Crisps are one of the UK’s favourite snacks, enjoyed by millions every day. Their history dates back over a century, and many may not know that these salted potato slices have evolved into the vast range of flavours and brands we see today.
What Are the Early Origins?
The origins of crisps can be traced back to the 19th century. It is believed that potato crisps were first created in 1853 in the United States by chef George Crum. The idea spread to the UK, where crisps were made and sold in small quantities by local businesses.
The First British Crisp Brand Was Smith’s
The first major UK crisp brand was Smith’s Crisps, founded in 1920 by Frank Smith in London. His crisps were sold in paper bags with a small blue twist of salt, allowing people to season them to their taste. These were the first widely available crisps in Britain. They are still loved today.
Which Flavours Began to Arrive?
For many years, crisps were only available in salted form. However, in the 1950s, a major innovation changed the industry. Golden Wonder, a Scottish crisp company, introduced the first flavoured crisps in 1962, starting with cheese and onion. This was followed by other flavours, including salt and vinegar and ready salted. Over time, Walkers became the dominant brand, introducing new flavours, better packaging and innovative marketing. Crisps are as popular today as they were in the 1970s and 1980s, with new companies producing their own crisps with a twist.
Modern Crisps and Trends
Today, the UK crisp market is worth billions of pounds, with a huge variety of brands and flavours, including prawn cocktail, roast chicken and smoky bacon. They are also a staple of office lunches and can be paired with a delicious sandwich from delivery companies such as www.crumbsdelivered.co.uk/shop/office-lunch-delivery/.
Crisps Continue to Be a Part of British Culture
They can be enjoyed as a snack or with lunch. Crisp fans can also enjoy them as a pub favourite alongside a pint. Health-conscious options like baked crisps, vegetable crisps and low-fat versions have also gained popularity.