Havoc – Smoky Nacho

I don’t know who or what created this brand, but they busted onto the scene not long ago and they are everywhere. The most likely explanation is that Frito-Lay wants to create a brand that comes across as a hip newcomer to the scene and be an alternative to all the typical brands that everyone is used to seeing. Is that what an industry plant is?

These drew my eye because they remind me a lot of the Frito twists that made a very brief appearance in Canada, but are somewhat of a staple down south. I had them only a few times as a kid and I have missed them dearly. I am hoping this is something of a return to form but in a different package.

The shape of these is something I don’t see too often here – it looks be made with a fusili extruder, giving it that classic pasta shape. Something about this shape has always been my favourite when it comes to pasta, since it’s not too hard, it’s got a decent surface area and just overall feels fun to eat. It’s no different when it’s a chip, and all the spirals really help to hold a lot of the seasoning, while also providing a fairly enjoyable bite. I’m assuming it’s a cost constraint of some sort, because this shape is one of my favourites when it comes to corn chips. It’s got a decent crunch from all the spirals, and but also not too hard.

Because of the shape of these chips, they end up quite well seasoned as things get trapped between the spirals. While I do think the seasoning could be toned down a few notches, I do have to admit these are well coated and pack a flavour punch. Right off the bat, the most distinct flavour is the combination of the jalapeno and the cheese. The heat doesn’t hit immediately, but it catches up very quickly. The heat has a distinct jalapeno burn where it sort of hits the back of your throat more than your tongue. After that starting cheese flavour, you taste something smoky in the back which comes forward about the same time as the heat. The smoky flavour is not overpowering, but it is present and sort of reminds me of bacon or BBQ flavours that add some liquid smoke to give it more dimensions.

While the flavour can be a bit overpowering if you have too many in one sitting, I still enjoy these quite a lot and do intend on getting them again. I am a kid at heart and the shape of these just draws me in like moths to a flame. If you’re in my neck of the woods, go and grab a bag to try yourself.