"Wasabi Ginger" emerged victorious in this year's Lay's potato chip flavor contest, netting a registered nurse from New Jersey a $1 million prize.
The Associated Press reported that the new Japanese-influenced flavor, which will go into mass production in July of next year, beat out three other finalist flavors: Cappuccino, Mango Salsa, and Bacon Cheddar Mac and Cheese. In total, roughly 1 million votes were cast in the contest.
Meneko Spigner McBeth, a nurse from Deptford, was informed Monday night that her suggested flavor had won. She will receive either $1 million or a set percentage of a year's worth of sales from the Wasabi Ginger chips, whichever is higher.
"We're kind of getting into a new flavor territory," Ram Krishnan, Frito-Lay's chief marketing officer, said in announcing the winner on Tuesday. "When I went to school, Mexican food was exotic."
This year's flavor contest was the second held in the U.S. Winning flavors in other countries include Pizza in Saudi Arabia, Shrimp in Egypt, Sunday Roast in New Zealand, Pickled Cucumber in Serbia, and Aline's Caesar Salad in Australia. Cheesy Garlic Bread was last year's winner in the U.S., and is still being sold nationwide.
Out of the four finalists, Wasabi Ginger was the only flavor that was kettle cooked, "giving them a light and airy texture that melds with the Asian flavors,"
according to Business Insider.
A journalist there had the chance to taste the chips ahead of the democratically determined verdict, and, like most voters, found the worst flavor — or at least the most controversial — was Cappuccino.
Frito-Lay flavors in the U.S. currently include Korean BBQ and Thai Sweet Chili, however the top four sellers remain Original, Barbecue, Cheddar and Sour Cream, and Sour Cream and Onions.
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