National Potato Chip Day Date in the current year: March 14, 2024

According to popular legend, potato chips were invented in Saratoga Springs on August 24, 1853. That day, an unhappy customer at Moon Lake's House kept sending back his French fries, claiming that they were not sliced thin enough and didn't have enough salt. George Crum, the cook, eventually got fed up with these compalints. In retaliation, he sliced several potatoes almost paper-thin, fried them in boiling oil until crispy, and deliberately seasoned them with too much salt.

Surprisingly, the customer loved the dish and asked to give his compliments to the chef. Other customers loved them too, so crispy potatoes became a staple of Moon Lake's House's menu. Soon, more restaurants began to offer chips because the recipe was extremely simple to make.

By the beginning of the 20th century, potato chips were mass-produced and sold in paper bags. The first flavored potato chips were produced in the mid-1950s, and the rest is history. Today, potato chips account for more than a third of the global savory snacks market.

The most popular potato chip flavors in the United States include barbecue, salt and vinegar, sour cream and cheddar, sour cream and onion, jalapeno and cheese, and ranch. Indulge in any of them to celebrate National Potato Chip Day!