Middleswarth Potato Chip Contest Returns to NEPA for 10th Year

In the heart of Pennsylvania, where potato chips are a staple, an annual tradition brings food lovers together in a unique competition. The Middleswarth Potato Chip Eating Contest invites participants to indulge in a local favorite, turning the act of snacking into a competitive sport.

Celebrating its 10th year, this contest is hosted at Sabatini’s Bottle Shop in Exeter, attracting enthusiasts eager to partake in the challenge. “It’s kind of fun to see how excited people get for it,” remarked Albert Martino, the contest’s founder.

Hosted by NortheastSnacks

Martino, who owns NortheastSnacks, a service delivering regional delights nationwide, notes that Middleswarth barbecue chips top the sales chart. The contest, which was a “giant what if” a decade ago, now sees its entry spots snapped up within an hour. While this year’s slots are full, spectators are more than welcome.

“Usually in like the middle of summer people are emailing me, sending us messages on Instagram, like, ‘Hey, when does the chip contest go on sale?’” shared Martino, noting the wide interest. “This year we have a guy coming in from Wisconsin.”

A friendly competition

With about 24 contestants, each is provided with a “Weekender” bag of chips and a bottle of water. “They let us know if they want barbecue or plain chips,” Martino explained. “And then people have five minutes to eat however many chips they can.” The winner is determined by weighing the remaining contents of each bag.

Martino has seen various strategies employed by participants. “Some people crush them and make like a soup with the water,” he said. “Some people literally eat one chip slowly and just enjoy the chaos, like they know they’re not going to win.”

NEPA food personalities

Passionate about local flavors, Martino has passed the role of emcee to Brian DiMattia, a well-known local podcast host. DiMattia, who is the creator of the DiMattia’s Food Fight brand, will bring his spirited style to the event. “It’s kind of like the ultimate NEPA food fight, so why not have the food fight guy host it?” Martino mused.

DiMattia recently featured Martino on his podcast, where they discussed iconic regional snacks like Herr’s, Utz, Wise, and of course, Middleswarth. The Middleswarth company, operating under Ira Middleswarth & Son, Inc., has been a fixture since 1942, with its chips distributed across Pennsylvania.

“I know people go nuts over Middleswarth potato chips and I don’t blame them, I love them too,” DiMattia commented. “I’m looking forward to seeing how many chips people can eat. I’m also looking forward to razzing some of the people who can’t eat them really fast.”

For a worthy cause

“We usually try to tie in some charity so it’s not complete gluttony,” Martino said. This year’s event will support the NEPA Pet Food Pantry, a new initiative started by Martino in collaboration with the Luzerne Foundation.

“I’ve seen a need for it over the past couple years,” he said. “And that’s going to be our first fundraiser for it.” The charity aims to operate a pet food pantry in Exeter, serving the Luzerne County community.