Let’s consider convenience dips. There’s salsa, guacamole, queso, hummus and french onion. And ranch. That about covers the basics, right?
But some days, you want something that’s beyond basic, but still convenient. And for those days, an operation based in Wellston, Ohio brings us Buff Lo Dip. Per the label, it’s for “chips, veggies, chicken, pizza, rice” – and also spooning straight.
The concoction is reminiscent of an appetizer that makes the rounds at tailgate parties every year: Buffalo Chicken Dip. Except, Buff Lo Dip has no chicken. More importantly, it’s sold in a jar, so it’s more convenient. Unlike the familiar chicken version, there’s no kitchen time required. Open a jar and you’re good to go.
Buff Lo also has a good story, which you can learn from poking around its website. The operators pretty much shoot from the hip, and offer up an origin story that has 1,064 words and zero paragraph breaks. It is worth the eye-strain to read something that is pure and unshellacked by corporate marketers. Readers will learn the business launched in 2011 and that the founder ultimately left the insurance business to pursue dip-making full-time. And that following your dreams is important.
While dreams are important, good dip is important too. The pale, pinkish color of cantaloupe, Buff Lo Dip is thick and quite rich – a luxe characteristic that might be explained by an ingredient list that credits sour cream as the first (and therefore most abundant) player. You’ll also pick up on the cayenne, onion and garlic that give it a little zesty bite. Upon reflection, it hits a little like pimento cheese. With refrigeration (something you do after opening it), it’s spreadable. That means it works with burgers too. Tested with potato chips and veggies: Perfect!
You can read about Buff Lo Dip and find local spots to buy it here bufflodip.com.