Lay’s is expanding its seasonal snack portfolio with the nationwide launch of five limited-time potato chip flavors inspired by traditional holiday meals. Announced by PepsiCo Foods, the “Holi-LAY’S” collection brings together savory dinner dishes, classic comfort foods, and sweet-and-salty dessert options in a phased rollout across the United States beginning October 25, 2026.
This release strategy arrives as consumer interest in food-based holiday gifting continues to grow. According to an online survey of 1,000 nationally representative Americans conducted by RepData for PepsiCo Foods US, 78% of consumers consider food a great holiday gift, and 55% prefer it over traditional options like clothes or candles.
“The holidays are all about gathering around the table with friends and family, and food plays an important role in those celebrations,” said Denise Truelove, Senior Vice President of Marketing at PepsiCo Foods, in an official statement. “With this year’s Holi-LAY’S lineup, we’re bringing fans flavors inspired by courses on the holiday table, so they can taste the joy of the holiday season before the table has been set and after it’s been cleared.”
The Complete Holi-LAY’S Flavor Lineup and Release Schedule
The seasonal collection rolls out in multiple stages through early December, offering distinct profiles ranging from savory holiday mains to chocolate-covered sweets:
- Lay’s Cheddar Scalloped-Style Potatoes (Debuts October 25): Features the creamy, cheesy taste inspired by traditional scalloped-style potatoes.
- Lay’s Roasted Holiday Turkey (Debuts October 25): Combines roasted poultry flavor with a rich gravy taste modeled after holiday dinner centerpieces.
- Lay’s Maple Bacon (Debuts November 8): Making its official U.S. debut, this variety offers a balance of sweet maple flavor and smoky bacon taste.
- Lay’s Wavy Milk Chocolate (Debuts December 1): Pairs the signature Lay’s Wavy crunch with a smooth milk chocolate coating for a holiday dessert treat.
- Lay’s Wavy Dubai-Style Dark Chocolate (Debuts December 1): Combines dark chocolate and pistachios with the Wavy potato chip crunch, expanding availability into 2027.
Happy Holi-LAY’S Sweepstakes and Festive Prizes
Alongside the product rollout, Lay’s is launching the “Happy Holi-LAY’S Sweepstakes” starting October 26. Consumers can participate by scanning the QR code on qualifying snack bags or by visiting the official campaign website at HappyHoli-Lays.com.
Eligible participants have the chance to win a variety of holiday-themed prizes, including:
- Happy Holi-LAY’S Glass Chip Bowl
- Happy Holi-LAY’S Wood Chip Bowl
- Happy Holi-LAY’S Holiday Sweater
- Happy Holi-LAY’S Charcuterie Set
- Lay’s x Le Creuset Signature Oval Casserole
- Happy Holi-LAY’S Tile Game Set
Complete details regarding sweepstakes rules, entry requirements, and eligibility can be found directly on the campaign’s web portal.
Consumer Trends Behind Holiday Flavor Innovations
Food brands increasingly lean into experimental and localized seasonal releases to capture holiday spending. By blending familiar holiday dinner profiles-such as roasted turkey and scalloped potatoes-with snack formats, manufacturers target both party hosts looking for unique appetizers and shoppers seeking novel stocking stuffers.
The inclusion of international and trending flavor profiles, such as the Dubai-style dark chocolate variant featuring pistachios, highlights an ongoing industry effort to merge viral global food trends with mass-market snack distribution.
