Pringles Minis have returned to UK shelves after a 16-year absence, and Social News Assistant Editor Samantha Bartlett put them to the taste test. The bite-sized crisps, originally launched in 2005 and discontinued in 2009, now come in 20g individual bags sold in multipacks of six, priced at £2.25 across major supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Iceland and Ocado.
New Design and Flavour Upgrades
Unlike the original 2005 version that used a plastic pull-out tray, the new Pringles Minis feature several key upgrades. Food developers spent over four years testing 50 different variations to shrink the crisp, engineering a slightly thicker, sturdier single-curve crisp that won't smash when packed in lunchboxes or backpacks. The seasoning is applied on both sides to guarantee maximum taste in a smaller bite, unlike standard Pringles which are mostly seasoned on one side.
The Minis are currently available in three classic varieties: Original, Sour Cream & Onion, and BBQ. According to Bartlett, these are among her favourite flavours.
Taste Test Results
Despite the improvements, Bartlett stated: "I do have to say I prefer the original version. That's probably because I can eat more of them though, as like they say, 'Once you pop, you can't stop.' I just find that I want more after having one of the little bags." She noted that the Minis are "definitely more convenient and great for kids if you just want them to have a little treat."
Online reviews for Pringles Minis average about 4.5 out of 5 stars across major product testing and retail platforms. Parents praise them as the perfect size for children's lunchboxes and school snacks. Other reviewers note that because the surface area is smaller, the seasoning feels more concentrated, and the minis offer a sharper, more satisfying crunch than full-sized Pringles.
Background and Brand History
Pringles have been a household snack staple for 58 years, first hitting the market in 1968. Originally invented by Procter & Gamble to solve the problem of broken, greasy, and stale crisps at the bottom of traditional bags, the brand was built on food engineering. Chemist Fredric Baur designed the iconic saddle shape (a hyperbolic paraboloid) and the signature rigid cardboard tube to keep them perfectly stacked. The brand was acquired by Kellogg's (now Kellanova) in 2012.
