FIVE OF A KIND

Keep these packets close at hand for long drives, lazy afternoons, picnics or barbecues and lift your snack game in an instant.

Potato chips.

1 TYRELL’S MATURE CHEDDAR CHEESE & CHIVE HANDCOOKED CRISPS

The tried and true cheese and onion combination strikes again in a packet of guilty pleasure. The definitive sharpness of cheddar and the tang of chives are in full force, yet there’s balance in the boldness. The risk of overindulging is very real. $4.99 for 165gm. danmurphys.com.au

2 TARTUFLANGHE PESTO CHIPS

The stimulating scent of fresh pesto – Genovese basil pounded with pine nuts, Parmigiano-Reggiano and Fiore Sardo – saturates these thick-cut Italian potatoes, which are fried in a blend of olive and sunflower oils for a bright golden colour and maximum crunch. Go the extra mile and serve them with burrata. $4.99 for 45gm. amatos.com.au

3 TORRES SELECTA MEDITERRANEAN SALT PREMIUM POTATO CHIPS

Manuel Torres and his wife Ángeles Medel opened their first potato chip stand in Spain’s Premià de Mar in 1969. In the half-century since, the family operation has perfected a recipe that achieves an unadulterated richness most producers can only dream of. $9.50 for 150gm. gourmetlife.com.au

4 THOMAS CHIPMAN ROSEMARY AND THYME POTATO CHIPS

Thomas Chipman honours the pure, hearty taste of organic Yarra Valley spuds with lightly cooked skin-on slices cut paper thin, then keeps it classic with a Sunday-roast-style coating of thyme and rosemary. Rustic in all the right ways. $3.75 for 100gm. sunnybrookhealthstore. com.au

5 BOULDER CANYON AVOCADO OIL, MALT VINEGAR & SEA SALT KETTLE COOKED POTATO CHIPS

Rare is the salt-and-vinegar chip that doesn’t overdo the sodium factor. Cooking these in avocado oil imparts a mild butteriness that complements the sweetsour flavour of malt vinegar, and the salt level is spot-on. Bonus points for crinkle cut. $7.90 for 149.1gm. usafoods.com.au