I recently purchased the Spuddos Crisp Bundle, a 1kg tub featuring an assortment of flavours, for a party. Overall, the crisps were a hit among the guests, but, in my opinion, some of the flavourings left much to be desired in terms of variety and authenticity, whilst others hit the mark!
About Spuddos:
Spuddos is a hip new “cool” brand getting known for its unique and flavourful crisps, offering a variety of exciting options beyond the usual offerings found in supermarkets. Their crisps are designed to provide a gourmet snacking experience, with a focus on quality ingredients and bold flavours. The 1kg tub bundle is a popular choice for parties and gatherings, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Remember the old “Salt n Shake?” , well then you are going to love (or not!) Spuddos!
Flavour Review:
- Donor Kebab:
- Experience: I was quite excited about this flavour, as I had previously eaten doner kebab flavour crisps abroad and really enjoyed them. This flavour tasted more like curry than the distinct taste of a traditional doner kebab.
- Feedback: Needs improvement to better capture the essence of doner kebab without overpowering curry notes. The balance of spices should lean more towards the savoury and slightly tangy profile of an actual doner kebab.
- Salt and Vinegar:
- Experience: I wasn’t too bothered by this flavour, as salt and vinegar is very common among all types of crisp manufacturers. However, it was spot on with the classic salt and vinegar taste.
- Feedback: While perfectly executed, it’s a common flavour found in many brands. Something more unique and exciting would be appreciated. However, for those who love the classic, this one does not disappoint.
- SFC (Southern Fried Chicken):
- Experience: Something new I was looking forward to, but it was acceptable without being remarkable.
- Feedback: More depth in the seasoning could make this flavour stand out. A richer blend of herbs and spices could elevate it from just okay to exceptional.
- Prawn Cocktail:
- Experience: I’m not a fan of prawn cocktail, but others said it was very good! A decent representation of prawn cocktail.
- Feedback: Not my favourite, but those who enjoy prawn cocktail might find it satisfying. It captures the sweet and tangy essence well, though it could use a bit more prawn flavour.
- Chip Shop Curry:
- Experience: Was in no rush to try this, not for me at all! It was okay if you enjoy chip shop curry flavour.
- Feedback: The curry notes were present, but it could benefit from a more balanced profile. A bit more sweetness and a touch of savoury could round it out better.
- David Bacon:
- Experience: Very excited for this and it did not disappoint! Absolutely amazing and a standout flavour.
- Feedback: This flavour was the most well-received and could serve as a benchmark for other flavours. The smokiness and savoury notes were perfectly balanced, making it a crowd favourite.
- Nooch and Onion:
- Experience: Wasn’t sure if Nooch was cheese or not, but it sure was fun! Great flavour with a unique twist.
- Feedback: One of the better options in the bundle, indicating potential for more innovative flavours. The combination of nutritional yeast (nooch) and onion was surprisingly delicious, offering a cheesy, umami-rich experience.
Recommendations for Improvement:
Enhance Existing Flavours:
The doner kebab flavour needs to be reworked to avoid the overpowering taste of curry. Other flavours like SFC and chip shop curry could use more depth and balance. Adding more authentic spices and tweaking the seasoning profiles could significantly improve these flavours.
Introduce New Flavours:
To make the bundle more exciting, introducing new and diverse flavours would be beneficial. Suggested additions include:
- Roast Chicken: A classic that appeals to many, with a rich and savoury profile.
- Beef: A hearty and robust flavour that could be very appealing.
- Steak: Another meaty option, potentially with a peppery kick.
- Spicy Variants: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a range of spicy flavours could be very popular.
- Garlic: A strong and aromatic option that pairs well with many foods.
- Ham and Mustard: A unique combination that could offer a nice balance of savoury and tangy.
- Pickled Onion: A sharp and tangy flavour that could be very refreshing.
- Barbecue: A smoky, sweet, and tangy flavour that is always a hit.
Overall Experience:
Despite the mixed feelings about the flavours, the quality of the crisps themselves was perfect. Their texture and freshness were commendable, making them a great choice for parties. I have already ordered another tub to make use of the flavourings left, particularly enjoying the David Bacon flavour.
The Spuddos Crisp Bundle has a lot of potential. While some flavours need refinement, the overall experience is positive. The crisps are perfectly cooked, offering a satisfying crunch that is often lacking in other brands. The variety of flavours, even with some misses, adds excitement to the snacking experience.
In conclusion, while the Spuddos Crisp Bundle offers some hits and misses in the flavour department, its potential for improvement and the overall quality of the crisps make it worth considering. With more innovative and refined flavours, it could become a top choice for crisp enthusiasts. Spuddos shows great promise, and I look forward to seeing how they expand and improve their flavour offerings in the future.
