The Origins of Lays And The Reality of The Brand

In the developing world, everyone wants to look slimmer and better. So, the first thought that comes to mind to look lean is to avoid oily foods. Fried chips play a very effective role in this regard. Not only children but also youngsters love to eat potato chips. When you think of potato chips or french fries, the word lays definitely comes to mind. When you think of Lays, you probably think of potato chips. And you wouldn’t be wrong; that’s what the brand is best known for. But did you know that Lays also makes other snacks, like Doritos and Ruffles? Or that the company has a fascinating history? Today, we’re going to take a closer look at the origins of Lays and the reality of the brand.

Origin of Lays

Lays can trace its roots all the way back to the early 1800s, when George Crum created the first potato chip. At the time, Crum was working as a chef at Moon Lake Lodge in Saratoga Springs, New York. One day, a customer complained that his fried potatoes were too thick and soggy. In an act of defiance, Crum sliced the potatoes as thinly as he could and fried them until they were crispy. Surprisingly, the customer loved them! And thus, the potato chip was born.

Popularity of Lays

In 1932, Herman Lay started selling chips out of his car in Nashville, Tennessee. He sold the lays through his car for almost 30 years. During this time, he earned a lot of money and great popularity. His potatoes lays became popular. Then, he thought to turn this small business into a big one. He eventually partnered with Barney Rice to form Lay’s Potato Chips. The company proved to be so successful that it was acquired by Frito-Lay in 1961. Today, Lays is one of the most popular brands in the world, with over $4 billion in annual sales.

Production of Lays

The production of lays took a long time but it is not complicated procedure. First of all, potatoes are brought from the farms directly then they are washed in a big container. After wash out all potatoes they are put in a peeling machine. After this, potatoes are cut into two equal halves. Then they are passed through a machine which cuts them into so thin slices. As slices are made they are washed once again. At last, oil and spices are added on them in order to make them crispy, yummy and tasteful.

Why The Packet of Lays Is Half Full?

It is very interesting to note that why the packet of is lays half full? It has a reasonable answer. Lays have oils and fats on their surface. Oils and fats make the food rancid if there is no proper planning to protect it. Rancid food gives an unpleasant smell and taste thus being unable to digest. That’s why nitrogen gas is added in the packet of lays to protect the lays. It does not react with oils and fats. That’s why the packet of lays is filled with nitrogen gas and this carries the half place of the packet.

Benefits of Lays

The benefits of lays are discussed below:

• Lays have no preservatives or additives.

• Lays are cholesterol-free but contain potassium and Vitamin-C in adequate amount.

• They possess low sugar and carbohydrates so are not harmful to human body.

• Lays are available in more than 200 flavors.

• The basic material of their production are potatoes, thus they provide vitamins and minerals.

Drawbacks of Lays

The drawbacks of lays are following:

• Eating too much lays causes increase in blood pressure.

• A person who eats lays more than the required amount gets heart problems and cancer.

• Lays can bring the problems of infertility.

• Eating too much lays causes obesity and depression.

• Lays are not made up of real potatoes; some amount of plastic is also added in its production.

• It brings chronic problems in human beings.

Price

Lays are available at different prices. They have very low prices to be bought. They have the prices of less than $1. They can be bought easily.

The Reality of Lays

While Lays may have started out small, it’s now owned by one of the largest companies in the world: PepsiCo. In fact, PepsiCo owns a number of well-known snack brands, including Cheetos, Ruffles, and Doritos. So when you’re munching on a bag of Lays chips, you’re actually supporting a huge multinational corporation.

Not all consumers are happy about this fact. In recent years, there has been a growing movement of people who are interested in buying food from smaller, local companies. These “locavores” believe that food tastes better when it’s sourced locally, and that supporting small businesses is good for the economy. Needless to say, they’re not big fans of brands like Lays.

Conclusion

Whether you love them or hate them, there’s no denying that Lays is one of the most popular snack brands in the world. The company has come a long way since its humble beginnings selling chips out of a car in Nashville; today, it’s a global powerhouse owned by PepsiCo. Love them or hate them, Lays isn’t going anywhere anytime soon!