If you're from North America and you visit the UK, it won't be long at all before you notice the snack selections are very, very different. Sure, you'll spot some of the items you know and love – but you'll also see brands and flavours you wouldn't encounter in North America (outside of a British goods shop).

One of the biggest areas you'll notice a difference is in the crisps section (aka potato chips). While plain old salted crisps are popular in both countries (as are basic salt and vinegar crisps), the flavours diverge pretty quickly once you get past that.

In the US, some of the most popular flavours (aside from plain) are:

• Sour cream and onion
• Barbecue
• Cheddar and sour cream

In the UK, you'll find a much greater emphasis on vinegar-heavy flavours, but you'll also find some that are just plain strange to most American palates. In this post, we'll take a look at some of the best, the strangest, and the most interesting British crisps (along with purchasing links for those outside the UK who want to try them). 

19 Uniquely British Crisps to Try…

Walkers Cheese & Onion Crisps

If you've tried Ruffles Cheddar and Sour Cream chips in the US, you'll likely find these somewhat similar – but with a bit more bite. They won't do your breath any favours, but they're absolutely delicious.

Get it: British Corner Shop | Amazon

Also try: Taylors Cheddar & Onion Welsh Crisps

 

Mackie's Haggis & Cracked Black Pepper Crisps

This small Scottish crisp brand comes out with all sorts of flavours, including this particularly Scottish variety. Haggis itself may not be legal in the US, but that doesn't mean you can't get its flavour in crisp form.

Get it: British Corner Shop | Amazon

 

Burts Guinness Hand-Cooked Potato Crisps

If you're a fan of Guinness, these crisps are a must-try snack! They're seasoned wtih a blend of roasted barley and hops, giving them a uniquely beer-like flavour. 

Get it: British Corner Shop | Amazon

 

Mackie's of Scotland Tangy Tomato Crisps

I'll be honest. These are not my favourite crisps. However, if you like the overwhelming flavour of ketchup on your crisps, you'll be in heaven with these. 

Get it: British Corner Shop | Amazon

Also try: Walkers Tomato Ketchup Crisps

 

Brown Bag Crisps: Smoked Bacon Flavor

While many British “meat-flavoured” crisps are totally suitable for vegetarians, this one is definitely not. Once a limited edition flavour, these smoked bacon crisps are now a permanent flavour.

Get it: British Corner Shop | Amazon

 

Mackies Pigs in Blankets Crisps

Mackie's is well-known for their occasionally strange limited edition crisp flavours, and this one's no exception. This one's hard to find in stores outside of the Christmas season, but you CAN get it online.

Get it: British Corner Shop | Amazon

 

Tyrrell's Crisps Mature Cheddar & Chive

Tyrrell's makes premium hand-cooked crisps with high-quality ingredients and uniquely complex flavours. In terms of texture, they're more similar to “kettle” style crisps in the US. They're a bit thicker and harder than your standard Walkers.

Though full of flavour, they don't leave the same sort of powdery residue on your fingers that many cheaper crisps do. It's not unusual to find them offered as a snack in posh hotel rooms around Great Britain. 

Get it: British Corner Shop | Amazon

 

Walkers Sensations Onion & Balsamic Vinegar Crisps 

Sensations is a line of premium crisps by Walkers, each featuring brighter, more vibrant, and more complex flavours than some of their standard offerings. They're thick and crunchy with a more home-baked feel than your basic Walkers crisps. This particular flavour offers a delightful sweet/salt/vinegar taste that makes it hard not to eat the entire bag at once.

Get it: British Corner Shop | Amazon

 

Tyrell's Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar Crisps

Sensations is a line of premium crisps by Walkers, each featuring brighter, more vibrant, and more complex flavours than some of their standard offerings. They're thick and crunchy with a more home-baked feel than your basic Walkers crisps. This particular flavour offers a delightful sweet/salt/vinegar taste that makes it hard not to eat the entire bag at once.

Get it: British Corner Shop | Amazon

Roysters T-Bone Steak Crisps

Even in the UK, these crisps can be a bit of a challenge to find in local shops. They're kind of unusual because they're full of bubbles – not the usual, wildly irregular bubbles you often find in crisps, but smaller, more frequent bubbles. These are suitable for vegetarians, but not vegans. 

Get it: British Corner Shop | Amazon

Also try: Mackie's Aberdeen Angus Crisps | Taylors Flamegrilled Steak Crisps

 

Walkers Pickled Onion Crisps

This is another one of those very, very popular flavours you'll find all over the UK. It's in the same sort of flavour family as the classic salt and vinegar, but with a lot more onion flavour. This is not the kind of crisp to eat before a big date.

Get it: British Corner Shop | Amazon

 

Marks & Spencer Handcooked Manchego Chilli Crisps

This is another one of those very, very popular flavours you'll find all over the UK. It's in the same sort of flavour family as the classic salt and vinegar, but with a lot more onion flavour. This is not the kind of crisp to eat before a big date.

Get it: British Corner Shop | Amazon

 

Mackie's Turkey and Stuffing Crisps

These festive holiday-flavoured crisps are suitable for both vegans AND vegetarians. We're not sure what kind of black magic they're using to pull off that much flavour without any actual meat, but it's impressive. The seasoning mix for this one includes yeast extract, onion powder, salt, coriander, black pepper, pimento, thyme, and more.

Get it: British Corner Shop | Amazon

 

Tyrrell's Sweet Chilli & Red Pepper Crisps

Another top-notch crisp from Tyrrell's, this one is better for those who like a bit of heat in their crisps. They're thick cut and a bit harder than a normal crisp.

Get it: British Corner Shop | Amazon

Also try: Mackie's Scotch Bonnet Pepper Crisps | Walkers Chilli Con Carne Flavour Crisps | Brown Bag Crisps Oak Smoked Chilli

 

More on British Crisps…

Want to learn more about British crisps? See: What are Ready Salted Crisps?

 

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