Walkers has launched four World Cup-inspired crisp flavours representing England, Mexico, Spain and Portugal. A reviewer sampled all four and described them as 'flavoursome yet unexciting.' The English variety features classic 'bangers and mash' flavouring, while others include Mexican beef tacos, Spanish cheese, and Portuguese chorizo and onion.
Portuguese Crisps Score Lowest
The Walkers Max Portuguese crisps, billed as having a chorizo-and-onion flavour, scored 5 out of 10. The deep-ridged crisps were intended to deliver a 'burst of intense flavour,' but the reviewer found them underwhelming. 'Upon biting into the crisp, the taste was initially lacklustre. I'd anticipated a smoky, mildly spicy crisp, but the flavour fails to make an impression,' she wrote. However, a friend noted that 'the more you eat, the nicer they get. They also had an enjoyable aftertaste.'
Customer reviews on Tesco's website are mixed. One shopper said: 'I have my own just finished. The bag, but at the end, I couldn't taste any of the flavour. Supposedly, it was supposed to be, I felt that 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.'
English Bangers and Mash Crisps Ranked Third
The English variety, flavoured with 'bangers and mash,' scored 6 out of 10. These are flat, circular crisps lightly coated in seasoning. The reviewer found them 'perfectly pleasant to snack on' but noted they bore 'a striking resemblance to standard roast chicken crisps.' She added: 'At best, there's a hint of Bisto gravy inspiration — notably herby and meaty — yet neither sausage nor mash makes a convincing appearance on the palate.'
A fellow taster observed: 'It can taste like a watered-down bangers and mash from the start, decently strong flavour. No strong aftertaste.' One Tesco customer added: '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, prefer Tesco sharing bags, I have to say.'
Spanish Queso Crisps Divide Opinion
The Spanish-inspired flavour, taking its cue from queso (cheese), scored 7 out of 10. The crisps feature a ridged and crinkled texture but are not 'Walkers Max.' The reviewer found the taste 'thoroughly enjoyable' and reminiscent of Walkers' former 'just cheese' variety, with a bold, cheesy flavour. However, she noted that 'much like Marmite, these crisps will divide opinion — you'll either adore them or despise them.' Her mother declared it 'tasted like vomit,' while a friend felt it had a mild, cheesy taste that didn't leave a lasting impression.
One Tesco reviewer said: 'I love strong flavoured crisps, which these were, but I found the taste horrible. It's how I imagine sweaty socks to taste. Some people will like them, but I'm not one of them, sorry.' Another remarked: 'Really cheesy flavour! For once, you can close your eyes and definitely know what flavour the crisps are which you are eating. Deliciously.'
Doritos Mexican Beef Taco Wins Top Marks
The undisputed champion of the taste test was the Doritos Mexican Beef Taco flavour, scoring 9 out of 10. A spokesperson for Doritos 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.'
The reviewer described the crisps as having 'a particularly potent aroma and taste. They're remarkably close to an authentic beef taco: meaty, with that distinctive taco seasoning, though not as spicy as one might anticipate.' One Tesco customer gave them five stars, saying: 'These are lovely. Really enjoyed these and very happy to learn they are going to be a permanent addition after the World Cup.' Another added: 'A lighter beef flavour with hints of "taco" seasoning, not very spicy.'
Pricing and Availability
The English and Spanish 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. The Mexican and Portuguese crisps are available at £2.50.
