Top Five Crisp Flavours That Shouldn’t Have Worked… But Did

Back in the ’80s and ’90s, crisp flavours were a little bit mad. Walkers, Golden Wonder, KP and even boutique brands were experimenting with tastes that sounded ridiculous on paper but somehow became playground favourites. Some stuck around for years, others disappeared as quickly as they arrived — but they all live on in crisp-based folklore.

Here are five retro crisp flavours from the UK that really shouldn’t have worked… but absolutely did.

5. Worcester Sauce (Walkers)

Why it shouldn’t have worked: A liquid condiment that’s usually dashed on cheese on toast doesn’t exactly scream “crisp flavour”.

Why it did: Tangy, savoury and a bit sharp, they were oddly addictive. The purple bag became a familiar sight in multi-packs throughout the ’90s. Still talked about today by crisp connoisseurs.

4. Pickled Onion (Monster Munch)

Why it shouldn’t have worked: A crisp that made your eyes water? Really?

Why it did: Monster Munch nailed the balance of sour tang and crunch. The oversized “monster paw” shapes only added to the fun. Today they're a classic, even if they leave your breath smelling like vinegar for hours.

3. Hedgehog Flavour Crisps (1981, Hedgehog Foods Ltd.)

Why it shouldn’t have worked: Because… hedgehogs. Enough said.

Why it did: Well, technically they didn’t taste of hedgehog — they were pork-flavoured. But the gimmick was irresistible, and they actually sold well for a few years before being banned for misleading advertising.

Legacy: A crisp urban legend. People still aren’t sure if they really existed until you show them the packet.

2. Roast Beef & Mustard (Golden Wonder)

Why it shouldn’t have worked: Mustard is a love-it-or-hate-it flavour, and beef crisps were already polarising. Together, they sounded like a bad Sunday roast.

Why it did: The mustard cut through the richness and gave the crisps a fiery kick. For adventurous crisp eaters in the ’80s, this was a bold, grown-up flavour that actually worked.

1. Smoky Bacon (Walkers)

Why it shouldn’t have worked: Bacon — in crisp form? It seemed like one step too far into savoury science experiments.

Why it did: Smoky, salty and utterly moreish, they became one of Walkers’ best-loved staples. The flavour went from oddball to mainstream, and even today, bacon crisps remain a pub snack essential.