Crisps: what makes this classic snack so popular?

21/08/2023 in Blog

Crisps are quintessentially British, and it’s not surprising we eat 6 billion packets each year in the UK. You can eat them at picnics, snacking at your desk, pairing with a pint at the pub and finally, the classic lunch pairing – with sandwiches.

Today, the national crisp market is worth £2.6b and still growing (in 2022 the market grew 3.9%). We have researched what makes this classic snack so popular after so many years at the top – and what crisp brands you need to meet at the show in September

Who made the first crisp?

The history of who first invented crisps is a little complicated as there is more than one origin story. The first recorded recipe was British, written in a cookbook called The Cook’s Oracle, by William Kitchiner, published in 1817. Kitchiner describes them as ‘Potatoes fried in slices or shavings.’

The most popular tale takes us back to 1853 in Saratoga Springs, New York. George Crum was serving a fussy customer in Cary Moon’s Lake Lodge Restaurant, who kept sending his fried potatoes back because they were too thick. Eventually, Crum had enough and cooked the potato slices for too long and over-salted them hoping the customer hated them. But to Crum’s surprise, they were enjoyed so much, the ‘Saratoga Chips’ became a permanent feature on the menu.

Britain’s favourite flavour

Crisp enthusiasts were sent spiralling in a 2019 Twitter debate following a Channel 5 episode of ‘Britain’s Favourite Crisps’. Channel 5 donned Ready Salted Pringles, Chilli Heatwave Doritos and Salt and Vinegar Walkers as the winning crisps claiming they were ‘god tier’.

Crisps are so versatile, they come in different shapes and sizes and flavours. We all know the classics, but have you tried: Truffle, Fried Egg, Jalapeño & Dill, or Mushroom & Wild Garlic!? Without a doubt, crisp flavour combos are endless. Remember when Walkers came out with ‘Cajun Squirrel’ flavour crisps? Although it was hated by sceptics, it certainly was a huge talking point!

In recent years, health-conscious folks can now find low fat crisps from brands like, Simply Roasted or crisps made from healthier ingredients like sweet chili seaweed crisps, for example. Others include ‘Veggie straws’, ‘cauliflower or lentil crisps’ and more. Some may say they aren’t necessarily healthier than the classic potato, but they are extremely popular to say the least.

Are crisps sustainable?

The first crisps in history were packed in barrels and tins. Later, in 1926, Laura Scudder developed the wax paper bag to extend crisps freshness. Fast forward to the present day, many crisp packets are recyclable, but in some areas, it may be hard to find a county council that accepts them! Luckily companies like Terracycle have initiatives like the ‘KP Snacks® Nuts, Popcorn, Crisps and Pretzels Free Recycling programme,’ where they have specific recycling points around the country. Many brands are trying to innovate with more sustainable packaging solutions including the crisp brand Two Farmers – who are leading the way with their 100% compostable packaging.

If you want to find many exciting crisp brands, and more for your café, coffee shop or supermarket then a visit to lunch! is essential.

Crisp brands exhibiting at lunch! 2023

Two Farmers – Two Farmers began with the vision of making delicious hand-cooked crisps that celebrate the true flavours of Herefordshire, whilst protecting this wonderful countryside with a 100% compostable packet. Find Two Farmers on stand L1145.

Mister Free’d – We make gluten-free, crave-worthy tortilla chips using simple and clean ingredients. No added nasties. Find Mister Free’d on stand L133.

Simply Roasted – We’re here to change the crisps we eat, for the better, forever. We believe we’ve found a better way to make crisps, with everything you want (taste, crunch, satisfaction) and less of what you don’t want (calories, fat, salt). Find Simply Roasted on stand L442.

KP Snacks – We have been creating ‘Happy Snacking Moments’ for decades. We’re passionate about our products and our people and we hold ourselves to high ethical standards throughout our business and supply chains. Find KP Snacks on stand L769.

Minois Ltd T/A CHIKA’S Foods – IYANU is a native Nigerian word for “amazing” and CHIKA’S mission is to share IYANU goodness by bringing natural ingredients and taste sensations from Africa to both food lovers and the health conscious alike. Find Minois Ltd T/A CHIKA’S Foods on stand L884.

Brown Bag Crisps – Our crisps have taken many sleepless nights to perfect. It all started in our kitchen, where Phil could be found until the small hours cooking and seasoning potato crisps until he found the perfect recipes. Find Brown Bag Crisps on stand L885.

The Savourists – Our ranges feature high fibre, high protein, low sugar options. 100% vegan. Delicious healthy savoury snacks. Made for crunching. Using beans, lentils, and pulses at the core of our products. Find The Savourists on stand L942.

Y & C Wholesale – We are committed to our customers, importing a variety of brands and quality items at competitive pricing, alongside efficient and helpful customer service. Our promise to our customers is a no-hassle, efficient and friendly service. Find Y & C Wholesale on stand L955.

Rustle Snacks – The finest gourmet potato chips hand cooked to a wonderful satisfying crunch. Enhanced with the subtle, inspiring, clean flavours. Every flavour an ingredient loved by chefs from around the world each with its own history and heritage that adds value and differentiation. Find Rustle Snacks on stand L973.

Novo Nutrition – NOVO Nutrition was formed in 2016 by Andrew Coulson, a well-known figure on the global fitness and well-being circuit, because he spotted a gap in the healthier snacks market.From this the world’s first Protein Chip was developed, closely followed by the rest of the NOVO family, with the unbelievable Wafers and twin finger chocolate Protein Breaks. Find Novo Nutrition on stand L270.

Saved Foods – We’re fortifying lentil snacks with cricket protein to help you switch to sustainable proteins without compromising on taste, nutrition or the planet. Our mission is to shake the alternative protein industry by introducing insect-fortified food as a sustainable, accessible and effortless option.

Register to visit

lunch! returns to ExCeL London on 27-28 September and is a trade only event for retailers, cafés, sandwich bars, food-to-go chains, coffee shops, delis, contract caterers, wholesalers, supermarkets, and travel caterers. Registering for a free trade ticket guarantees free entry to lunch!’s co-located sister shows Commercial Kitchen and Casual Dining. Register for a free trade ticket here

Book a stand at lunch!

If you are considering exhibiting your crisp brand – lunch! is the must attend event for the food-to-go sector. At the show, you will have the opportunity to speak to quality buyers and network with other brands in your sector. If you would like to book a stand, please contact one of our sales team today: