Today, March 14, is National Potato Chip Day. How could I not celebrate? The thought that there might be thousands – no, millions – of chips out there, waiting hopefully for someone to take them home and celebrate … well, to not do so seemed downright rude. It would be like living around the corner from a good friend and not taking them out for their birthday. Did you know that Americans consume 1.85 billion pounds of potato chips each year? It’s the nation’s favorite snack food.

I took a stroll at lunchtime to purchase a bag of eager celebrants, and off we went. Knowing it’s their special day just seemed to make them that much more delicious, but piling a big handful on a plate with a yummy veggie cheeseburger really made their day. Think about it — literally millions of eager chips of every flavor are waiting for a chance to party with you. Don’t let them down!

As for the history of the potato chip? According to Wise Snacks, a chef named George Crum invented potato chips in Saratoga Springs, New York in 1853. One day, a picky diner kept sending his fried potatoes back to the kitchen, complaining that they were too thick and soggy. Crum responded by finally slicing the potatoes so thin that they couldn’t be eaten with a fork. The customer was so pleased with Crum’s crispy creation that they became a regular item on the restaurant’s menu! Crum went on to establish his own restaurant in 1860, and served a basket of his now-named Saratoga Chips on every table.

Should you be disappointed because you’ve read this post after National Potato Chip Day, take heart; you can still celebrate. It’s America and you can celebrate March 14 any day you please. No chip left behind!

* Post updated 8/7/2026

Photo courtesy: pexels/Srattha Nualsate