is moderate compared to other snacks, but it's an important factor to consider for those monitoring their intake. As with any deep-fried snack, portion control is key, and they are best enjoyed as an occasional treat. The product does not contain artificial flavors or colors, reinforcing its commitment to a traditional recipe. The use of whole potatoes means you are getting the nutritional benefits of potatoes, including some potassium, though the frying process impacts overall healthfulness.
