A colorful arrangement of tortilla chips surrounding various bowls filled with guacamole, salsa, and creamy dips on a rustic wooden table

National Chip and Dip Day celebrates America’s beloved snack combination – the perfect pairing of crispy chips with flavorful dips that has become a staple at parties, gatherings, and casual snacking occasions.

Quick Facts

  • When is it?: March 23rd annually
  • Tagged as: Food Holiday, Snack Celebration
  • What’s the hashtag?: #NationalChipAndDipDay
  • When was it founded?: Exact date unknown
  • Who founded it?: Origin unclear, though popularized in the 1950s

History

The chip and dip phenomenon gained significant popularity in the 1950s when Lipton launched their famous French onion dip recipe campaign. The potato chip itself dates back to 1853, credited to chef George Crum, while various dips like hummus and tzatziki have ancient origins dating back thousands of years.

Timeline

  • 1817: First recorded potato chip recipe appears
  • 1853: George Crum invents modern potato chips
  • 1950s: Chips and dip combination gains widespread popularity
  • 1954: Lipton launches influential French onion dip campaign
  • 1993: “Double-dipping” enters pop culture through Seinfeld episode

Dates by Next Year

YearDateDay
2025March 23Sunday
2026March 23Monday
2027March 23Tuesday

Observed

Celebrated nationwide through parties, social gatherings, and special promotions by snack companies. Americans consume billions of pounds of chips annually, with consumption peaking during events like the Super Bowl.

Fun Facts About

  • Americans consume 1.2 billion pounds of potato chips annually
  • The first chip and dip sets were created specifically for entertaining in the 1950s
  • Double-dipping can transfer up to 10,000 bacteria from mouth to dip
  • Tostitos once offered free dip to anyone named Chip

Quiz

  1. When was the potato chip invented?
  2. What decade did chips and dip become popular?
  3. What company popularized French onion dip?
    (Answers: 1853, 1950s, Lipton)

FAQs

  • Is double-dipping really unsanitary? Yes, it can transfer thousands of bacteria
  • What was the first commercial chip dip? French onion dip made with Lipton soup mix
  • Can chips and dip be healthy? Yes, with vegetable chips and protein-rich dips like hummus

Importance of National Chip and Dip Day

This celebration recognizes a significant part of American snacking culture and brings people together through shared enjoyment of this versatile snack combination.

Related

  • National Tortilla Chip Day
  • National Guacamole Day
  • National Salsa Month
  • World Food Day
  • National Snack Food Month