British Crisps
If you’re a Brit in Canada, you’ve probably noticed the snack aisle here is, well, a bit underwhelming. Sure, there’s “All Dressed” and “Ketchup,” but where’s the Walker’s Cheese & Onion? Or the smoky, salty joy of Smith’s Bacon Fries? For many of us, crisps aren’t just snacks - they’re little packets of home, stuffed with nostalgia and bold flavours that Canadian options just don’t deliver.
That’s where we come in. At The Great British Shop, we’ve made it our mission to bring the crisps you miss most right to your door. From pub favourites like Scampi Fries to school lunch classics like Quavers, we’ve got the snacks that make you feel like you’re back home, even if you’re thousands of kilometres away. Whether you’re craving the tang of Pickled Onion Monster Munch or the fiery kick of Wotsits Flaming Hot, we’re here to help you relive those moments - one crunch at a time.
And if your favourite flavour’s out of stock? No worries. Just hit “Notify Me When Available” on our website, and we’ll let you know as soon as it’s back. Because when it comes to crisps, you shouldn’t have to settle. Ever.
We Tried 25 of Britain’s Most Iconic Crisps - These Are the Best Ones | Evan Edinger & Matt Gray
Pub Snacks: Perfect with a Pint
There’s nothing quite like the crunch of a crisp to go with your pint. In Britain, crisps aren’t just a snack - they’re a sacred part of the pub experience. The bold flavours, the satisfying crunch, and the way they cut through the taste of your beer - it’s all part of the magic. Some crisps have even reached legendary status, earning their place as staples behind the bar.
Smith's Bacon Fries and Scampi Fries
If you’ve never ripped open a packet of Smith's Bacon Fries or Smith's Scampi Fries while perched on a barstool, you’ve missed out on one of life’s underrated joys. These are no ordinary crisps - they’re the crown jewels of pub snacks.
Smith's Bacon Fries pack a smoky, salty punch that pairs beautifully with a cold pint. They’re crunchy enough to satisfy but won’t drown out the pub chatter. Meanwhile, Scampi Fries bring their own tangy, seafood-inspired kick. They’re a bit posh, a bit playful, and they’ve got just enough heat to make you wonder if your pint’s in danger of disappearing too quickly.
These snacks aren’t just food - they’re part of the pub ritual. There’s something nostalgic about the sound of that foil packet crinkling open, the first handful of crisps, and the way they elevate that first sip of beer. For Brits living in Canada, they’re a little taste of home - a reminder of Friday nights at the local, or lazy Sunday afternoons that somehow turned into evening.
Other Pub Classics
While Smith’s might be the headliners, the pub snack world has plenty of other stars worth mentioning.
Take Monster Munch Pickled Onion, for instance. It’s got that sharp, tangy bite that’s unforgettable. It’s a classic, though you might find yourself reluctant to share once you’ve started.
Then there are Space Raiders. Back in the day, you could grab a packet for just 10p, and they didn’t skimp on flavour. Tangy, bold, and perfect for munching between sips of your favourite brew.
Barbecue Beef Hula Hoops also deserve a shoutout. Those little rings of smoky, meaty goodness are as fun to play with as they are to eat. Sure, it might not be the height of pub etiquette to stick them on your fingers, but who’s judging?
And let’s not forget Monster Munch Flaming Hot. They’ve got just the right amount of heat to keep you reaching for your pint - and isn’t that the whole point?
These snacks aren’t just about taste. They’re tied to memories of pub quizzes, first pints, and those nights that started with “just one drink” and ended well past closing time. Each packet is a little time machine, ready to whisk you back to your favourite local, no matter how far away it might be.
School Lunch Classics: Childhood Memories
The sound of a crisp packet crunching during lunch break wasn’t just background noise - it was a moment of triumph. Picking the right packet could elevate your social standing for the day. Everyone had their favourites carefully tucked into their lunchbox, and those little bags of salty joy became as much a part of childhood as the school bell.
Walker's Cheese & Onion and Twiglets
Some snacks are so tied to British childhood that they’ve reached legendary status, and Walker's Cheese & Onion 6-pack is right at the top of that list. These crisps were a lunchtime staple that could brighten even the dullest of school days.
The Cheese & Onion flavour had a certain magic - tangy yet creamy, bold but never overpowering. It was the kind of crisp that disappeared from the cupboard faster than you could shout, “Mum, where are my trainers?”
And then there were Twiglets. Oh, Twiglets - the Marmite of the crisp world. You either loved their unique, yeasty crunch or couldn’t stand them. For those who did love them, they carried a touch of sophistication, like you were nibbling on something a bit fancy, even if you were sitting on a wobbly school chair.
Lunchbox Staples
Crisps in a school lunchbox weren’t just snacks - they were statements. Each packet had its own personality and flavour story.
- Quavers were the gentle, airy option. The Cheese flavour was everyone’s friend, while Prawn Cocktail felt like a little adventure in the middle of the week.
- Squares brought a bit of fun with their sharp corners and bold flavours. Cheese & Onion Squares packed a punch, while Salt & Vinegar delivered just the right amount of zing.
- Skips were the delicate ones - their light, melt-in-your-mouth texture made them a lunchtime favourite, especially for those who liked a snack that didn’t fight back.
- Nik Naks Nice & Spicy were for the daring. They had just enough heat to make you grab your drink but not so much that you couldn’t enjoy every crunchy bite.
- Wotsits Flaming Hot were in a league of their own. These weren’t for the faint-hearted. They offered a fiery kick that felt like a badge of honour for those brave enough to handle them.
For Brits now living in Canada, these crisps aren’t just snacks - they’re edible time machines. One bite, and you’re back in that noisy school cafeteria, swapping lunchbox treats and savouring the flavours of home.
sbb-itb-decb2b4
Bold Flavours: Strong Taste Experiences
Some crisps don’t just satisfy a craving - they demand your attention. While the classics stir up warm nostalgia, these bold flavours redefine snacking with a punchy edge. They were the go-to for after-school raids on the kitchen cupboard or those late-night cravings that required something with a bit more bite.
Walker's Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce Crisps
For anyone who wanted a crisp with attitude, Walker's Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce Crisps were the ultimate choice. They combined the tangy zip of Worcestershire sauce with a sharp vinegar kick and a subtle spicy finish. One bite, and you were hooked.
These crisps were unapologetically bold. They brought back memories of sneaky after-school snacks, giggly sleepovers, and midnight kitchen raids. Not for the faint-hearted, but that’s exactly what made them unforgettable.
Other Strong Flavours
If Worcestershire wasn’t your thing, there were plenty of other bold options that turned snacking into an experience:
- Walker's Smoky Bacon: Rich and meaty, these crisps nailed the essence of a hearty British breakfast - without the frying pan.
- Walker's Pickled Onion: A sharp, tangy hit that could make your eyes water. Finishing a bag was practically a badge of honour.
- Walker's Prawn Cocktail: Sweet and tangy with a seafood twist, these crisps captured the essence of the classic prawn cocktail in every crunchy bite.
- Sensations Thai Sweet Chilli: A sophisticated mix of sweetness and spice, perfect for adding a touch of flair to any gathering.
- Walker's Salt & Vinegar: The ultimate tongue-tingler, with a bold vinegar tang balanced by a salty punch.
- Tayto Cheese & Onion: Packed with cheesy goodness and just the right hint of onion, these crisps were a flavour powerhouse.
- McCoy's: Known for their thick-cut crunch and intense seasoning, these crisps were built for serious snacking moments.
- Big Hoops Salted: With extra crunch and a satisfying salty hit, these were perfect for sharing - or keeping all to yourself.
These crisps weren’t just snacks; they were little packets of nostalgia. For British expats in Canada, they’re more than a taste of home - they’re a reminder of those simple, happy moments when a bold-flavoured crisp could make everything feel just right.
Can't Find Your Favourite? Get Notified
Trying to track down your favourite British crisps in Canada can feel like a treasure hunt - only the map keeps changing. One day you're savouring a bag of Monster Munch Pickled Onion, and the next, it's like they never existed. Welcome to the life of a crisp-loving expat.
The truth is, with high demand, limited imports, and the occasional hiccup in shipping, our shelves can empty out faster than you'd think. Flavours like Walker's Cheese & Onion or Smith's Bacon Fries are especially popular and can sell out within hours of a restock, especially around the holidays when nostalgia kicks into high gear. And if customs gets involved, some favourites might go missing for weeks.
But you don't have to keep hitting refresh on the website. The Great British Shop's stock notification system is here to save the day. Just visit the product page of your favourite crisps, hit "Notify Me When Available", and we'll send you an email the moment they're back in stock. Easy, right?
Some of the most sought-after snacks? Walker's Cheese & Onion 6-pack, Smith's Bacon Fries, and Walker's Pickled Onion are at the top of the list. Classics like Monster Munch Pickled Onion, Quavers, and Hula Hoops are also big favourites. These tend to fly off the shelves, so when you get that notification, don’t dawdle!
For those who like to stay ahead of the game, following The Great British Shop on social media is another handy trick. We post restock updates and even share the occasional special offer.
Now, if your go-to flavour isn’t listed at all, don’t throw in the towel. Just drop us a note via the contact form. We take customer requests seriously and often use your feedback to decide what to bring in next. It’s a bit of a team effort, really - who better to help curate the perfect crisp selection than people who truly get the joy of a perfectly seasoned snack?
And here’s the best part: no matter where you are in Canada, we’ve got you covered. From Vancouver to St. John’s, we’ll deliver that taste of home straight to your door. Because sometimes, happiness is just a packet of proper British crisps away.
FAQs
How can I make sure my favourite British crisps are available when I shop at The Great British Shop?
If you’ve got a soft spot for British crisps, don’t risk missing out! Head over to The Great British Shop website and sign up for stock notifications. That way, you’ll get a heads-up when beloved favourites like Walker’s Cheese & Onion or Smith’s Bacon Fries make their grand return to the shelves.
It’s also worth popping by the online store now and then since these crowd-pleasers tend to fly off the shelves. With demand always shifting, keeping an eye out means you’ll be ready to snag your go-to snacks before they disappear!
What makes British crisps so special compared to Canadian snacks?
British crisps have a way of hitting the spot with their bold, nostalgic flavours and that unmistakable crunch. Classics like Cheese & Onion, Salt & Vinegar, and Prawn Cocktail aren’t just snacks - they’re little flavour explosions that you just don’t see in Canadian options. And then there are the more unusual varieties, like Walker’s Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce or Smith’s Bacon Fries. These aren’t just crisps - they’re memories wrapped in foil, reminding you of school lunches, pub nights, or long road trips.
On the other hand, Canadian snacks tend to play it safe, leaning towards milder or sweeter tastes. They don’t quite capture the savoury, tangy, or spicy punch that makes British crisps so special. For anyone from the UK, cracking open a bag of these crisps isn’t just about the flavour - it’s about reconnecting with those cherished moments from back home.
What are some classic British pub crisps available at The Great British Shop?
When you think of classic pub crisps, a few timeless treats instantly come to mind. Here at The Great British Shop, we’ve got you covered with Smith’s Bacon Fries and Smith’s Scampi Fries - two proper pub staples that pair perfectly with a pint. Then there’s the legendary Walker’s Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce Crisps, offering that sharp, tangy kick that’s hard to beat.
These snacks are like a one-way ticket back to the cosiest corner of your favourite pub. The best part? We ship Canada-wide, so you can tuck into these classics no matter where you are!
Leave a comment