Starbucks has long offered a selection of snacks to complement its beverage menu, and potato chips have been a staple for many years. However, the exact chips available have changed over time, with many older, Starbucks-branded kettle chips being discontinued as part of a larger menu simplification effort. As a result, the ingredients list depends on which specific chips you are curious about. While many popular past flavors are no longer sold, some locations now carry alternative brands, such as Siete chips.
Ingredients for Former Starbucks-Branded Kettle Chips
For a time, Starbucks sold several flavors of its own kettle-style potato chips. The core ingredients for these kettle chips generally included potatoes and vegetable oils. However, the specific seasonings were where the major differences occurred.
Simply Salted Kettle Potato Chips
The most straightforward of the kettle chip varieties, the Simply Salted version was prized for its simplicity. The ingredients were very minimal:
- Potatoes: The primary base for the chip.
- Vegetable Oils: A blend of corn oil, cottonseed oil, and/or sunflower oil was used for cooking.
- Sea Salt: For simple, classic seasoning.
Salt & Vinegar Kettle Potato Chips
This version added a tangy flavor profile using several acidic and flavor-enhancing ingredients:
- Base Ingredients: Potatoes, corn oil and/or cottonseed oil and/or sunflower oil.
- Seasoning: Maltodextrin, salt, sodium diacetate, sugar, citric acid, malic acid, sodium citrate.
Smoky Sweet BBQ Kettle Potato Chips
For fans of barbecue flavor, this chip provided a complex, savory, and sweet taste. The ingredient list was more extensive due to the seasoning blend:
- Base Ingredients: Potatoes, sunflower and/or safflower oil.
- Seasoning: Cane sugar, salt, rice flour, dextrose, paprika, onion powder, spices, tomato powder, molasses powder, yeast extract, citric acid, garlic powder, paprika extract, natural smoke flavor.
Ingredients for Modern Starbucks Chips (Siete Brand)
In more recent years, Starbucks has shifted its snack strategy, often selling products from other established brands. A prominent example is the Siete Sea Salt Kettle Cooked Potato Chips, which are noted for being cooked in avocado oil. The ingredients are:
- Potatoes: The simple, central component.
- Avocado Oil: Used for kettle cooking.
- Sea Salt: Provides the seasoning.
Comparison Table: Past vs. Current Starbucks Potato Chips
| Feature | Former Starbucks 'Simply Salted' Kettle Chips | Siete Sea Salt Kettle Cooked Potato Chips (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Largely discontinued | Currently sold at many Starbucks locations |
| Cooking Oil(s) | Corn, cottonseed, and/or sunflower oil | Avocado oil |
| Flavor Profile | Classic, simple saltiness | Clean, crisp saltiness |
| Additional Ingredients | Sea salt | Sea salt |
| Dietary Notes | Gluten-free, Kosher, Vegan | Non-GMO, Certified Gluten-Free |
Why Did Starbucks Change its Chips?
The primary reason for the menu change, including the removal of the old kettle chips, was Starbucks' push for menu simplification. By reducing the number of different products, the company aimed to improve consistency, reduce order complexity for baristas, and free up space for more popular and innovative items. This shift allowed them to align more closely with their core beverage identity and introduce new snack options selectively.
The Evolution of Starbucks Snacks
The change in potato chip offerings is indicative of a broader trend in Starbucks' snack lineup. The company consistently evaluates its food items, which has led to a constantly evolving menu featuring different partners and exclusive products. This ensures the snack offerings remain fresh and aligned with current consumer trends, including a growing demand for simpler and more transparent ingredients, as seen with the introduction of Siete's chips cooked in avocado oil.
Conclusion
What are the ingredients in Starbucks potato chips? The answer depends entirely on the specific product and its availability. The older, Starbucks-branded kettle chips featured ingredients like potatoes, a blend of vegetable oils, and specific flavorings for varieties like Salt & Vinegar or BBQ. However, those are largely discontinued. Today, many stores carry Siete Sea Salt Kettle Cooked Potato Chips, which are made with a much simpler ingredient list: potatoes, avocado oil, and sea salt. Consumers can always check the nutrition and allergen information for the specific snack items on the Starbucks website menu or on the product packaging for the most accurate details. For the current snacks list, you can refer to the official menu on the Starbucks website.
