National Chip and Dip Day, celebrated annually on March 23, celebrates an all-American crowd-pleaser! Who doesn’t love a tasty 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 traditionally simple and inexpensive snack. Today, chips and dip fit parties of all styles and occasions. Read on for some fun ways to celebrate today and a few interesting chip-and-dip facts to share at your next soiree!
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.
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!
But, really, isn’t a chip naked without a dip? Dips have been around for centuries — hummus, tzatziki, and guacamole, to name a few. As with their partner, you will find a variety of dips now being mass-produced — salsa, cheese dips, 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%!
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. Here’s to another year of festive digging into our favorite chips and dips.
National Chip and Dip Day timeline
One of the most popular dips on the market today, hummus is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt, which was produced from an abundance of chickpeas, the primary ingredient in hummus.
Potato chips can be traced back to an English chef, William Kitchiner, who includes ‘crisps’ in his bestselling cookbook, “The Cook’s Oracle.”
The popularity of chip and dip skyrockets at the end of World War II with new entertainment fads and the introduction of Lipton’s new advertising campaign for their famous French Onion Dip.
Tostitos, a major U.S. brand of tortilla chips, offers free dip to any customer named Chip.
Americans dip over 11 million pounds of potato chips, 8 million pounds of tortilla chips, and 4 million pounds of pretzels during the Super Bowl!
National Chip and Dip Day FAQs
What is the most popular chip in the U.S.?
In a recent poll, Americans in 45 states chose Doritos as their favorite chip. In the remaining five states, Cheetos prevailed as number one.
How many potato chips do Americans eat?
The average American eats over four pounds of potato chips each year.
How many different varieties of Lay’s chips are there?
Throughout the years, Lay’s has produced over 200 flavors with their first flavored chip being Barbeque followed by Sour Cream and Onion.
National Chip and Dip Day Activities
Make a new dip
Of course, 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? Try this popular buffalo chicken dip: combine 8 ounces cooked chicken, 8 ounces cheddar cheese, 8 ounces hot buffalo sauce, 8 ounces ranch dressing, 8 ounces cream cheese in a small crockpot and cook on low until heated through. Serve with carrots, celery sticks, and crackers.
Paint a chip and dip bowl
Plan a friends’ night out at a local pottery painting venue. They typically offer a totally cool and useful chip and dip serving bowl. It’s simple to paint, fun to use at future parties, and it will be a cherished memory of your fun night out.
Host a dippable feast
Because chips and dips are so simple, cheap, and beloved, your friends won’t mind bringing a combo to share in a dippable feast at all. No shame in picking up something store-bought but encourage them to experiment with unique crackers and veggies to go with clever dips.
Key Moments In The History Of Chips And Dip
Germ spreading
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.
Most likely to double-dip
Tostitos conducted a survey in 2013 revealing 46% of men admit to double-dipping compared to only 32% of women.
Deal-breaker
From that same study, 54% said they would stop eating the dip if they observed a partygoer double-dipping.
How to handle it?
25% of those who witness the crime of double-dipping, politely call out the violator.
A lot of people do it
39% of young adults who took part in the Tostitos survey admitted to double-dipping.
Why We Love National Chip and Dip Day
It allows for variety
The chip and dip combo possibilities are endless. You can find something to suit every palate, even the pickiest. 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 (a.k.a. Skinny Dippers), or any other theme imaginable.
It’s cost-friendly
With the numerous store-bought selections available, chips and dips can be a budget-friendly choice for party snacks.
It’s simple
Party planning is way easier when chips and dips are on the menu. The prep, serving, and cleanup are all super simple.
National Chip and Dip Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 23 | Sunday |
| 2026 | March 23 | Monday |
| 2027 | March 23 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | March 23 | Thursday |
| 2029 | March 23 | Friday |
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