The Unexpected Chip Flavor That Takes Vanilla Ice Cream To The Next Level

If you thought sprinkles and hot fudge were the only acceptable ice cream toppers, it is time to rethink your cone. Enter: salt and vinegar potato chips, the same crunchy topping you should also be adding to your fish sandwiches. Yes, those zingy, ultra-crunchy snacks you usually devour straight from the bag just might be your new favorite dessert upgrade. Crushed and sprinkled over a scoop of creamy ice cream, they deliver a flavor twist that's bold, salty, tangy, and totally genius.

This unlikely pairing works because of contrast. Ice cream is rich, sweet, and velvety. Salt and vinegar chips are sharp, crisp, salty, and acidic. Together, you get a perfect storm of textures and flavors: cool and warm, smooth and jagged, sweet and salty-sour. It's that kind of culinary alchemy that turns a good dessert into one you think about long after the bowl is empty.

So which ice cream flavors are best friends with salt and vinegar chips? Start with strawberry. The fruity base gets amplified by the salt, while the vinegar tang adds brightness that cuts through the creaminess. It's basically strawberry shortcake with an oomph. Vanilla ice cream of any popular brand works too, offering a blank canvas that lets the chip flavor shine. And don't overlook anything caramel-based — think dulce de leche or salted caramel — where the chips double down on the salty-sweet magic.

To begin with, you will want to crush the chips just before using them to preserve maximum crispness. A gentle smash with the bottom of a glass or your hands in a zip-top bag will do. You are aiming for irregular shards, not dust; something you can sink your spoon into for a satisfying crunch. Sprinkle them right over your scoops or, for bonus points, roll the freshly swirled soft serve in the cone through the chips for a more even and generous topping.

Want to take it further? Mix crushed chips into homemade ice cream for a built-in crunch swirl. Or go savory-sweet and build a sundae with a warm, salty chip base, then top it with ice cream scoops, a drizzle of raw honey, and maybe even a sprinkle of chili powder. The chips become more than a topping, they are a textural layer that hold their own.

There are a few things to watch out for. For one, not all chip brands are created equal. Go for the thicker-cut, kettle-style varieties that hold up better to moisture. And be mindful of how many chips you use; this is a garnish, not a crust. You want boldness, not a salt bomb. 

In a world where everyone's looking for the next weird-but-wonderful combo, salt and vinegar chips on ice cream is one of those rare hacks that feels both surprising and delicious. So if you plan to build your dream cone or are craving a crunch with your creamy treat, skip the cookie crumbles and grab the chip bag. Dessert just got a little louder and a lot more fun.