Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.
Skip to Main ContentThe payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.
Re-activateWhen fanciers of SunChips howled that the new "compostable" bags were too loud, Frito-Lay listened and switched back to the original version. Now SunChips are back in a new, quieter bag that the company claims is still biodegradable. Finally, you can eat the multigrain chips in front of the TV without turning up the volume.
The company's first bag gave off noise that registered at roughly 80 to 85 decibels, according to the Associated Press. The new design dampens the noise to around 70 decibels, on par with its original packaging and most other chip bags.
To make the bags biodegradable, Frito-Lay used a plant-based material that was stiffer than the original plastic. To dampen the sound, the new bags employ a thin layer of a rubber-like adhesive that bonds the inner layer that protects the food to the outer layer that carries the label.
Although we heard the noise complaints, at Consumer Reports we were more interested in testing the claims that the "100% compostable" bag "breaks down completely into compost in a hot, active home or industrial compost pile." We left an empty bag in a well-tended home compost pile for 13 weeks and saw little decay. The SunChips, however, fared pretty well when compared to Pringles new Multigrain chips. The SunChips had more grain flavor, a little less fat and a little more fiber.
As for now, only the original SunChips will be sold in the new bags. Frito-Lay said it would wait to hear from consumers before extending the packaging to the entire line. Let's hope the crunch is louder than the crinkle.
—MHJF
Build & Buy Car Buying Service
Save thousands off MSRP with upfront dealer pricing information and a transparent car buying experience.
Get Ratings on the go and compare
while you shop
