Watch: Elon Musk’s Fake Pringles Claim Goes Viral

A fake video of Elon Musk claiming that Pringles are “legally not allowed” to be called chips is going viral on social media. The clip, shared on Meta’s Instagram by user @radiance_rhythms, has been viewed nearly three million times. However, this claim is false; Musk never made such a statement.

The video, which is being spread widely, is actually from Musk’s appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience over four years ago. The video has been edited to make it look like Musk is discussing why Pringles aren’t allowed to be called chips. The audio does not match his lip movements in the video, making it clear that the video has been doctored.

The false audio in the video suggests that Pringles lost a lawsuit in 1975 and can’t call themselves chips because they aren’t made from real potatoes. It also incorrectly claims that chips must be sliced and fried or baked, while Pringles are made from a paste.

Are Pringles Really Not Chips?

In reality, Pringles are not classified as “potato chips” in some places, including the US and the UK. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), products labeled as “potato chips” must be made from thin slices of whole potatoes. Pringles are made from a mixture of dehydrated potato flakes, corn, and other ingredients, which are shaped into their unique form.