Paqui Tortilla Chips, an Austin, Texas-based company and part of Amplify Snack Brands, has brought back the #OneChipChallenge, which dares spice lovers, those with adventurous taste buds and those who are just plain masochists to try the world’s hottest tortilla chip, seasoned with real Carolina Reaper Pepper heat. The #OneChipChallenge is so spicy that the chips come individually packaged in a coffin. They were available Sept. 10 via a limited-time pre-sale, ahead of their broad availability on Sept. 13.
“For the last two years, we’ve received everything from love letters and polite requests, to absolutely desperate pleas for us to bring back the #OneChipChallenge,” says Paqui brand manager Caitlin Moralic. “While Paqui has a line of truly spicy chips perfect for everyday snacking, our fans want to test themselves with even more real peppers and real heat, and we’re excited to bring them the spiciest challenge yet.”
One Deadly Black Tortilla Chip
The 2019 #OneChipChallenge comes with even more spice than in previous years – and a visual twist. Priced at $6.99 USD, the new chip looks as deadly as it tastes. This year’s version contains a blue corn chip dipped in an intense amount of black seasoning made with the Carolina Reaper Pepper, certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s hottest chili pepper.
Originally given the title in 2013, the Carolina Reaper was again announced as the world’s hottest pepper after additional testing in 2017. It measures 1.641 million Scoville Heat Units, a measure of spiciness, which is more than 70 thousand units higher than its former record.
“Our brand is focused on unexpected flavors that double down on spice,” says Moralic. “Incorporating the Carolina Reaper in the #OneChipChallenge is a fun—albeit sometimes painful—way for our fans to see whether or not they can handle the heat.”
To further highlight the chip’s serious spice level, each chip comes with an extreme warning: those who are brave enough to take the challenge are encouraged to wash their hands immediately after handling, and parents are advised to keep the chips out of the hands of children.
Facing Off Against the Reaper
The pre-sale began Sept. 10 at 9 a.m. CDT. The #OneChipChallenge, Hell in a Box Collector’s Pack, Extreme Reaper Variety Packs and more will then be available exclusively here beginning at 9 a.m. CDT on Friday, Sept. 13, while supplies last.
Spice lovers can try winning a #OneChipChallenge by entering the World’s Hottest Sweeps. Limited-edition, specially marked bags of Paqui Haunted Ghost Pepper and Fiery Chile Limón chips with hidden codes for fans to enter online will be available at participating retailers in early October.
Fans are encouraged to face off against the Reaper and challenge their friends, enemies or frenemies to share their #OneChipChallenge experience on social media and tag @PaquiChips. Those who share a video of themselves taking the #OneChipChallenge on their public Instagram or Twitter profiles and tag @PaquiChips with #OneChipChallenge and #sweepstakes will be included on Paqui’s Wall of Infamy and entered for the chance to win one of three grand prizes, which include a one-year supply of Paqui chips and a full tailgate package, complete with branded beer glasses, a Yeti cooler and more.
Feel the Heat Year-Round
While the #OneChipChallenge is a limited-time phenomenon, fans can enjoy Paqui’s full chip lineup year-round with flavors including Haunted Ghost Pepper, Fiery Chile Limón, Zesty Salsa Verde, Jalapeño Tropicale and Mucho Nacho Cheese. All Paqui chips are Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free and contain no artificial flavors or preservatives.
