Eating Utz chips is pretty simple -- you just open a bag and dig in. But you might not realize how much history and culture is contained in every single bag of Utz snacks! There's a lot to learn about this beloved brand. Here are six fun facts.
1. The company is over 100 years old
The Utz family began cooking up snacks up in Hanover, PA back in 1921 -- 102 years ago! Many things have changed since then, including the company's name. It started off as Hanover Home Brand Potato Chips. Not quite as catchy as Utz, huh?
2. Utz makes 3.3 million pounds of product per week!
About half of that production, according to the company's website, is potato chips. The other half includes snacks like cheese balls, pretzels, tortilla chips, and more.
3. You can see how the chips are made
Wondering what it's like to create all of those mouthwatering chips? Well, you don't need to wonder. Just head north of the Maryland border to Hanover (about an hour from Baltimore) and treat yourself to a free tour!
4. You've definitely seen Utz products on TV
If you're a fan of the show The Office, which is set in Pennsylvania, you've seen Michael Scott munching on Utz cheese balls. In fact, a lot of Utz products can be seen on that show! They were also featured on shows like The Wire and Mad Men.
5. The Utz girl was named for one of the founders
Yes, the mascot has a name -- that girl reaching into the chip bag is named Salie, which is also the name of one of the company's founders, Salie Utz. She famously got 'engaged' to Mr. Boh as an ad stunt for Smyth jewelers.
6. The cheese ball tub was a suggestion from Sam's Club
In 1999, the bulk-food store suggested that the company sell cheesy snacks in giant tubs that are oh so fun to reach into. Utz took the suggestion to heart, and people have been loving the tubs ever since.
