Good evening welcome back to our series sharing Food Holidays: March 23rd, 2022. Did you know today is National Chips and Dip Day? I don’t know about you, but Chips and Dips are one of mine and Charlie’s favorite snacks. We like Ranch, French Onion and Bean Dip although Charlie also likes Hummus and we all like Queso. What about you. Which Dips do you enjoy and why?
National Chip and Dip Day is celebrated annually on March 23rd, which celebrates an all-American crowd-pleaser! Who doesn’t love a Chip-and-Dip combo? It would be tough to find that person in the U.S. since 284.37 million Americans consumed Potato Chips in 2020. Innovative flavors and a focus on unique cultural varieties have elevated the popularity of this inexpensive snack. Today, Chips and Dip fit parties of all styles and occasions.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL CHIP AND DIP DAY
We all know how much the British love their Potatoes and we can thank them for pioneering the ‘crisp’ or what Americans call the Potato Chip. While the history of the crisp started in the early 1800s, legend has it the American Potato Chip began in 1853 in Saratoga Springs, New York by chef George Crum. Even if Crum’s chips weren’t really the first in the US although no one has stepped up to claim their fame George Crum recipe resulted in Saratoga Chips, a brand that still exists today.
The popularity of Chips grew in the U.S. in the early 1900s when Mikesell’s Potato Chip Company began mass production of the snack. Today, Americans eat 1.2 billion pounds of Potato Chips every year!
Isn’t a Chip naked without a Dip? Dips have been around for Centuries from Hummus, Tzatziki, and Guacamole. As with their partner, you will find a variety of Dips now being mass-produced including Salsa, Cheese Dips, and French Onion.
Chips and dip have come to be synonymous with the Super Bowl. The second-largest food day in America behind Thanksgiving. The Super Bowl sparks a mad rush to the Chip and Dip aisle. Chip and Dip sales increase during the week leading up to the Super Bowl by 16%–36%!
A day dedicated to our favorite finger food is only fitting. The first year National Chip and Dip Day was recognized is unknown but recent years have prompted a lot more attention on Dip recipes and creative ways to celebrate this dynamic duo.
Food facts about Chips and Dips.
The Potato Chip was first invented in 1853.
Dips for Chips first become popular in the 1950s serving as finger food.
Hummus, as part of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Cuisines for Centuries, did not appear in the United States until after World War II.
It takes 10,000 pounds of Potatoes to make 3,500 pounds of Potato Chips.
Dips can include Salsa, Guacamole, Cheese, and Hummus, or anything you have on hand can be made into a dip.
NATIONAL CHIP AND DIP DAY ACTIVITIES
- Salsa, French Onion, and Hummus are tried and true favorites and often pre-made. To celebrate this year’s Holiday National Chip and Dip Day, why not prepare a homemade dip?
- Plan a friends’ night out at a local pottery painting venue because they typically offer a useful chip and dip serving bowl which is simple to paint, fun to show off at parties, and this dish will be a cherished memory.
- Because Chips and Dips are cheap, your friends won’t mind bringing a combo to share in a dippable feast. No shame in picking up something store-bought but encourage them to experiment with unique Crackers or Veggies to go with unique Dips.
KEY MOMENTS IN THE HISTORY OF CHIPS AND DIP
- Clemson University’s Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition found that someone who double-dips three to six times transfers as many as 10,000 bacteria from their mouth to the Dip still in the bowl.
- Tostitos conducted a survey in 2013 revealing 46% of men admit to double-dipping compared to only 32% of women.
- From that same study, 54% said they would stop eating the Dip if they observed someone double-dipping.
- 25% of those who witness the crime of double-dipping, call out the violator.
- 39% of young adults who took part in the Tostitos survey admitted to double-dipping.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL CHIP AND DIP DAY
- The Chip and Dip combo possibilities are endless, and you can find something to suit every palate. Including the pickiest eater. But variety is the spice of life so it’s easy to offer several options while getting creative with cultural themes. As well as healthy or Skinny Dippers.
- With the numerous store-bought selections available, Chips and Dips can be a budget-friendly choice for party snacks.
- Party planning is way easier when Chips and Dips are served making the meal prep, serving, and cleanup simple.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
