San Carlo Tomato Potato Chips

By virtue of running a magazine called Tomato Tomato, I am called to try all things tomato flavored, scented, or branded. These chips from Italian brand San Carlo crossed my path at the small sandwich shop and grocer Malavita in Old San Juan, where I regularly go to get bottles of wine and occasional marinated artichokes.

I have eaten two bags of these, trying to understand them. They are an excellent potato chip dressed in the flavor of a cheap tin of tomato soup. This contrast of qualities keeps one eating, pondering the science behind their strange dust.

I really love this brand’s classic potato chips: They rival Bonilla a la Vista Patatas Fritas for exceptional crunch, lack of greasiness, perfect salting. But the tomato flavor? I don’t think it’s worth a buy, except out of curiosity. —The Editors