Top it

The most delightful dip in the Upper Midwest

Make room in your fridge for Top the Tater®, a savory sour cream dip with a bold personality. Introduced as a baked potato topping in 1962, the brand has developed a loyal, cult following in the Upper Midwest over the years. Depending on who you talk to, it’s perfect for dipping, as a favorite topping or as a secret ingredient.

With a variety of flavors, including “The Original” Chive Onion, Zesty Buffalo, Taco Fiesta and the recent additions, Classic Ranch and Nacho Cheese, Top the Tater® has more to offer than your typical chip dip.

Josh Brock, senior brand manager, explained that, Kemps®, which manufactures and distributes the 100% farmer-owned brand, saw opportunity in marketing to millennials when a fan created a Top the Tater® Facebook page that garnered 13,000 likes.

“We’re able to show up in ways traditional dairy brands probably wouldn’t,” says Josh. “When people message a sour cream dip on social media, they usually aren’t looking for a serious conversation. Top the Tater is undeniably quirky and can engage with a funny, jester personality.”

The Kemps® team is finding new ways to appeal to consumers who have a good sense of humor and a taste for delicious sour cream dip. You’ll find Tater-themed shirts, hats and other merchandise on the website, and the team is finding new opportunities to break out the Tater, including the development of a custom van dubbed, “The TaterWagon.”  With a giant foam chip mounted on top, the neon green van will travel to college campuses to spread the good word to the next generation.

Top the Tater® is a staple dip in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and despite its limited availability outside the Upper Midwest, it was the fastest growing sour cream dip in the country in 2019. The goal is to continue to grow awareness of the brand and expand to new geographies.

One thing is for certain: Top the Tater® fans are all part of a cult following that truly appreciates this delightful dip.