Paqui Launches Carolina Reaper Madness Chips

Paqui, part of Amplify Snack Brands and maker of bold, light and crispy chips with real ingredients, has introduced Paqui Carolina Reaper chips. The chips are so spicy that they come as a single chip packaged inside a coffin-shaped box.

"The Paqui Carolina Reaper chip is truly hot as hell. Don't say we didn't warn you," says Jeff Day, Paqui brand manager. "Paqui is always looking for ways to deliver bold flavors with real ingredients that push the limits. That led us to creating the world's hottest chip."

The limited-release Paqui Carolina Reaper chip has become a nationwide craze, taking over people's mouths and social media feeds, since limited amounts were first released in late September. 

Like Paqui's other flavors of chips, including Nacho Cheese Especial and Haunted Ghost Pepper, the Reaper chip gets its flavor and heat because it is made with real ingredients. The Carolina Reaper chip is seasoned with real Carolina Reaper pepper, the Guinness Book of World Records holder for Hottest Chili Pepper. By harnessing that heat, the Paqui Carolina Reaper chip delivers such a gripping tidal wave of spiciness that most people can only handle one chip, say company officials.

"When it comes to our chip flavors, we don't manufacture them in a lab. We go out and find the real deal ingredients. That's what lead us to the Carolina Reaper and its creator, Ed Currie of PuckerButt Pepper Company," adds Day. "In order to create the world's hottest chip we needed to find the world's hottest pepper, so we went straight to the expert."

Paqui is encouraging it's bravest of fans to post their reactions to social media by tagging @paquitortillas and including #OneChipChallenge and #sweeps. Those who dare take the #OneChipChallenge will have the chance to get a free bag of Paqui chips, in a flavor of their choice. All participants are also entered for the chance to win one of three grand prizes including a year supply of Paqui chips or a GoPro HERO4 Silver.

The Paqui Carolina Reaper chip is available for $4.99 at select stores nationwide. 

Paqui also offers six bold chip flavors year-round, each capturing real flavors from real ingredients. Paqui flavors include Nacho Cheese Especial, Cool Salsa Verde, Haunted Ghost Pepper, Roasted Jalapeño, Grilled Habanero and Sea Salt Delights.

All of Paqui's chips—including the Carolina Reaper chip—are non-GMO certified, gluten-free and contain no artificial ingredients or preservatives.