In the wake of Smith’s Snaps being taken off the shelves (Boo), I finally got a crisp tier list out there, I’ve been meaning to do it for ages.
Much like every snack in the UK, the debate over the “Best” crisp is fierce and bloody. This is my list, it’s also correct, so if you disagree, you’re wrong! (Just kidding, please don’t send hate mail).
Side note: If you like Walkers French Fries crisps, you’re a maniac and we cannot be friends.
10
It’s weird putting this at #10 because I grab a bag every week when I play pool with my Dad at the pub. These have been a staple of our household forever, SO GOOD.
9
Whenever we have parties, Chilli Heatwave is placed right in the centre in a big bowl. They’re usually gone within 10 minutes. I actually avoided Dorito’s most of my life because I hated the “Cool Original” (Sour Cream) ew. Glad I tried these.
8
These are really unpopular, mostly because they’re really hard and SUPER strong flavour. Those are two of my favourite things about crisps, so when I tried these I got hooked. The prawn cocktail/cheese and onion are top tier too.
7
I remember GORGING these as a kid, they were unlike any other crisp and tasted really unique. I’m still not sure what they taste like exactly, but they’re absolutely not spicy? They do however taste amazing.
6
When I first tried these, I was in America. I was given the biggest bag of Cheetos Puffs my parents could find and I remember eating the entire bag. These are insanely addictive and probably extremely unhealthy (Kind of like the Digestives of the crisp world). I remember just sitting there, covered in an orange cloud of cheeto dust like a pathetic gremlin, both satisfied and sick at the same time.
5
I actually only tried these recently compared to the others on this list. Much like Cheetos, these are very addictive and I can swallow an entire bag pretty fast, and feel pretty sick afterwards. Wotsits in general aren’t that great, they’re o.k. but the giants versions they make, especially the flamin’ hot, are next level.
4
I can’t tell you how many bags of these I’ve devoured over the last 5 years. They seem to be on every supermarket till or prominently featured at least once somewhere in the store near the exit. I was never a big Hula Hoops fan growing up, they just never appealed to me, but their “BIG” versions are the best thing ever.
3
My parents actually both worked at Golden Wonder, it’s where they met. So, when I came into the world, Crisps were all around me at all times. I don’t think they gave me any crisps from Golden Wonder until I was a little older, because I vividly remember my first crisps when I was a kid (See #1). I do however remember the absolute massive boxes of crisps that would be in our living room, the rejects that were too “overflavoured” (The best ones). I ended up eating a lot of Golden Wonder crisps in my youth, and the Beef & Onion ones were always the best. I’m so glad they still make them because they’re hard to find!
2
Even though these aren’t #1, I think I’ve eaten more Monster Munch pickled onion than any other crisp in my life. I’m pretty confident on that point. This could easily be tied for first place, because they’re so good. Not everyone is a fan of pickled onion crisps, especially non-UK folk, but man… these are so more-ish, and not only that, they’re crunchy and full of flavour. The fact that they made a GIANT version and somehow made them better blew my mind when I first tried these.
Fun fact: I got Monster Munch every day in my school lunches. I once tried to combine Monster Munch, Ribena and a Sausage Roll at a lunch option. If you value your insides, don’t do this, as you’ll be sick everywhere despite the individual components being amazing.
Shoutout to Walkers Pickled Onion, Space Raiders Pickled Onion and Golden Wonder Pickled Onion – They could’ve easily made this list.
1
The GOAT of crisps. I remember first trying Walkers Cheese & Onion in a pub with my Dad when I was really young, maybe 2-3? He offered me to try some and sat me on the bar and I remember having my mind blown by how nice they tasted. I think that’s stuck with me because if this is an option, I’m having it. There’s a reason it’s the #1 crisp in the UK, and the fact it’s not popular outside the UK is a crime. Then again, more for us! If you want to make me happy, take me out to play pool, buy me these crisps and a Coke, and I’ll be the happiest man in the world (Until I’ve finished my crisps).
