Good morning, welcome to Saturday March 23 National Chip and Dip Day #NationalChipAndDipDay. I wish I had knew it was National Chip and Dip Day last night when we took out a Pork Loin for this evenings meal because we would have just snacked on Chips & Dip to celebrate National Chip & Dip Day but I didn’t and having the Por Loin will keep us from spending money on Chips and Dips.
National Chip and Dip Day, is celebrated annually on March 23rd. Chip and Dip Day 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. and if you know someone I would like to meet them to ask them why they don’t like Chips and Dips.
284.37 million Americans consumed Potato Chips in 2020. Innovative flavors and a focus on unique cultural varieties have elevated the popularity of Chips and Dips. Today, Chips and dip fit parties of all styles and occasions. Before I share more information on Chips and Dips what is your favorite Chip and then what is your favorite Dip and why?
HISTORY OF NATIONAL CHIP AND DIP DAY
We all know how much the British love their Potatoes and we have them to thank 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, his recipe resulted in Saratoga Chips, a brand that still exists today and a brand I can’t honestly say I’ve ever tried. Have you?
Did you know 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 including Hummus, Tzatziki, and Guacamole, just name a few. As with their partner, you will find a variety of dips now being mass-produced including Salsa, Cheese dips, and French Onion Dips.
We all know Chips and dip have come to be synonymous with the Super Bowl which is 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%! If you plan on purchasing your favorite Chips and Dips for the game you need to get to the grocery story early so they don’t sell out.
So 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 delicious dip recipes and creative ways to celebrate this dynamic duo. Raise your glass with us and let’s celebrate a year of Chips and Dips.
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 National Chip and Dip Day, why not make a homemade dip?
- Plan a friends’ night out at a local pottery painting venue and paint a Chip and dip serving bowl.
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.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL CHIP AND DIP DAY
- Chip and dip combo possibilities are endless. You can find something to suit every one’s taste buds, even the pickiest eater. But variety is the spice of life so it’s easy to offer several options while getting really creative with cultural themes, healthy options only, or any other theme imaginable.
- With the numerous store-bought selections available, Chips and dips can be a budget-friendly choice for party snacks
Recipe for Homemade Ranch Dip
Ingredients
3/4 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup sour cream
¼ – 3/4 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried chives
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon granulated onion or onion powder
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, adjust to taste
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1-3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice or white vinegar
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk to combine. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- This dip will keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
