Lay's has announced the four finalists for this year's "Do Us a Flavor" competition. In this third year of the contest, the flavors all have regional interest: Southern Biscuits and Gravy, New York Reuben, Greektown Gyro, and West Coast Truffle Fries.
Now, I'm a fan of biscuits (and used to be a fan of gravy), but I'm appalled that once again Nashville Hot Chicken was not a finalist. Did no enterprising and great Nashvillian enter this flavor? I've never had hot chicken myself, but I have had the hot cheddar flavor of Willa's Shortbread and it is amazing. I suppose they think the Flamin' Hot is a suitable substitute, but I'm sure hot chicken aficionados would disagree. Hot chicken is a taste like no other.
Nevertheless, these are the flavors we have to choose from this year, and I will say that at least this group is an improvement over last year's, which included the infamous cappuccino flavor (the grand prize winner, however, was the very tasty wasabi ginger). Word on social media is that the flavors have already been stocked at area stores. I haven't been able to try any of them myself, but was disappointed to learn that duck fat is an ingredient in the truffle fries version. But I'm sure many of you will enjoy them. If anyone has tried the new flavors, please let us know your thoughts in the comments.
You can vote for your flavor on the Lay's website now (or via Twitter, Instagram, or text). Stakes are high: The grand prize winner will receive the greater amount of either $1 million or 1 percent of net sales through July of next year. And, of course, a place in the official Lay's product line.
