Scores of South Africans were left devastated when it became apparent that Lay’s had silently discontinued its beloved salt and vinegar flavoured chips in February 2020. A year later, the famous blue packaging has reappeared on supermarket shelves, again, without an announcement.
Several South Africans reported seeing the flavour in shops and shared pictures of the rare find. Cape Town resident Mékhail Nielsen’s post, on February 14, captioned: “MY FELLOW SOUTH AFRICANS ❤ WE HAVE DONE IT ?? GUESS WHO’S BACK,” went viral.
The crisp manufacturer dropped cryptic hints on social media, which suggested that the flavour would be making its return. On February 15, Lay’s replied to a Twitter user asking when the salt and vinegar would be back in shops saying: “All we’re going to say is that sometimes dreams come true and sometimes not.”
stop flirting with me @LaysSouthAfrica is salt and vinegar flavour back or not ?? ??? pic.twitter.com/FDMwFn5w2A
— mai (@quesadiyya) February 18, 2021
The public was still uncertain and badgered Lay’s social media account, eventually, the company issued another puzzling, tongue-in-cheek, tweet that seemingly confirmed the flavour’s return.
“I know I left things on a salty note, but I want to remind you I’m #notyouraverage snack. So much love,” read the tweet. “Clearly, I was sorely missed. Let’s live in the moment and indulge, shall we?”
I know I left things on a salty note, but I want to remind you I’m #notyouraverage snack. So much love. Clearly I was sorely missed ???
Let’s live in the moment and indulge, shall we? ? + ?= ?#Lays— Lay’s South Africa (@LaysSouthAfrica) February 19, 2021
This is how South Africans reacted to the news:
How it started vs how it’s going #bringbacklayssaltandvinegar pic.twitter.com/0JtUkRYS7U
— Nadine SLAYman (@ItRBeingNadine) February 14, 2021
OMG LAYS SALT AND VINEGAR IS BACK ??? I can’t wait to disrespect my tongue again
— Louri (@_ssadboy) February 21, 2021
FORCEDTO EAT OTHER CHIPS AND DARE I SAY IT, GO ELSEWHERE TO FIND MY BELOVED S&V TASTE?. THE THINGS I’VE HAD TO ENDURE TO SATISFY THAT CRAVING. LAY’S YOU HAVE A LOT TO ANSWER FOR. NOW WHERE IN CAPE TOWN CAN I GO “PRE-LOCKDOWN-TOILET-PAPER-BINGE-BUY” THE PRODIGAL SALT & VINEGAR?
— Hope (@FloNightingirl) February 20, 2021
Nothing like Salt & vinegar Lay’s,Don’t take it away again!
— gareth fortuin (@geedo017) February 21, 2021
Yassssssss Queen, we were all left a lil Salty, but we’re glad to take you back! ? #togetherforever pic.twitter.com/eS9C2dmixp
— Cheney (@bycheney_) February 20, 2021
ALSO READ: Lay’s discontinues salt and vinegar flavoured crisps
Picture: Facebook/Mékhail Nielsen