lays

Lay's, sometimes written as Lays in certain markets, is a brand of potato chips produced by PepsiCo's Frito-Lay division. The brand is widely known and distributed globally, with packaging and flavors adapted to regional tastes. The Lay's name traces back to founder Herman Lay, who started the Lay's Potato Chip Company in 1932 in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1961, Lay's merged with the Frito Company to form Frito-Lay, and in 1965 Frito-Lay became a subsidiary of PepsiCo, enabling broader international distribution.

Lay's chips are made from thinly sliced potatoes that are fried or baked and salted. The product line includes the Original flavor and a broad range of regional and seasonal varieties, such as Sour Cream & Onion, Barbecue, Salt & Vinegar, and Cheddar & Sour Cream, among others. Many markets also offer baked or reduced-fat options as alternatives to the traditional fried chips. In addition to permanent flavors, Lay's frequently releases limited-edition or region-specific flavors tied to promotions, holidays, or local cuisines.

The brand is a core component of PepsiCo’s snack portfolio and competes with other mass-market potato chip brands worldwide. Packaging typically features a red logo on a yellow-backed bag, with regional design variations. Lay's operates alongside related brands within the Frito-Lay and PepsiCo families, including Doritos and Cheetos, and the broader global snack-food strategy.