If you are already familiar with potato chips brands in your hometown, you may notice that Australian potato chips have their own unique styles and flavors. From thick crinkle-cut chips to ultra-thin crisps, Australia offers a wide range of options for every taste.
No matter which type you prefer, you will surely find at least one potato chip brand you love in Australia. Below are some of the most popular and well-known potato chips brands in the Australian market.
Smith’s Chips Australia
Smith’s is Australia’s most-loved potato chips brand and has a long history in the country. In 1931, Frank Smith and his colleague George Ensor began producing Smith’s Chips in Australia, laying the foundation for what would become a household name.
Smith’s uses high-quality Australian-grown potatoes to produce a wide variety of chips, including:
Crinkle Cut
Thinly Cut
Smith’s Maxx Potato Chips
To improve health standards, Smith’s cooks its chips in high-oleic sunflower oil and/or canola oil, reducing saturated fat by up to 75% compared with chips cooked in 100% palm olein oil.
In addition to classic flavors, Smith’s also offers unique local flavors, such as chicken and Thai sweet chili.
Kettle Chips Australia
Kettle Chips is known for its slow-cooked texture and bold flavors. The brand uses premium Australian potatoes and cooks them slowly in sunflower oil to achieve their signature crunch.
Kettle Chips are seasoned with all-natural ingredients, and popular flavors include:
Sea Salt
Sea Salt & Vinegar
Honey Baked Ham
Chili
Their thicker cut and artisanal cooking process make Kettle Chips a favorite among consumers who enjoy a more rustic-style potato chip.
Thins Chips Australia
Thins is a direct competitor to Smith’s and is famous for offering only thinly sliced potato chips. In fact, Thins was the first company to introduce this chip style to the Australian market.
Thins chips are known for their light, crispy texture and include flavors such as:
Original
Chicken
Salt & Vinegar
Light & Tangy
Because of their thin cut, Thins appeal to consumers who prefer a lighter and crunchier snack experience.
Samboy Chips Australia
Samboy is best known for its crinkled potato chips and bold flavor profiles. The brand was created in the 1950s by Norm and Ed Meyer and became iconic through its memorable advertising slogans, including:
“The Flavour really hits you” (1980s)
“Hit me with a Samboy chip” (1990s)
Originally, Samboy produced only barbecue-flavored chips, but the range has expanded over time. Today, popular Samboy flavors include:
Original
BBQ
Chicken
Salt & Vinegar
Atomic Tomato (spicy flavor)
Why Australian Potato Chips Stand Out
Australian potato chips brands focus heavily on:
Locally sourced potatoes
Distinct textures (crinkle-cut, thin-cut, kettle-style)
Unique and bold flavors
Improved cooking oils and health considerations
These factors help Australian brands stand out in both domestic and international snack markets.
Summary
Australia is home to several iconic potato chips brands, each offering its own textures, flavors, and cooking styles. From the long-established Smith’s Chips to the bold flavors of Samboy and the artisanal crunch of Kettle Chips, Australian consumers enjoy a diverse and distinctive potato chips market. Whether you prefer thin, crinkled, or slow-cooked chips, Australia offers options to suit every taste.