Who Invented the Potato Chip? The Crunchy History of an Accidental Icon

The potato chip is a beloved snack enjoyed in nearly every corner of the world. Whether called crisps in the UK, chips in the U.S., or flavored variations across Asia and Africa, the potato chip has become a universal comfort food. But behind its salty, satisfying crunch lies a surprisingly rich and disputed origin story that blends culinary innovation, cultural shifts, industrialization, and even a dash of myth.
So—who invented the potato chip? While a commonly told tale credits a frustrated chef and a picky railroad tycoon in 1853, the true history is more nuanced and layered, much like the thin slices that would change snack history forever.
1. The Legendary Origin: George Crum and the Angry Diner (1853)
The Most Popular Story
The most widely circulated tale begins in Saratoga Springs, New York, at a resort called Moon’s Lake House in the summer of 1853. According to legend:
- A wealthy and demanding customer—often identified as Cornelius Vanderbilt—repeatedly sent back his fried potatoes, complaining they were too thick and soggy.
- Frustrated, George Crum, a half-African-American, half-Native American chef, sliced the potatoes paper-thin, fried them until crispy, and over-salted them in defiance.
- To everyone’s surprise, the customer loved them—and thus, the “Saratoga Chip” was born.
While Crum did indeed serve thin potato crisps at the restaurant and later opened Crum’s House, where chips were a signature item, there is no concrete evidence tying this specific anecdote to the actual invention. The story only gained widespread popularity decades later, largely through romanticized retellings.
2. The Real Story: Earlier Mentions and Parallel Inventions
While George Crum’s contribution to popularizing the potato chip is significant, the concept of thinly sliced fried potatoes predates the 1853 incident.
Historical Mentions:
- William Kitchiner’s cookbook The Cook’s Oracle (1817, UK) includes a recipe for “Potatoes fried in slices or shavings”, instructing that they be fried until crisp—almost certainly describing an early version of potato chips.
- Mary Randolph’s The Virginia House-Wife (1824) also included similar instructions in the United States.
These examples suggest that crispy, fried potato slices were already being prepared in various regions, but George Crum likely played a key role in commercializing and regionalizing them in the U.S. under the name Saratoga Chips.

3. From Regional Treat to National Craze (Late 1800s–1920s)
Throughout the late 19th century, Saratoga Chips grew in popularity. Originally sold in restaurants and upscale hotels, they eventually made their way into street carts and local markets.
Milestones:
- In the 1890s, vendors began hand-packing chips in barrels or tins, selling them locally.
- Potato chip production was done manually, making it a niche product for decades.
- With industrialization and urban growth, demand for packaged, shelf-stable snacks surged.
4. The Birth of the Modern Potato Chip Industry (1920s–1950s)
Several key innovations and entrepreneurs turned potato chips into a mass-market commodity.
Key Figures:
- Laura Scudder (1926): A California entrepreneur who invented the wax-paper chip bag, keeping chips fresh and allowing longer shelf life. Her innovation revolutionized packaging.
- Herman Lay (1930s): Started selling chips from the trunk of his car in the American South. He founded Lay’s, which became the first nationally distributed brand of potato chips in the U.S.
Other Innovations:
- Mechanical potato slicers allowed faster and more uniform production.
- Introduction of vegetable oil frying (instead of lard) made chips lighter and longer-lasting.
- Flavoring technology (especially after WWII) enabled the creation of a wide variety of flavors.
5. The Global Spread and Cultural Explosion (1960s–Present)
By the mid-20th century, potato chips had become a staple of global snack culture.
Flavor Innovations:
- Salt and Vinegar, BBQ, Sour Cream & Onion, and Cheese & Onion became staples in the U.S. and U.K.
- Japan introduced unique flavors like seaweed, wasabi, and teriyaki.
- In India, masala-spiced chips exploded in popularity.
- Latin America embraced chili-lime and plantain variations.
Major Brands:
- Lay’s, Pringles, Walkers (U.K.), Utz, Kettle, and regional giants like Balaji (India) and Calbee (Japan) dominate markets today.
Chips are now sold in billions of dollars annually, with fierce competition over branding, flavors, and health-conscious variations like baked chips, low-sodium versions, and vegetable-based alternatives.
6. Cultural and Culinary Impact
The potato chip is more than just a snack—it’s a cultural phenomenon, inspiring everything from:
- Art (Andy Warhol’s iconic Pop Art works)
- Gastronomy (gourmet truffle or lobster-flavored chips)
- Memes and pop culture (chip challenges, mukbang, ASMR eating videos)
Chips also feature in political and economic debates—from school lunch bans to sustainability questions about packaging and palm oil use.
7. The Potato Chip Today: Innovation, Health, and Sustainability
In the 21st century, potato chips continue to evolve:
- Air-fried and baked options for health-conscious consumers
- Vegan and allergen-free lines
- Eco-conscious packaging, including compostable bags
- Rise of artisanal and small-batch brands offering locally sourced, organic varieties
Simultaneously, the market for international flavor mashups is exploding, reflecting global tastes and culinary experimentation.

Conclusion: A Crunch That Changed the World
While George Crum may not have been the first to fry a potato crisp, he certainly helped turn it into a culinary icon. From humble roots in kitchen experimentation to a global industry worth billions, the potato chip has proven itself as one of the most enduring and beloved snacks of all time.
Whether it was born from frustration or innovation, one thing is certain: the potato chip has earned its place in the history books—not just for its crunch, but for its extraordinary journey through time.