Brannigans Crisps: A Crunchy Nostalgia Trip

Ever loved munching on Brannigans crisps? These were once the British pines and the classic must-have ingredients in any cupboard until they stopped being served. Brannigans crisps were dark horses in terms of offering hearty and more sophisticated, rich flavours. Here’s a detailed insight into the history and flavours of Brannigan’s crisps and their absence from the market.

The Rise of Brannigans Crisps

Brannigan sparked in the 1980s as the snack of choice for people who enjoyed visiting pubs. Unlike other brands, they went above and beyond in defining their flavours and taste, including the star of the show, roast beef and mustard. They made their aim clear when releasing these crisps: they wanted to appeal towards snackers who were tired of the traditional cheese and onion varieties and felt encouraged to take the plunge by marketing these as a more superior option, and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want that?

They had special flavours, and the key to their business involved the way the product was packaged. People remember the crisps being sold in small brown paper bags that resembled those available in English country pubs. That old-fashioned packaging had an appeal that cut across a large segment of snack lovers who wanted the best of nostalgia and quality in the same packet.

Popular Flavors of Brannigans Crisps

Mourning the absence of Brannigan’s crisps is unnecessary since there are substitutes available to fit every kind of taste. With regards to Brannigans shrimp flavour, the following popular brand snacks can be used as mocks:

• Roast Beef & Mustard Brannigans crisps have an intense and savoury flavour, but what instantly stands out about them is their slightly sweet mustard seasoning and the crisps name, Roast Beef & Mustard, which instantly resonates with anyone who has ever tasted Brannigans. The grilled meat’s savoury Royal Beef Blend seasoning paired elegantly with the zesty mustard dip.

• Smoked Ham & Pickle Another well-liked flavour, the Smoked Ham & Pickle crisps had the right touch of smoky ham and sweet pickle. The dozen or so crisps were properly seasoned and had a more interesting flavour for those who liked something more sophisticated.

• Cheddar & Onion A more traditional choice, the Cheddar & Onion flavour provided a savoury combination of sharp cheddar cheese and the slight tang of onions, giving it a classic crisp flavour with a slightly creamy texture.

• Beef & Horseradish Similar to the Roast Beef & Mustard flavour, the Beef & Horseradish crisps offered a bolder, spicier take on roast beef. The horseradish added a zesty heat that appealed to those who liked their snacks with a bit of a kick.

• Prawn Cocktail This unique flavour was more on the sweet and tangy side, offering the seafood-inspired taste of prawn cocktail. This crisp flavour was particularly popular among those who liked more unusual, less common snack flavours.

Why Did Brannigans Crisps Discontinue?

For years, Brannigans crisps enjoyed a dedicated following and a prominent place in the British snack market. So, what led to their untimely discontinuation? Unfortunately, despite their popularity, Brannigans crisps were phased out in 2020, and production ceased.

According to KP Snacks, the company that owned Brannigans at the time, the decision to discontinue the brand was largely driven by declining sales.

In the age of healthier snacking alternatives and changing consumer preferences, Brannigan’s crisps simply couldn’t keep up. With an increasing focus on lower-calorie food options and the rise of vegan and gluten-free snacks, the demand for heavy, rich crisps like Brannigans diminished.

Another factor could be the competitive snack market, which has become oversaturated with both new and established brands. Despite the loyal following of Brannigans fans, the brand struggled to maintain its appeal in the face of stiff competition. The crisps had a niche audience, but it wasn’t enough to sustain mass production and keep up with evolving trends in the food industry.

Alternatives to Brannigans Crisps

For those who are mourning the loss of Brannigans crisps, fear not. While they may no longer be available, there are plenty of alternatives that can provide a similar taste experience. Here are some popular crisps and snack brands that could satisfy the cravings for Brannigans-style flavours:

1. McCoy’s Crisps: Roast Beef & Mustard If you loved Brannigans, McCoy’s Roast Beef and Mustard Crisps are the ones you should be looking for, as they would fit perfectly in McCoy’s portfolio. Unlike the Brannigan’s crisps, McCoy’s comes packed with thick textures and their signature flavours.
2. Walkers – Prawn Cocktail Walkers’ Prawn Cocktail flavour is another great alternative, offering a sweet and tangy flavour similar to Brannigans’ Prawn Cocktail crisps. While Walkers crisps may not have the same rugged charm, they’re still a reliable option for fans of the flavour.
3. Tyrrells – Beef & Horseradish For those who loved Brannigans’ Beef & Horseradish flavour, Tyrrells’ version offers a similar combination of beef with the zesty heat of horseradish. Tyrrells is known for its natural ingredients and gourmet flavours, making it a fitting replacement for Brannigans.
4. Tesco Finest – Beef & Horseradish Tesco’s Finest range includes crisps with flavours that are similar to Brannigans’ offerings. Their Beef & Horseradish crisps provide a comparable rich, savoury flavour with a satisfying crunch.
5. Kettle Chips – Sea Salt & Vinegar While not directly comparable in terms of flavour, Kettle Chips offers a premium, hand-cooked crisp experience. Their Sea Salt & Vinegar Crisps are a classic, offering a sharp, tangy flavour that may appeal to those missing Brannigans’ bolder tastes.

Conclusion

Brannigans crisps were a unique and beloved part of the UK snack landscape, offering flavours that were anything but ordinary. Despite their discontinuation, the memories of enjoying a bag of Brannigans crisps remain strong, and the quest for a worthy replacement continues.