Cheese and onion takes potato chip crown
Cheese and onion has taken the top spot as Britain’s favourite flavour of potato chip, according to statistics released this week.
Sales of the flavour rose 15 percent in the last two years to replace ordinary salted chips — or “crisps” as they are known in the UK — which have been the longstanding frontrunner.
Britain’s crisp industry is known for its numerous and varied flavours. Manufacturers regularly try to compete for a slice of the highly competitive £2.53-million market by releasing new tastes.
Hedgehog, squirrel and, more recently, chilli and chocolate have all been on offer.
Emmanuelle Bouvier, senior market analyst at Mintel, behind the study, said: “Despite the ongoing development of new and exciting flavours, the traditional favourites still win hands down.
“In fact, cheese and onion, ready salted, and salt and vinegar still account for almost two-thirds of sales of standard crisps.
“What is more, most new launches continue to focus on ready salted and salt and vinegar, which were the most popular in terms of new product development last year.
“The rate of innovation in the crisps and snacks market remains high, and this is a driving factor in sales growth.”