This is the Heartland Potato Chips Thickest of the Thick Southern Salt, a thick-cut crinkle-cut potato chip seasoned simply with salt.
The chips presented as oval slices measuring approximately 4–6 cm in diameter and 2–2.5 mm in thickness, with a deeply ridged surface. They displayed a light yellow hue with a fine coating of salt seasoning distributed across the corrugations. The aroma opened with gentle savoury notes of fried potato and little else beyond the base ingredient.
Initial contact delivered a mellow saltiness before the chip fractured with a medium crunch. Despite the substantial thickness, the texture differed noticeably from that of a traditional kettle-cooked chip. Rather than producing a sharp, brittle crispness, the structure yielded in a manner more reminiscent of a dehydrated potato slice, with a slightly dense and dry character. The eating experience was closer to a baked potato crisp than a heavily fried chip, despite the product being made from whole potato slices rather than reconstituted potato.
Through the mid-palate, a mild potato flavour emerged alongside the restrained seasoning. While clean and inoffensive, the potato character lacked the aromatic depth and roasted complexity often associated with premium thick-cut chips. This subdued flavour profile further reinforced the impression of a dehydrated potato product rather than a richly fried one. Oil levels remained notably low throughout, with minimal seasoning transfer to the fingers and little residual greasiness.
Towards the finish, the restrained saltiness and mild potato notes lingered briefly before fading cleanly. The absence of excess oil contributed to a tidy finish, though the relatively muted flavour and softer crunch prevented the texture from becoming a standout feature. While the product delivered on thickness, it did not fully translate that thickness into either flavour intensity or textural impact.
Overall, a thick-cut crinkle potato chip with a simple salted flavour progression and a dense, dehydrated-style structure that prioritises restraint over crispness, resulting in a clean but somewhat underwhelming potato chip experience.
This Heartland Potato Chips Thickest of the Thick Southern Salt contained 140 g. It was produced in New Zealand and purchased in Auckland, New Zealand in 2026.