Supermarket Crisps Triumph Over Premium Brands in Salty Snack Showdown
In a surprising twist for crisp connoisseurs, a recent blind taste test has demonstrated that supermarket own-brand offerings can outshine established premium labels such as Kettle and Tyrrells. The evaluation focused exclusively on salted crisps, a timeless snack cherished for its versatility at lunches, picnics, and buffets across the UK.
Testing Methodology and Participants
The assessment was conducted by a reporter and their partner, who sampled seven varieties of premium salted crisps in a controlled blind setting. The selection included products from leading supermarkets Lidl, Marks & Spencer, Asda, Co-op, and Tesco, alongside the branded options from Kettle and Tyrrells. Each crisp was judged based on flavour, texture, and overall saltiness, with rankings compiled from worst to best to determine the ultimate victor.
Rankings from Bottom to Top
Tesco Finest Lightly Sea Salted (Crinkle Cut) - Priced at £1.50, this entry was the clear loser. Due to the unavailability of Tesco's standard premium crisp, the crinkle-cut version was substituted, though texture was not factored into the ranking to ensure fairness. The major flaw was a severe lack of flavour, resulting in a bland experience that earned it a dismal rating of 1 out of 10.
Tyrrells Lightly Sea Salted - Costing £2.75, this branded crisp disappointed with insufficient saltiness for those preferring a punchier taste. It scored a modest 3 out of 10, making it a better choice for individuals who avoid overly salty snacks.
M&S Hand Cooked Lightly Sea Salted Crisps - At £1.80, these crisps closely resembled Kettle's in taste but were sometimes too hard in texture. They received a middle-ground rating of 5 out of 10, positioning them as a budget-friendly alternative to Kettle.
Lidl Deluxe Hand Cooked Crisps Lightly Sea Salted - Priced at £1.15, Lidl's offering provided a good crunch and more salt than Kettle, yet suffered from inconsistent salt distribution, leading to occasional blandness. It earned a rating of 6 out of 10.
Kettle Lightly Salted Crisps - With a price tag of £2.64, Kettle delivered a satisfactory level of salt without greasiness, though some crisps were thinner than expected. It achieved a solid rating of 7 out of 10.
Asda Exceptional Hand Cooked Sea Salted Crisps - At £1.34, Asda's crisps impressed with a robust saltiness that might be intense for some but was highly appreciated by the testers. They secured a strong second place with a rating of 9 out of 10.
Co-op Irresistible Hand Cooked Lightly Sea Salted Crisps - Priced at £1.70, Co-op emerged as the undisputed champion. Both testers favoured these crisps for their perfect salt ratio, balanced texture, and premium feel, awarding them a top rating of 10 out of 10 and declaring them superior to both Kettle and Tyrrells.
Conclusion and Implications
This taste test underscores that value and quality are not mutually exclusive in the crisp aisle. Supermarket brands like Co-op and Asda not only rival but exceed their pricier counterparts in flavour, offering consumers cost-effective alternatives without compromising on taste. For snack enthusiasts seeking the ideal salted crisp, these findings suggest that exploring supermarket ranges could yield delightful and affordable surprises.
