Reimagining the potato chip

After doing some market research — ever notice the salty snack aisle at the supermarket is larger than the sweet goodies? — Hoffman and her crew were ready to debut the new, improved Lori’s Chips.

Roasted Garlic Chips fried in THC-infused olive oil joined the lineup, along with a Sweet Potato Chip seasoned with cinnamon, brown sugar and sea salt. All of the products are vegan, kosher and made with organic potatoes. In the case of the Sweet Potato version, those are Japanese white sweet potatoes. “Using those gives it a crispy crunch,” Hoffman said.

They’re not exactly easy to find on the shelves in recreational cannabis stores around Washington state, which is a sign of their growing popularity. “I’ve had fans of the chips text me that they found some and they’ll buy whatever is available.”

Not surprisingly, demand for all Craft Elixirs products has increased since the pandemic hit. One of the benefits of the chips, Hoffman explained, is that they offer the option for consumers who are new to the cannabis experience to micro-dose. “I’ve heard of some people just eating one chip,” she said. A single bag, which sells for around $7, contains 10 milligrams of THC. There are roughly 15 chips per bag. To harken back to the old catchphrase Lay’s Potato Chips once used: Bet you can’t eat just one.

The process for making the chips takes about two days, and with the growing demand, the chip masters are now in the commercial kitchen making them in small batches once a week.

So, is Lori part of that chip-making crew? No, Hoffman said. “I just thought it was a cute name, one that hadn’t been taken.”