Herr's 'Flavored by Philly: Crunch Off' Winner Announced

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tue, Aug 8th, 2025 by Patch

Herr’s Philly Crunch Announces the New Flavored Winner – “Buffalo Hot Chicken” Takes the Bite

The longtime Philadelphia snack staple has once again turned up the heat, this time in the form of a brand‑new flavor that has been the talk of the city’s food scene. Herr S’s recently announced the winner of its highly‑anticipated “Flavor of the Year” contest, and the chosen flavor is none other than a fiery Buffalo Hot Chicken variant of its iconic Philly Crunch. The decision came after a month of community voting, expert tasting panels, and a dash of local culinary flair that has made the contest one of the most anticipated events for snack lovers in the area.

The Contest That Sparked a Citywide Buzz

In early March, Herr S rolled out a contest that invited Philadelphia residents to submit their own ideas for the next Philly Crunch flavor. The contest, which ran until March 15, offered a unique blend of community engagement and brand innovation. According to a press release on the company’s website, over 300 original flavor concepts were submitted, ranging from the classic “Sour Cream & Onion” to more adventurous ideas such as “Garlic Parmesan” and “Chili Lime.”

“We wanted to tap into the spirit of Philly and let our fans have a say in the next flavor we’ll bring to the market,” said Jordan Kline, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer. “The response was overwhelming—every email, text, and social media post we received showed how much people love our crunchy snack and how eager they are to see what we’ll do next.”

Once the entries closed, a three‑person panel of local chefs, food bloggers, and snack‑industry veterans was assembled to sift through the submissions. Their criteria included flavor balance, uniqueness, and, importantly, the ability to complement the crunchy texture that defines Philly Crunch. After a rigorous tasting process and several rounds of deliberation, the panel narrowed the field down to five finalists.

The Winning Flavor: Buffalo Hot Chicken

The final decision was made through a combination of panel tasting scores and a public online poll that ran from March 16 to March 22. The poll drew thousands of votes, with the Buffalo Hot Chicken concept receiving a staggering 42% of the total votes—well ahead of the other four finalists.

Chef Marina Alvarez, a longtime collaborator with Herr S and a renowned local food influencer, praised the winner’s boldness. “The Buffalo Hot Chicken flavor brings that spicy kick that you find in the city’s best wing spots, and it pairs perfectly with our crunchy, salty base,” Alvarez explained. “It’s a flavor that says, ‘This is Philly, and it’s not afraid to bring heat.’”

The flavor itself is a tangy blend of real buffalo sauce, a hint of smoked paprika, and a whisper of garlic, giving the familiar crunch a new dimension of taste. The packaging is being refreshed with a vibrant red and gold color scheme that references the city’s famous sports teams, and the logo features a stylized chicken wing.

“Once it hits shelves, we expect the buzz to spread just as quickly as it did during the contest,” Kline added. “It’s a flavor that we believe will resonate not only with locals but also with anyone who’s hungry for something that’s familiar yet unexpectedly exciting.”

A Taste of Local Pride

Herr S has long been a Philadelphia icon, dating back to the 1930s when the family-owned company first started producing the crunchy snack that would become a staple at sporting events, diners, and grocery aisles. The company’s emphasis on quality and flavor innovation has earned it a loyal following over the decades.

The new flavor is scheduled for a limited‑edition release in late April, with plans to distribute it across the city’s major grocery chains, specialty snack stores, and through the company’s own online portal. According to a representative from the sales team, the Buffalo Hot Chicken variant will be available in both 8-ounce and 12-ounce packages, giving consumers a choice between a quick snack and a larger, shareable option.

“We’re excited to see how our fans react to this new addition,” said Linda Chen, Herr S’s Director of Retail Partnerships. “Our focus has always been on delivering the best snack experience, and this flavor embodies that mission while staying true to our Philly roots.”

How to Get Your Hands on the New Flavor

If you’re eager to taste the newest addition to Philly Crunch, Herr S is making the launch accessible. The company will host a tasting event at the Franklin Street Food Hall on April 10, where guests can sample the Buffalo Hot Chicken flavor, meet with the chefs who helped develop it, and even try their hand at making a homemade buffalo sauce. In addition, the snack will be available for purchase online at https://www.herrs.com and through major retailers such as Walmart, Target, and local grocery chains starting April 15.

For those who missed the contest but are still hungry for the new flavor, the company is offering a limited‑time promotional discount on the first purchase of the Buffalo Hot Chicken variant. Details can be found on the official product page at https://www.herrs.com/philadelphia-crunch/buffalo-hot-chicken.

The Bigger Picture: Community and Innovation

Herr S’s Flavor of the Year contest showcases a growing trend among food brands: engaging consumers directly in product development. By allowing fans to contribute ideas, the company not only builds excitement but also ensures that new flavors reflect the tastes and preferences of its core audience. The success of the Buffalo Hot Chicken flavor is a testament to the power of community-driven innovation.

As Philly Crunch moves into the next chapter, the city’s snack lovers will be keeping an eye on the crunchy, spicy crunch that’s sure to bring a new twist to their favorite snack. Whether you’re a long‑time fan of the original flavor or a newcomer looking for something bold, the Buffalo Hot Chicken variant is poised to become the next must‑try in the Philly snack scene.