# Spicy Sandwich Shop Snacks Zapp's x Potbelly Hot Pepper Chips are Bold and Flavorful By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2025-07-03 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-pepper-chips References: [snackandbakery](https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/114005-potbellys-zapps-debut-hot-pepper-chips) & [potbelly](https://www.potbelly.com)  Zapp's x [Potbelly Hot](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ring-of-fire-sandwich) Pepper Chips have been created in partnership between [Potbelly Sandwich Works](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/potbelly-jalapeo-popper-chicken-sandwich) and the Utz-owned snack brand as a new snack that packs ample taste and texture for snackers to enjoy. The product starts off with crispy potato chips covered in a hot pepper seasoning that's meant to mimic what customers can find at their nearest Potbelly location. The snack is launching as an exclusive to Potbelly locations to encourage customers to try them out on their next visit. Director of Consumer Insights and [Menu Innovation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cherry-daydream) Eric Chenel spoke on the Zapp's x Potbelly Hot Pepper Chips saying, "Our Hot Peppers have a cult following, with fans adding them to their entrees and sides, enjoying the heat in our signature sauces and hummus, or buying them by the jar to enjoy and share. Now, we’re thrilled to deliver that bold flavor in a whole new format. These chips are spicy, flavorful, and unmistakably Potbelly. Whether paired with a toasty sandwich or enjoyed on their own, they bring the perfect Potbelly kick that fans have come to expect from our Hot Peppers.” Image Credit: Potbelly's ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.9/10 - Popularity: 48% | Activity: 54% | Freshness: 44% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Culinary-crossover Snacks:** Partnerships between eateries and snack brands are paving the way for innovative snack products that offer familiar restaurant flavors in portable formats. - **Exclusive In-store Launches:** Launching exclusive products in specific locations is becoming a strategic approach to entice customers to visit physical stores, driving foot traffic and in-store sales. - **Bold Flavor Adventures:** Consumers' growing appetite for bold and spicy flavors is fueling the creation of experimental snacks that push the boundaries of traditional taste profiles. ### Where This Applies - **Snack Food Industry:** Collaboration between sandwich chains and snack producers is generating unique snack offerings that broaden product lines and appeal to adventurous snackers. - **Fast-casual Restaurants:** Fast-casual chains are leveraging exclusive partnerships to create signature branded snacks that reinforce their identity and attract dedicated customers. - **Specialty Seasoning Market:** The use of distinctive, restaurant-inspired seasonings in packaged snacks presents new opportunities for flavor innovators to captivate niche markets. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [New Orleans-Inspired Snack Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zapps-snacks.md) - [Zesty Blackened Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bayou-blackened-ranch-kettle-chips.md) - [Collaboration Hot Sauce Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boulder-batch-yellowbird-habanero-potato-chips.md) - [Spiced Honey Snack Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/utz-mikes-hot-honey-potato-chips.md) - [Spicy Pepper-Flavored Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-and-spicy.md) - [Spicy Appetizer Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/potbelly-jalapeo-popper-chicken-sandwich.md) - [Sweetened Extra-Spicy Snack Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/utz-mikes-hot-honey-extra-hot.md) - [Sweet Cinnamon Pretzels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-cinnamon-sugar-sinfullyseasoned-pretzel-stix.md) - [Spice-Forward Kettle Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kettle-chips-flavors.md)