Walkers has released a new range of World Cup-inspired crisp flavours, including England, Mexico, Spain and Portugal varieties. As the tournament grips the nation, I sampled all four to see which one deserves a spot in your snack cupboard.
Overall Verdict: Tasty Yet Uninspiring
From English bangers and mash to Mexican beef tacos, the lineup promises authentic internationally inspired flavours. However, after tasting all four, my verdict can be summed up in three words: tasty yet uninspiring. While they fell short of expectations, I've ranked them from least to most impressive to guide your choices.
4. Walkers Max Portuguese – 5/10
The Portuguese-themed crisps promise a chorizo-and-onion taste profile. The format features deep ridges, engineered to deliver a burst of intense flavour. Upon first bite, the taste came across as rather muted. I'd anticipated a smoky, mildly fiery experience, yet the flavour failed to make an impact. A more robust chorizo punch would have been welcome.
My mate, who sampled them alongside me, observed: "The more you eat, the nicer they get. They also had an enjoyable aftertaste." Opinion is split on Tesco's website. One shopper revealed: "I finished the bag, but at the end I couldn't taste any of the flavour. Supposedly it was supposed to be... I felt these crisps overpromised and underdelivered." Another remarked: "These crisps caught my eye as we're off to Portugal in a few days and so thought we'd give them a try, not really expecting them to be much good, but we absolutely love them."
3. Walkers English – 6/10
The English variety comes with classic bangers and mash flavouring. They are presented in the traditional crisp style: flat, circular, and coated with seasoning. These proved perfectly adequate and pleasant enough, though hardly remarkable. The taste resembles standard roast chicken crisps. At a push, there's a hint of what might be Bisto gravy-inspired seasoning: distinctly herby and meaty, yet the sausage and mash elements remain elusive.
My friend said: "It can taste like a watered-down bangers and mash from the start, decently strong flavour. No strong aftertaste." One Tesco shopper noted: "As a standard Walkers crisp, I agree they're great, but regarding a new flavour, they are just a typical chicken flavour. Sometimes I think they are just rehashed flavours with crafty 'new' marketing. Won't buy again."
2. Walkers Spanish – 7/10
The Spanish-inspired flavour takes its cue from queso, meaning cheese in Spanish; though it's equally renowned as a creamy dip crafted from cheese, milk and cream. The crisp variety features ridges and crinkles, though they're distinct from Walkers Max. These crisps prove divisive, much like Marmite – you'll either adore them or detest them.
I thoroughly savoured the taste, which evoked memories of their previous just cheese variety. They boast a robust cheesy flavour that leaves you keen to lick your fingertips clean. My mum, however, claimed it tasted like vomit (an extraordinarily dramatic verdict in my view). Conversely, my mate reckoned it possessed a subtle, cheesy flavour without making much of an impact. One Tesco customer remarked: "I love strong flavoured crisps, which these were, but I found the taste horrible. It's how I imagine sweaty socks to taste." Another observed: "Really cheesy flavour! For once, you can close your eyes and definitely know what flavour the crisps are which you are eating. Deliciously."
1. Doritos Mexican – 9/10
The clear champion of this taste trial is undoubtedly the Doritos Mexican Beef Taco flavour. A spokesperson for the crisps stated: "At Doritos, we believe no one should settle for boring crisps and snacks. When it comes to bold snacking experiences, we're where it's at. With intense flavours, a full-on crunch, and a range of sizes for every occasion."
These crisps boast a particularly bold aroma and taste. Remarkably, they closely replicate the flavour of a beef taco: hearty and rich with that distinctive taco seasoning, yet milder than one might anticipate. All in all, they make for a thoroughly satisfying snack. One Tesco customer, awarding a full five stars, remarked: "These are lovely. Really enjoyed these and very happy to learn they are going to be a permanent addition after the World Cup." A further reviewer noted: "A lighter beef flavour with hints of taco seasoning, not very spicy."
Pricing and Availability
The English and Spanish flavour packs are currently priced at £2.15 for a pack of five at Tesco, or £1.90 (£1.35 with a Clubcard) for a 150g bag, while the Mexican and Portuguese varieties will set you back £2.50. Have you sampled the World Cup crisps? Share your verdict in the comments below.
