Best Fried Crisps in the UK

Fried crisps remain the classic choice for people who enjoy a rich crunch, deep flavour, and that unmistakable golden finish that comes from traditional frying. While newer styles like baked crisps and popped crisps appeal to lighter snack preferences, fried crisps continue to dominate shelves because of their texture, flavour release, and overall eating experience.

Before choosing a particular brand, it helps to understand what actually makes one fried crisp “better” than another. Some focus on bold flavour coatings, others on thick-cut texture, while some lean toward premium ingredients and cooking methods.

This guide explains those differences first, then gently walks through the most reliable fried crisps currently available in the UK.

What “Best” Really Means for Fried Crisps

The best fried crisp depends on what the eater values most:

• Crunch & thickness
• Strength of flavour seasoning
• Potato quality & cut style
• Oil type & cooking method
• Overall balance between salt, fat & texture

Fried crisps are cooked in oil, which allows seasoning to bind more effectively and creates the distinctive brittle snap that most people associate with classic crisps.

If you’d like a full overview of crisp categories before deciding, the article crisp types sold in the UK Supermarkets explains the major differences clearly.

How to Choose Good Fried Crisps (Buyer Education)

1. Cut Style Matters

Thicker cuts usually deliver stronger crunch and slower flavour release. Thin cuts feel lighter but break down faster in the mouth.

2. Oil & Cooking Technique

Traditional frying methods tend to produce more consistent texture. Hand-cooked or small-batch methods often create more natural variations in crisp thickness and colour.

3. Flavour Adhesion

Fried surfaces hold seasoning better than baked or popped snacks, which is why flavours like cheese, vinegar, and prawn cocktail often taste richer on fried crisps.

4. Packaging Clues

Packaging reveals important information such as oil type, portion size, and whether the crisps are hand-cooked or factory fried. (More on that in How to read crisps packaging and labels.)

Comparison Overview

Fried Crisp Selections (Soft Review Style)

Torres Fried Egg Potato Crisps

These offer a delicate thin slice with a creamy, savoury flavour inspired by fried egg seasoning. They suit snackers who enjoy novelty flavours with a refined crunch rather than heavy salt.

Walkers Cheetos Crunchy Cheese Crisps

Although puff-based, these are fried and deliver strong crunch with bold cheese coating. Best for people who want intense flavour and high aroma impact.

Tayto Party Mix

A mixed selection of fried snacks and crisps, ideal for variety lovers. Texture ranges from light to thick crunch, offering multiple flavour experiences in one bag.

Fritos Corn Strips

These fried corn strips provide dense crunch and roasted corn flavour. Excellent for those who enjoy thicker, more filling crisps with lower seasoning complexity.

The Giving Tree Vacuum Fried Mushroom Crisps

Using vacuum frying preserves natural mushroom flavour while delivering crisp texture. These suit premium snack buyers who want something earthy and savoury rather than heavily seasoned.

Common Questions & Trade-Offs

Are fried crisps always crunchier?
Yes — frying removes moisture more aggressively than baking or popping, producing firmer texture.

Do fried crisps hold flavour better?
Yes — oil allows seasoning compounds to bind and release more evenly during chewing.

Are they heavier than other crisps?
Typically, yes. This is why some consumers prefer vegetable crisps or lighter options like rice crisps for frequent snacking.

Final Thoughts

Fried crisps remain the reference point for crunch, flavour delivery, and overall satisfaction. While newer crisp styles offer lighter eating experiences, fried crisps continue to provide the most complete sensory profile for traditional snack lovers.

Choosing the right one comes down to your preferred texture, flavour intensity, and snack purpose — whether that’s casual nibbling, sharing, or pairing with meals.

A thoughtful choice now simply means a better snack later.