The Story of Heritage and Innovation Behind the Lay’s Logo

Everyone around the world instantly recognizes the bright and cheerful Lay’s logo — the iconic golden circle, the flowing red ribbon, and the familiar name that immediately brings to mind the delicious, crispy potato chips that have become a beloved snack for millions.

At first glance, the logo seems simple and timeless, but beneath its surface lies a deeper story that connects to the brand’s rich heritage and creative evolution.

This story is more than just a design; it reflects the company’s history, values, and its connection to the larger Frito-Lay family.

Through colors, shapes, and subtle details, the Lay’s logo communicates a message of warmth, energy, and joy that has helped it stand the test of time.

The origins of Lay’s date back to 1932, when Herman Lay founded the company in Tennessee. What started as a small regional snack business grew rapidly due to Lay’s dedication, marketing savvy, and commitment to quality. Herman Lay was not just a businessman; he was a visionary who understood the importance of branding and customer loyalty long before it became a widespread concept. Over the decades, Lay’s became synonymous with potato chips, carving out a unique place in the American food landscape. This success story took a significant turn when Lay’s merged with the Frito Company in 1961 to form Frito-Lay, which later became a division of PepsiCo. This merger combined two snack giants, creating a powerhouse that dominated the snack food market in the United States and beyond.

Reflecting this important corporate relationship, the Lay’s logo evolved over time to subtly honor its parent company, Frito-Lay, while maintaining its own distinctive identity. One of the most recognizable elements of the Lay’s logo is the glowing yellow circle that serves as the backdrop for the brand name. Far from being just a decorative feature, this golden circle is inspired by the sun-like emblem found in the Frito-Lay logo. The sun symbolizes warmth, vitality, and optimism — traits that the brand strives to evoke in every bag of chips it produces. The yellow color is warm and inviting, conjuring feelings of happiness, friendliness, and approachability. This visual cue helps customers immediately feel positive emotions associated with the brand, which strengthens their connection and encourages loyalty.