We love a crisp here on the British Isles.
The snack, usually made from slices of fried potato, dominates the 'crunch scene' says Nielsen IQ, more popular than anything else in its catergory: think pretzels, popcorn and tortilla chips.
We eat six billion packets of the salty stuff every year, which is more than any other country in Western Europe, according to The Grocer. In 2021, almost 163,000 tons of crisps were sold across the UK, an all-time high since 2006, says Statista. Packets were taken to WW2 bomb shelters to boost morale during the Blitz. We adore the savoury snack so much, there’s even a day dedicated to celebrate them: National Crisp Day on March 14.
Crisps work for practically any occasion, from sliding into a lunchtime sarnie to beefing up picnic fare. They're in our hands for road trips (long or short), football games, beach days and movie nights.
Everyone has their favourite flavour, but if you’re talking collectively, Cheese & Onion has consistently been deemed the most popular by the voting public.
And for all the affordable brands on shelves, there’s an elite tier at the other end of the spectrum, where it seems only the slices of potato are the common denominator. Typically hand-cooked before being dusted in decadent flavouring - think truffle, lobster, Wagyu beef, port (yes, really) - these are the poshest crisps you’ve probably ever clapped eyes on.
If you fancy seeing how the other half snacks, I’ve rounded up the tastiest options in one list. Do you agree with my rankings, or is there another posh crisp that takes the biscuit?
Cast your monocle over the choice list below.
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Howdah Indian Snacks Tandoor Chilli
A small British company built on admirable aspirations (they donate one free school meal for every pack sold), Howdah makes tasty Indian-style snacks, from these ridged tandoori-flavoured crisps to Bombay Mix.
This pack is made with ancient grains smothered in a mix of spices (think cumin, dried mango powder, ginger powder and more), making for an addictive snack that you just can’t put down.
Best to open when you’ve got company over for your own safety.
Buy now £22.95, Amazon
Torres Black Truffle Potato Crisps
In a textbook example of high-low snacking, these Spanish crisps have been finished with a dusting of dried black summer truffle to take them to the premium tier. They’re a bit too overwhelming for me - the earthy flavour isn’t for everyone - but self-described trufflephiles will love them.
Buy now £6.99, Amazon
Truffle Hunter White Truffle & Lobster Crisps
Who needs a booking at a slap-up restaurant when you can get essentially the same flavours in a packet?
Truffle Hunter has poured its hand-fried crisps into a handy little tub, making it perfect for enjoying in low-rustle environments - think the opera or on a safari.
Buy now £5.00, John Lewis
Superbon Crisps Pimento
In today’s world, it’s easy to be drawn in by packaging. With a packet as snazzy as this, you wonder if Superbon might be hiding mediocre crisps inside. Cast those suspicions aside, for these crisps are golden. And so they should be: the man behind the brand is celebrated chef Philippe Emanuelli.
They come in truffle and salt & vinegar flavour, but if you like a bit of gentle spice, pimento is the bag to pick.
Buy now £3.50, Not Another Bill
Soffles Mild Chilli and Garlic Pitta Chips Share Bag
Spuds are great and all, but the true connoisseur crisps can be made from other carbs too. It’s pitta bread batting for Soffle’s here, cut into bite-size pieces and smothered in chilli and garlic before being roasted to perfection in the oven. Naturally, they’re best consumed with scoops of hummus or a fresh tabbouleh. Add to your picnic basket for a nice, healthier change.
Price for nine bags.
Buy now £29.36, Amazon
The Black Farmer Cheddar and Caramelised Onion Crisps
Theatre-goers may recognise this crisp from behind the refreshment counters at London establishments like the Adelphi and the Dominion. They’re an excellent option for live performances as they won’t rustle when you dip in for another taste. The flavour pay-off is good, but there could be more of them in the tub.
Buy now £3.30, Amazon
Tyrrells Black Garlic & Sour Cream Sharing Crisps
Crisps to buy on payday when you’re still feeling a bit flush, the crunch from a Tyrrells is deafening. Try the black garlic and sour cream for a gear shift from the garden variety flavours.
Buy now £2.75, Waitrose
Pipers Upton Cheyney Jalapeño & Dill Sharing Crisps 150g
I became obsessed with these Pipers crisps a few years ago when they were readily available in my local corner shop, but it seems they’re only on big supermarket shelves these days. The jalapeno heat is mild while dill amps up the savoury side, the two combining to veer into heavenly pickle territory.
Stock up on your next weekly shop - you won’t be disappointed.
Buy now £3.00, Sainsbury’s
Manomasa Chilli & Honey, 140g
Foodies can’t get enough of hot honey, so why not get your fix in crisp format? Manomasa has this delicious option made with corn, coriander and green lentils. So full of flavour, you can forgo the dip.
Buy now £2.10, Amazon
SAVOURSMITHS Taster Pack
I make a point not to buy wildly expensive food and drink onboard budget airline flights, but if Savoursmiths is in stock, they’re a tough crisp to resist.
Satisfyingly crunchy - even above the whirr of the plane’s engines - I’m curious to know if the rest of the flavours pull as hard a punch as the Desert Salt & Vinegar, which are very salty and vinegary and go well with a G&T.
This multipack has seven flavours to try, one for every day of the week.
Buy now £8.99, Amazon
