In the snack food industry, what's hot is HOT! Everyone is going hot: Chee-tos, Andy Cap, Planters Peanuts, Doritos (suprisingly, Ruffles has not yet jumped on the bandwagon, but they're just a bunch of snobs anyway). So where does Jays fit into all this?
Well, as you may know, Jays created the snack phenomina known as "Jalapeno Krunchers!", which are personally my favorite HOT chip. However, these are a mere shadow of it's predecessor.
First, the title of the product confuses me. What does "Hot Flavored" mean?? Is Hot really a flavor? If I lick my hot stove burner at home, am I tasting Hot, or am I just stupid? (or both???). According to the ingredience list, "Hot" boils down what they refer to only as "Spices" (unless the paprika they listed really kicks butt). The spices are not that powerful, lending themselves more to the cayanne pepper side. These chips also have a touch of garlic, and the natural smoke flavor is noticable.
Not powerfully hot, but a respectable flavor on a light potato chips. A good starter set for those just on the road to hot snacking, but the chips would probably bore the more experienced vending machine patron.
Rating: * * * (out of five stars)