Since I eat so much of it, I consider myself an expert. Yes, yes I am. Shut up! I am!
Here's a rundown of what I think are the best choices of the available brands. I guess I don't have to mention that the best nacho cheese tortilla chips are Doritos, right? I mean, we all get that. They really have no competition.
On with our show...
Best cheese curls: Wise Cheese Doodles
Why? They are not too crisp - many brands are - and not horribly salty (you hear me Cheetos?). They have the perfect amount of finger-licking powder. My friend calls cheese curls packing peanuts with orange spray paint, but what does she know?
Best cheese popcorn: Kroger brand
What? Yeah, that's what I said. Get some, see if you doubt me. My sister doubted me. Now, when she comes to town, she doesn't say, "Hey, I'm here!" She says, "Did someone pick up cheese popcorn?" Seriously.
Best guacamole dip: AvoClassic
Who? Try looking it up for a post when you can't remember the name! I finally found the name, then a website. The packaging has changed, but this is real guacamole dip. This isn't paste in a can with some green food colouring. You'll find it in the refrigerated section, sometimes near produce. It may be hard to find, but you won't regret it.
Best tortillas: Utz White Corn Tortillas
Stop arguing! I'm right! These chips are my newest favourite. I used to love yellow corn chips, but for some reason everyone, save the generics, has gone to white corn. These are light, bubbly chips. They don't hold up to heavy dips, but they don't shred the inside of you mouth like Tostitos Scoops. Those are like a mouthful of razor blades!
Best Nacho Cheese Dip: Fritos Jalapeno Cheddar
Seriously? Yes. It's in a tiny can, usually hanging somewhere in the chip aisle. It doesn't taste like paste with a little bit of spice in it. It tastes like jalapeno dip. It will spoil, so don't forget to put the lid back on and put it in the frig.
Best Onion Dip: Your own
No fair! Sorry, but you have to get some sour cream and french onion soup mix. There are no short-cuts for french onion dip. Everything I've ever tried tasted like mayonnaise. I've tried jarred ones, refrigerated ones. I'm not a huge fan of onion dip, but I tried a few and couldn't find any worth buying again.
Best Bizarre Chips: Pringles!!!
Bizarre? Oh, yeah! The Pringles guys are nuts. They come out with the most unusual temporary flavours. I will buy any flavour they put out. They have an amazing talent for making their chips taste like exactly what they say they'll taste like. I've had Bruschetta, Thai Sweet Chili, Extreme Dill, Smoked Bacon ...only once did I find one that wasn't great - Extreme Cheddar, it tasted like wet paper. I don't buy the printed ones, and I don't like barbeque chips. Anything else they put out, I will try. I'm not the only one. Check out this site. And, down a little ways on this page.
I didn't save the cans. Part of me wishes I had. Part of me is glad I have my sanity.
