MANSFIELD — The traditional way of producing Jones’ Potato Chips, with soybean oil, is gone.
Chief Executive Officer Bob Jones said the company ran out of partially-hydrogenated soybean oil in December — after the FDA ruled partially-hydrogenated oils were no longer “generally recognized as safe.”
There are still some bags of the original flavor at various spots, but they are dwindling fast locally. Jones’ Potato Chips also manufactures a variety of chips in a variety of oils that are popular on the East Coast in New York State and New Jersey specifically.
“We send a lot of potato chips and potato sticks to New York state and New Jersey. We have significant business in Michigan and a contracted business in Miami, Florida,” Jones said. “The business is changing. It goes back to 2007. We processed more potatoes in 2016 than any other year.”
Jones said he can empathize with his customer in missing the original flavor that became the company’s trademark.
“Of course,” he said. “I was raised on that oil. No one wanted it to happen. The government forced it to happen. At the moment, I was not particularly happy with what was going on.”
Jones said he went through the stages of grief when he found he had to get rid of the soybean oil chip line. But he is now confident.
The new chips are made with corn oil.
“Over time, things change. This was out of our control,” he said. “But thankfully we have production opportunities outside of the local market and that has allowed us to grow.”
Jones said his company manufactures other potato chip companies, so it has access to a bevy of oils, including Avacado, sunflower and corn.
“We are going to be very busy. We have a bright future,” Jones said. “It’s unfortunate the government got involved, but either you can wither up or go about your business.”
The Jones Salt in vinegar potato chips has been having too much vinegar on them lately. I have been eating Jones potato chips for years maybe you can take a Survey for other opinions about that
I remember my first experience with Jones potato chips in 1975 or so. My grown children love these chips and were now into a third generation! Do not change or alter the salt and vinegar chips at all! They are delicious as is!!!! I’m in California and always stop in Mansfield every other year when possible! I love your product! We love your chips! One of a kind!
God bless you and your family always!
Good fortune always!
PS my one daughter is now 50 my other is now 47 and my grandson 17! We love you and the product you have placed out in the world for us to enjoy and appreciate!
Always,
Gina Cinci
I just bought 3 bags in a box 3 weeks ago and they are almost gone. Yes they taste just like the original chips. Potatoes sticks in a bag sour cram and onion or chives very good. Thaks for getting back to what we have grown up on.
Where inside the I-270 loop of Columbus can I buy your chips?
Seed oils like they (Jones) are using now (along with many other companies), are just as bad if not worse than the old recipe. Hopefully RFK Jr. will have a say in everyone creating healthier products. Maybe your old recipe can be revamped for something superior. The new recipe is far inferior in my opinion.
I grew up on Jones in Mansfield in the 50’s and I still love them when I go back for visits!