The History of Sun Chips

Sun Chips were introduced by Frito-Lay in 1991 after 10 years of development, including a reported 10,000 consumer taste tests to get the formula just right. Frito-Lay developed Sun Chips out of a desire to keep consumers buying snack foods into adulthood. David J. Guston, who was then the Sr. Vice President of Marketing for Frito-Lay, said the company thought a multigrain product would appeal to older, more health-conscious buyers. While Sun Chips were — and still are —marketed as a healthy alternative to other snack foods on the market, the chips aren’t as healthy as marketing materials — which include words like “heart healthy” and feature images associated with healthy living such as the sun and nature — imply. The chips also contain some unexpected ingredients, including porcine enzymes from pigs, making certain flavors unsuitable for vegetarians, vegans, and those following religious dietary laws. While the “sun” in Sun Chips didn’t originally have anything to do with solar power, in 2008, the company began using solar power at its manufacturing facility in California and now uses renewable electricity for its U.S. direct operations. The company also famously tried out a compostable chip bag in 2009, but the bag was so noisy (reportedly, the decibel level was louder than that of a lawnmower!) that it was discontinued. Today, Sun Chips remain a beloved, unique offering in the snack aisle and are available in a variety of flavors, including Original, Harvest Cheddar, and French Onion. The brand is also sold in several other countries (often under different names) and in flavors that cater to local tastes, including Roasted Onion & Turmeric in the U.K. and Garlic Baguette in South Korea.