Quick Answer
It is unclear if Trader Joe’s has officially discontinued their popular Dark Russet Potato Chips. Many customers have reported the product missing from store shelves in recent months, leading to speculation that it may have been discontinued. However, Trader Joe’s has not made any official announcement and some stores still appear to have limited stock available. More information is needed to confirm if Dark Russet Potato Chips have been permanently removed from Trader Joe’s product lineup.
What are Dark Russet Potato Chips?
Trader Joe’s Dark Russet Potato Chips were a fan favorite snack item, known for their rich potato flavor and hearty crunch. Here are some key facts about this snack:
- Made from russet potatoes with the skin left on
- Dark brown color from potatoes being fried longer
- Thicker cut than regular potato chips
- Robust potato flavor with notes of roasted nuts
- Crunchy and sturdy texture
- Minimal additional seasonings besides salt
- Sold as an exclusive Trader Joe’s product for many years
The combination of hearty potato flavor, crunch, and minimal seasoning made these chips a popular favorite for manyTrader Joe’s customers. They developed a reputation as the ideal chip for dipping or snacking.
When did customers first notice they were missing?
Reports of Trader Joe’s Dark Russet Potato Chips being unavailable first began popping up around summer 2022.
In June and July 2022, some shoppers posted on social media and reddit forums about not being able to find the chips at their local Trader Joe’s stores. Many expressed disappointment these were potentially being discontinued as they were a long-time favorite item.
The unavailability of the chips appears to have increased through the fall and winter of 2022. More and more shoppers said their local stores were out of stock and that even employees did not know if or when the chips would be coming back.
Overall, Summer 2022 appears to be when the shortage first began to be noticed, but it escalated in Fall 2022 and Winter 2023.
Possible reasons for discontinuation
Trader Joe’s has not provided any official reason for why Dark Russet Potato Chips may have been discontinued. However, here are some potential factors:
- Supply chain issues – Disruptions from COVID-19 may have made key ingredients difficult to source
- Potato crop issues – Poor harvests or high prices for russet potatoes in 2022 may have led to production problems
- Low sales – The chips may not have had high enough demand from customers to justify continued production
- Seasonal or temporary removal – Trader Joe’s sometimes removes products if there are sourcing issues and then brings them back at a later date
Without confirmation from Trader Joe’s, it’s impossible to know exactly what factors led to the disappearance of this popular snack item from store shelves.
Are any stores still selling them?
Based on recent customer reports, there may still be a small number of Trader Joe’s locations that have limited remaining stock of Dark Russet Potato Chips. However, the vast majority of stores appear to be sold out.
Some customers on reddit and social media have posted as recently as December 2022 and January 2023 that they were able to locate bags of the chips at specific Trader Joe’s stores. However, most report calling or visiting multiple locations that are out of stock.
It appears finding these chips still in stores is the exception not the norm. Most shoppers looking for Dark Russet Potato Chips are reporting widespread unavailability. But a few lucky customers may still come across leftover bags until supplies are fully exhausted.
Will they be coming back in the future?
Unfortunately there has been no official word from Trader Joe’s on whether Dark Russet Potato Chips have been permanently discontinued or if they may return to stores at a future date.
Some speculation indicates they may come back if potato crop conditions and supply chain issues improve. But that is not confirmed.
Until Trader Joe’s makes an announcement one way or the other, the fate of these chips coming back to store shelves remains unknown. Customers can only hope the discontinuation is temporary and that this beloved snack item may make a return.
Customer reaction
Judging by social media posts and reviews, Trader Joe’s customers are quite disappointed about the apparent loss of Dark Russet Potato Chips. Here are some of the common reactions that have been seen:
- Anger and frustration – Loyal fans are upset a favorite product may be gone for good.
- Confusion – Customers don’t understand why a popular item would be discontinued.
- Sadness – Some shoppers say this was their all-time favorite Trader Joe’s snack.
- Hope – A few are optimistic the chips may come back someday if supply issues improve.
- Disappointment – These were a pantry staple for many and a difficult item to replace.
- Calls to action – Some are tweeting at Trader Joe’s asking them to bring the chips back.
Overall the reaction reflects the passionate fan base Dark Russet Potato Chips had among Trader Joe’s shoppers. Many are clearly quite upset about the loss of this beloved snack item.
Replacement options
While nothing can quite replace the exact potato flavor and crunch of Trader Joe’s Dark Russet Potato Chips, here are some alternative chip options to consider:
- Trader Joe’s Potato Chips with South African Seasoning – Similar thick cut potato chips with different seasoning blend.
- Kettle Brand Russet Potato Chips – Unseasoned russet chips with hearty crunch.
- Cape Cod Russet Potato Chips – Well reviewed thicker cut russet chips.
- Utz Handcooked Potato Chips – Unseasoned, robust potato flavor.
- Making them at home – Recipes are available online to fry homemade russet potato chips.
While Dark Russet fans say nothing compares to the original, the above alternatives can potentially help fill the crunchy, potato snack void left on Trader Joe’s store shelves.
How to get them back
If Trader Joe’s customers want to try to convince the grocery chain to bring Dark Russet Potato Chips back, here are some potential strategies:
- Contact customer service – Call or email Trader Joe’s to politely request they be brought back.
- Social media campaign – Tweet, post and tag Trader Joe’s asking for their return.
- Petitions – Start or sign petitions asking for Dark Russet Chips to be reinstated.
- In-store requests – Talk to managers at local Trader Joe’s about how much you miss this item.
- Product reviews – Leave reviews on the Trader Joe’s website noting that you want them back.
- Cross promote – Get food bloggers, influencers and media outlets to highlight the customer demand.
Combined with making smart purchasing choices like not buying replacement chips, actions like these may potentially sway Trader Joe’s decision if enough customers speak up.
The bottom line
While their fate remains uncertain, the apparent disappearance of Trader Joe’s customer favorite Dark Russet Potato Chips from stores has left many shoppers disappointed. With no official word yet from Trader Joe’s on why they have been unavailable for months or if they have been permanently discontinued, fans can only hope that supply chain factors may allow for their return someday. In the meantime, lovers of this snack will have to explore alternative chip options to get their hearty potato crunch fix. But the outcry from customers reflects just how treasured an item Trader Joe’s Dark Russet Potato Chips were.
Conclusion
The mysterious vanishing of Trader Joe’s Dark Russet Potato Chips from store shelves has sparked confusion and outrage among loyal customers. While the grocery chain has made no official statement, speculation points to supply chain disruptions potentially causing production issues. A few lucky shoppers may still come across bags in some stores with leftover stock, but most locations seem to be sold out for good. The passionate response makes clear these potato chips occupied a special place in many customer’s hearts and pantries. Should Trader Joe’s confirm they are discontinued permanently, similar thick-cut, hearty potato chips can attempt to fill the void. But fans are still clinging to hope that these crunchy, flavorful favorites may someday make a return to Trader Joe’s stores. The saga of this cult-favorite snack’s disappearance continues, as its dedicated followers wait anxiously for any word on whether Dark Russet Potato Chips are gone for good or just temporarily missing in action.