# What are Crisps like in the UK? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 2, 2017, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-crisps-like-in-the-uk/785748 "2017-05-02T20:45:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2017, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-crisps-like-in-the-uk/785748/21 "2017-05-02T21:55:28Z")
> [@ISiddiqui](#): > > Hmmm… I read this and I have no idea what the difference is between a Wotsits and Cheetos Puffs (is it that Britain didn’t have Cheetos Puffs until recently and just had the crunchy Cheetos?). We didn’t have Cheetos as a brand at all until fairly recently. It just turned out an easier sell for the manufacturer to rebrand our Wotsits as Cheetos, I think. ---
**Author:** ![mixdenny](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mixdenny/32/2962_2.png) [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2017, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-crisps-like-in-the-uk/785748/22 "2017-05-02T22:27:11Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > My only reference is US potato chips. > > Are Crisps a prepackaged item? Any restaurants make them fresh? I’d love to eat a fresh made potato chip. If you are also referring to US chips, many bars make their own. Buffalo Wild Wings is nationwide and they have them. They tend to be thicker. Properly done they are pretty good, with just a bit of a chewy center, but more often then not they are over done. I have never had one as perfect as a bagged chip. Same for home made. I think temperature control to the degree is essential. Any county/state fair or other venue with vendor trucks is a good bet. Dennis ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2017, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-crisps-like-in-the-uk/785748/23 "2017-05-02T22:31:51Z")
> [@anomalous1](#): > > Kettle cooked chips are hardly much “healthier” as some people here in the U.S. think, and they are usually much harder (crunchier is not the word) and thus less enjoyable. Does anyone actually think they’re "healthier’? 😕 They just have a crisper/thicker texture. I freaking love Kettle Brand and Krunchers. The former, especially, just has such a great range of flavors. It’s pretty much the only chips I buy these days. ---
**Author:** ![Uniqueorn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/uniqueorn/32/2807_2.png) [@Uniqueorn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uniqueorn)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2017, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-crisps-like-in-the-uk/785748/24 "2017-05-02T23:02:41Z")
It might be useful to mention the incredible variety of crisps flavours in the UK. Many of the are only available (thankfully) for a short period of time, but the tend to stick in your mind: Cajun Squirrel Cheddar Cheese & Bacon Flamegrilled Aberdeen Angus Honey Roast Ham & Cranberry Marmite Oyster & Vinegar Pickled Onion and so forth… I know you did not ask about them, but German crisps are the best. I have never ever found a decent brand of paprika or rosemary crisps outside of good ol’ Germany. ---
**Author:** ![RobDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f07891/32.png) [@RobDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RobDog)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2017, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-crisps-like-in-the-uk/785748/25 "2017-05-02T23:11:29Z")
> [@Uniqueorn](#): > > …I have never ever found a decent brand of paprika or rosemary crisps outside of good ol’ Germany. If you ever get the chance, try the Swiss Zweifel paprika crisps. Sublime. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2017, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-crisps-like-in-the-uk/785748/26 "2017-05-02T23:21:03Z")
Apparently the love for potato chips is universal. 😃 I’ve always been grateful that my mom refused to keep chips at the house. I did the same thing at my home. Chips are eaten at delis with sandwiches or the occasional backyard barbecue. I like chips but it’s a lot of salt and fat. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2017, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-crisps-like-in-the-uk/785748/27 "2017-05-02T23:52:51Z")
> [@Uniqueorn](#): > > It might be useful to mention the incredible variety of crisps flavours in the UK. Many of the are only available (thankfully) for a short period of time, but the tend to stick in your mind: > Cajun Squirrel > Cheddar Cheese & Bacon > Flamegrilled Aberdeen Angus > Honey Roast Ham & Cranberry > Marmite > Oyster & Vinegar > Pickled Onion > and so forth… > > I know you did not ask about them, but German crisps are the best. I have never ever found a decent brand of paprika or rosemary crisps outside of good ol’ Germany. There’s also the famous hedgehog crisps, if I’m remembering right. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-crisps-like-in-the-uk/785748/28 "2017-05-03T00:31:19Z")
Cajun Squirrel? :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![Reluctant\_A](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/839c29/32.png) [@Reluctant\_A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reluctant_A)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-crisps-like-in-the-uk/785748/29 "2017-05-03T04:13:15Z")
> [@Baron\_Greenback](#): > > > [@silenus](#): > > > > Too bad. I freaking _hate_ kettle-cooked chips. Too much like biting into shards of glass. > > Amen, brother. But… Jalapeño-flavored kettle chips are the bomb, though. ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-crisps-like-in-the-uk/785748/30 "2017-05-03T04:57:40Z")
> [@Ike\_Witt](#): > > Cajun Squirrel? :dubious: I second this notion. Cajun Squirrel?! Ewww… ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-crisps-like-in-the-uk/785748/31 "2017-05-03T04:59:13Z")
> [@Reluctant\_A](#): > > But… Jalapeño-flavored kettle chips are the bomb, though. Not kidding, I just ate me half a bag tonight. Got to be a billion times better than Cajun Squirrel. ---
**Author:** ![mixdenny](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mixdenny/32/2962_2.png) [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-crisps-like-in-the-uk/785748/32 "2017-05-03T06:02:29Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Does anyone actually think they’re "healthier’? 😕 They just have a crisper/thicker texture. I freaking love Kettle Brand and Krunchers. The former, especially, just has such a great range of flavors. It’s pretty much the only chips I buy these days. Kettle cooked is my favorite also. I like the Walmart “Great Value” brand the most. Their Salt and Vinegar chips are perfect, not too sour. Dennis ---
**Author:** ![buddha\_david](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ee7513/32.png) [@buddha\_david](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/buddha_david)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 7:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-crisps-like-in-the-uk/785748/33 "2017-05-03T07:51:15Z")
> [@Uniqueorn](#): > > Cajun Squirrel #addedtobucketlist ---
**Author:** ![Uniqueorn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/uniqueorn/32/2807_2.png) [@Uniqueorn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uniqueorn)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 9:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-crisps-like-in-the-uk/785748/34 "2017-05-03T09:04:11Z")
Here is a review of the Cajun Squirrel crisps: [Walkers Cajun Squirrel Flavour Potato Crisps](http://www.taquitos.net/chips/Walkers_Cajun_Squirrel_Flavour_Potato_Crisps) Funnily enough, they were suitable for vegetarians, so no real squirrel bits were added. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-crisps-like-in-the-uk/785748/35 "2017-05-03T12:54:30Z")
> [@Reluctant\_A](#): > > But… Jalapeño-flavored kettle chips are the bomb, though. Indeed. I think Krunchers was the first kettle brand I discovered, maybe 20 years ago? That sounds about right. Their jalapenño chip rocked my world and showed me how good a potato chip could be. ---
**Author:** ![Uniqueorn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/uniqueorn/32/2807_2.png) [@Uniqueorn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uniqueorn)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-crisps-like-in-the-uk/785748/36 "2017-05-03T12:56:28Z")
> [@RobDog](#): > > If you ever get the chance, try the Swiss Zweifel paprika crisps. Sublime. Thank you! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-crisps-like-in-the-uk/785748/37 "2017-05-03T12:56:29Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > There’s also the famous hedgehog crisps, if I’m remembering right. Yeah, [here’s what I was thinking of](https://www.doyouremember.co.uk/memory/hedgehog-flavoured-crisps). I thought it was Walker’s but it was another brand. ---
**Author:** ![Weisshund](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ba8739/32.png) [@Weisshund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weisshund)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-crisps-like-in-the-uk/785748/38 "2017-05-03T17:26:38Z")
> [@Ike\_Witt](#): > > Cajun Squirrel? :dubious: Eh they are ok, the jalapeno possum is much better though ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2017, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-crisps-like-in-the-uk/785748/39 "2017-05-04T02:51:01Z")
> [@Uniqueorn](#): > > It might be useful to mention the incredible variety of crisps flavours in the UK. Many of the are only available (thankfully) for a short period of time, but the tend to stick in your mind: > Cajun Squirrel > Cheddar Cheese & Bacon > Flamegrilled Aberdeen Angus > Honey Roast Ham & Cranberry > Marmite > Oyster & Vinegar > Pickled Onion > and so forth… > > I know you did not ask about them, but German crisps are the best. I have never ever found a decent brand of paprika or rosemary crisps outside of good ol’ Germany. In my experience, the variety of flavors is the real defining factor of UK crisps. Otherwise, they’re normal potato chips, with the Walkers ones being pretty similar to Lay’s in the US, and some of the more boutique options being more akin to the various kettle varieties like “Kettle Chips” or Zapp’s. ---
**Author:** ![blindboyard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blindboyard/32/2833_2.png) [@blindboyard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blindboyard)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2017, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-crisps-like-in-the-uk/785748/40 "2017-05-04T13:37:31Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > My only reference is US potato chips. > > Are Crisps a prepackaged item? Any restaurants make them fresh? I’d love to eat a fresh made potato chip. I don’t even know how you’d go about doing that. I’ve never heard of anyone making them or selling them other than in packets. > [@](#): > > Are US brands common in the UK? What are the dominant UK brands? Doritos and Pringles are known. Walkers are dominant. Maybe KP and Golden Wonder are still going. Various up-market, own-brand and kettle chip brands, too. > [@](#): > > Do Crisp come with Ruffles or just flat? Ridges? Real McCoy crisps have ridges, as do Frisps, assuming they still make those. Crisps give me a headache these days. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-crisps-like-in-the-uk/785748.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-crisps-like-in-the-uk/785748.md?page=3)