J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Chips Recalled Over Undeclared Soy

A popular potato chip product sold at Save A Lot stores is being recalled after the manufacturer discovered that some packages may contain soy that was not declared on the product label.

Saratoga Potato Chips LLC announced a recall involving specific 7.75-ounce bags of J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Potato Chips. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published the company's recall notice on September 18, 2026.

The issue is particularly important for consumers with a soy allergy or severe sensitivity because exposure to an undeclared allergen can result in a serious allergic reaction.

Which Potato Chips Are Affected?

According to the FDA, the recall involves specific packages of J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Potato Chips.

Consumers should check their bags carefully for the following identifying information:

• Product: J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Potato Chips
• Package size: 7.75 ounces
• UPC: 0-51933-31645-4
• Best if USED BY: DEC 11 26
• Best if USED BY: DEC 18 26
• Packaging: Flexible, multilayered laminated metalized bags

The affected products were distributed in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and Maryland, where they were sold through Save A Lot stores.

The FDA notice says the problem was discovered during a company review. At the time the recall was announced, no illnesses or injuries had been reported in connection with the affected chips.

Consumers who have one of the recalled packages can return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund. Saratoga Potato Chips has also provided a consumer contact number, 1-260-969-0066, for questions about the recall.

Why an Undeclared Soy Ingredient Matters

For most people, the presence of soy in a snack product may not create a health concern. For someone with a soy allergy, however, consuming the ingredient can trigger an immune response.

A food allergy occurs when the immune system incorrectly identifies a particular food protein as harmful. In the case of soy allergy, the immune system reacts to proteins found in soy. Reactions can range from relatively mild symptoms to a potentially life-threatening condition known as anaphylaxis.

Symptoms associated with a soy allergy can include hives, itching, eczema, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, indigestion, and throat tightness.

More severe reactions can involve difficulty breathing, dizziness, a drop in blood pressure, a rapid heartbeat, or confusion. These symptoms can be signs of anaphylaxis and require emergency medical attention.

Anyone experiencing severe allergic symptoms, particularly difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat, should seek emergency medical care immediately.

What Consumers Should Do With the Recalled Chips

Consumers who purchased the affected J. HIGGS chips should first check the product information printed on the package.

If the bag is a 7.75-ounce package with UPC 0-51933-31645-4 and carries either of the two affected best-by dates, consumers should not eat it if they have a soy allergy or severe soy sensitivity.

The FDA says the recalled product should be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers can also contact Saratoga Potato Chips directly for additional information.

People who do not have a soy allergy are not the target of the allergen warning. Nevertheless, consumers should follow the recall instructions and check the FDA notice for the most current information before deciding what to do with an affected package.

Soy Allergy Can Develop at Different Ages

Soy allergy can affect people at different stages of life. According to Cleveland Clinic, infants and young children are more likely than adults to have a soy allergy, although an allergy can develop at any age. Someone who has previously consumed soy without experiencing symptoms can still develop an allergy later.

Cleveland Clinic reports that approximately 0.4 percent of infants in the United States have a soy allergy. Many children eventually outgrow the allergy as they get older.

For people who have been diagnosed with a soy allergy, avoiding soy is an important part of preventing reactions. Reading ingredient labels carefully is particularly important because soy can appear in a variety of packaged foods.

Allergy Versus Intolerance

Soy allergy and soy intolerance are not the same condition.

A soy allergy involves the immune system and occurs when the body reacts to soy proteins. Soy intolerance, by contrast, relates to difficulty digesting or processing soy and can cause digestive symptoms such as gas, abdominal discomfort, or diarrhea.

Because the symptoms can sometimes overlap with other food-related problems, people who repeatedly experience symptoms after eating soy-containing foods should discuss them with a qualified health care professional.

An allergist may use a patient's medical history along with allergy testing to help determine whether a soy allergy is present. Testing can include blood tests, skin-prick testing, or, in some circumstances, a medically supervised oral food challenge.

When an Allergic Reaction Becomes an Emergency

Food allergy symptoms should be taken seriously, particularly when multiple body systems are affected or symptoms rapidly worsen.

Anaphylaxis can cause breathing problems, throat swelling, dizziness, low blood pressure, and other severe symptoms. Cleveland Clinic advises people experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

People who have been prescribed epinephrine for a severe food allergy should follow their health care provider's instructions regarding when and how to use their auto-injector.

Because allergic reactions can be unpredictable, people with diagnosed severe food allergies are generally advised to have their prescribed emergency medication readily available.

Check Your Pantry Before Eating

The latest recall is a reminder that consumers with food allergies need to pay close attention to product recalls and package information.

If you shop at Save A Lot stores in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, or Maryland, check your pantry for the recalled J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Potato Chips.

The most important details are the 7.75-ounce package, UPC 0-51933-31645-4, and the two affected best-by dates of December 11, 2026, and December 18, 2026.

Consumers can also consult the FDA's official recall notice for product photographs and additional information.

Source

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Recall notice for J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Potato Chips and undeclared soy.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Product recall information can change, so consumers should check the FDA's official recall notice for the latest details. Anyone experiencing symptoms of a severe allergic reaction should seek emergency medical care immediately.