If you’re a fan of kettle-cooked chips, you’ve probably run into Miss Vickie’s at some point. They’re known for that super-crunchy texture and bold flavors that go way beyond your standard “salted” bag. But not every flavor is a home run. You can grab some here on Amazon if you want.
Recently, I tried the Miss Vickie’s Applewood Smoked BBQ flavor, and while I love the brand overall, this one left me a bit underwhelmed.
Overview / First Impressions
Miss Vickie’s is easily one of my favorite chip brands—great crunch, solid seasoning, and usually very reliable flavors. Going into the Applewood Smoked BBQ bag, I expected a smoky, savory, slightly tangy BBQ profile.
What I actually got was a sweeter, more unusual flavor that didn’t quite land for me. It’s better than some of their misses (like the Honey Dijon, in my opinion), but still not something I’d buy again.
Flavor Profile
The main issue with the Applewood Smoked BBQ flavor is the sweetness. There’s a noticeable sweet note that rides on top of the smoke and seasoning, and it ends up feeling a bit unbalanced:
- Sweetness: Front and center, more than I’d like for a BBQ chip.
- Smokiness: Present, but not bold enough to cut through the sugar.
- Savoriness: Takes a back seat, which is disappointing if you prefer more classic, salty, tangy BBQ.
The result is a flavor that feels like it’s trying to be gourmet but lands in a slightly confused middle ground.
How It Compares to Other Miss Vickie’s Flavors
Where this really falls short is in comparison to some of Miss Vickie’s best flavors:
- Spicy Dill Pickle – Punchy, tangy, and addictive. The spice and vinegar balance perfectly.
- Ketchup – Classic, sharp, and distinctly Canadian-style. Great with that kettle crunch.
- Original (Regular) – Simple, salty, and incredibly satisfying. Sometimes basic is best.
All of those flavors feel more focused and better executed. Applewood Smoked BBQ, by contrast, feels like it’s trying to be different for the sake of it, and the sweetness just doesn’t work as well.
Who Might Like This Flavor
Even though it’s not for me, there are people who might enjoy Miss Vickie’s Applewood Smoked BBQ:
- If you like sweeter BBQ sauces (think brown sugar-heavy, less tangy), this might hit the spot.
- If you’re into milder, less aggressive seasoning, you might appreciate that it’s not overly smoky or spicy.
- If you enjoy novelty or limited-edition-style flavors, it’s worth trying once just to see where you land.
Limitations / Things to Know
A few things to keep in mind before grabbing a bag:
- Not ideal if you dislike sweet chips – The sweetness is a defining part of the flavor.
- Less “classic BBQ” than you might expect – Don’t go in expecting that traditional smoky, tangy BBQ punch.
- Easy to get flavor fatigue – It’s not the kind of chip you mindlessly crush a whole bag of; the sweetness can get tiring quickly.
Final Thoughts
Miss Vickie’s still ranks as one of my favorite chip brands, but Applewood Smoked BBQ isn’t a flavor I’d return to. It’s better than their Honey Dijon in my book, but it doesn’t come close to the Spicy Dill Pickle, Ketchup, or Original flavors, which are all much more satisfying and better balanced.
If you’re curious and enjoy sweeter BBQ profiles, it might be worth a one-time try. But if you prefer straightforward, bold, and classic chip flavors, you’re probably better off sticking to the basics.