Votes are in: New Kettle potato chip is Death Valley Chipotle

I had no idea there's a National Potato Chip Day, but there is ... on March 14th to be exact.  And on that celebratory day, chip fans will be able to purchase (online first, then in stores by summer) the new 'Death Valley Chipotle' flavor by Kettle Foods.  Death Valley Chipotle has been selected by you, the consumer, in Kettle's annual People's Choice campaign.  This one skipped by me, or I would've been happy to dive into some bags of limited edition Kettle offerings to give my two cents.  I've always loved Kettle chips.  They're crunchy, explosive with taste, and don't have a lot of ingredients I can't pronounce that sound scientific-ky.

For the past four years, Kettle has turned over product development to fans, inviting chip lovers to help select new flavors to join the existing line.  Inspired by "passionate requests" for the ultimate hot chip, People’s Choice IV took a spicy turn with a 'Fire and Spice' theme and five fiery  nominees:  Wicked Hot Sauce, Mango Chili, Jalapeño Salsa Fresca, Orange Ginger Wasabi and Death Valley Chipotle.  With polls now closed at KettleFoods.com, Death Valley, with its blend of red chili, cayenne, chipotle and habanero, finishes as the top pick.

Death Valley Chipotle will be available online starting March 14th (Nat'l Chip Day) at Buykettlechips.com  before joining past People’s Choice winners Spicy Thai, Cheddar Beer, Tuscan Three Cheese, Buffalo Bleu and Island Jerk on store shelves in early summer.  But if you go online before Feb. 1st, you can still order a 'Mix n Match' five-pack of any of the limited edition flavor candidates, for $11.95.  They 'vanish' (except for the winner) after that date.