M&S Crisps Taste Test: We Tried the Cheapest and Most Expensive
There exists a substantial £2.40 price gap between two seemingly similar packets of crisps at Marks and Spencer. This prompted a detailed investigation to determine whether the premium offering truly delivers superior quality or if the budget option provides unbeatable value for money.
The Premium Contender: Collection Extra Virgin Olive Oil Crisps
The Collection Extra Virgin Olive Oil Crisps with Mediterranean sea salt represent the luxury end of the M&S crisp spectrum. Priced at a notable £3.90 for a 125g packet, these crisps immediately signal their upmarket positioning through their packaging and product description.
The packaging itself proved to be a challenge, requiring scissors to open—a minor inconvenience at home but potentially problematic on the go. Inside, the crisps were unexpectedly light and delicate in texture, contrary to expectations of a thicker, crunchier bite akin to kettle chips.
The flavour profile was distinctly refined, with the extra virgin olive oil coming through clearly in every mouthful. The ingredient list is remarkably simple, containing just three components: potatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and salt sourced from the Alicante salt flats. This simplicity aligns with current trends towards reducing ultra-processed food consumption.
The Budget Challenger: Standard Ready Salted Crisps
At the opposite end of the price scale, the standard ready salted crisps cost just £1.50 for a 150g packet. This represents significantly better value by weight, offering 25g more product than the premium version at less than half the price.
The packaging was straightforward and easy to open, with noticeably less air inside the bag compared to many crisp packets. The texture was less substantial and crunchy than the premium option, feeling noticeably cheaper to the touch.
However, the taste proved surprisingly good, delivering well-balanced saltiness without being overpowering. Remarkably, the ingredient list mirrored the premium crisps in its simplicity, containing just potatoes, sea salt, and a blend of sunflower and rapeseed oil.
The Detailed Comparison and Verdict
When evaluating these two products side by side, several key differences emerge:
- Price and Value: The budget option offers substantially better value per gram, costing approximately 1p per gram compared to the premium version's 3.1p per gram.
- Texture and Mouthfeel: The premium crisps deliver a lighter, more delicate eating experience, while the budget version provides a more conventional crisp texture.
- Flavour Complexity: The distinctive extra virgin olive oil flavour sets the premium crisps apart, whereas the budget version offers a straightforward, satisfying salty taste.
- Packaging and Presentation: The premium packaging looks and feels more luxurious but proves difficult to open, while the budget packaging is functional and user-friendly.
The surprising conclusion is that both products excel in different areas. The premium crisps undoubtedly deliver a sophisticated eating experience with their distinctive olive oil flavour and high-quality ingredients. They would make an excellent choice for special occasions or when wanting to impress guests.
However, for everyday snacking satisfaction, the budget crisps perform remarkably well. They satisfy crisp cravings effectively while being significantly kinder to your wallet. The fact that both products share similarly simple ingredient lists adds to the budget option's appeal.
While the premium Collection range offers intriguing varieties worth exploring for those seeking something special, for regular purchase and consistent satisfaction, the £1.50 option emerges as the practical winner in this taste test comparison.
