Unusual crisp flavours have taken over shelves, from caviar and truffle to glazed meats and blue cheese. The era of the holy trinity – ready salted, salt and vinegar, cheese and onion – is over. We tasted 100 of the strangest crisp options to find out which are worth coming back to and which should have stayed in the test kitchen.
The Rise of Unusual Crisp Flavours
Gourmet crisps are everywhere. Corner shops now stock caviar and truffle flavours, while supermarket brands experiment with everything from sparkling wine to blue heat. This explosion of unusual crisp flavours reflects a growing demand for novel snacking experiences. But do these bold innovations deliver on taste, or are they merely gimmicks?
Ranking the Worst: Flavours to Avoid
At the bottom of our list, some flavours were outright unpleasant. The Grouse and Whinberry crisp from Taste of Game smelled meaty but tasted sweet – a confusing combination that left us reaching for water. Sparkling wine crisps from Torres actually fizz like prosecco, which is as strange as it sounds. Blue Heat Takis left a luminescent blue powder on fingers and smelled of urinal cakes. And Sweet and Salty Butter Caramel Pringles confirmed that crisps are meant to be savoury.
Comparison of the Worst Unusual Crisp Flavours
| Flavour | Brand | Taste Score | Texture Score | Novelty Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grouse and Whinberry | Taste of Game | 0/10 | 2/10 | 10/10 |
| Sparkling Wine | Torres | 0/10 | 3/10 | 9/10 |
| Blue Heat | Takis | 0/10 | 5/10 | 8/10 |
| Sweet and Salty Butter Caramel | Pringles | 1/10 | 4/10 | 7/10 |
Key Takeaways from Our Ranking
- Novelty doesn't equal taste: Many unusual flavours scored high on novelty but low on taste.
- Texture matters: Even the worst flavours sometimes had decent texture, but it couldn't save them.
- Sweet crisps are risky: Sweet flavours like butter caramel often clash with the savoury nature of crisps.
- Extreme flavours polarise: Some might enjoy the fizz of sparkling wine crisps, but most found it off-putting.
The Best of the Bunch: Flavours Worth Trying
While many unusual crisp flavours fell flat, some stood out. Flavours that balanced creativity with edibility, such as truffle and aged cheese, tended to rank higher. These gourmet options enhanced the snacking experience without alienating the palate. The key is to complement the natural potato taste rather than overpower it.
FAQ
What are the most unusual crisp flavours?
Some of the most unusual crisp flavours include grouse and whinberry, sparkling wine, blue heat, and sweet and salty butter caramel. These push the boundaries of traditional snacking.

Are gourmet crisps worth the money?
It depends on your preference for novelty. While some gourmet crisps offer unique and enjoyable experiences, others are overpriced gimmicks. We recommend trying smaller packs before committing to a full bag.
What is the worst crisp flavour ever?
Based on our tasting, Grouse and Whinberry by Taste of Game ranked the worst, with a taste score of 0/10. Its meaty smell and sweet taste created a confusing and unpleasant experience.

Exploring unusual crisp flavours is a fun adventure, but not all innovations are successful. For every delightful truffle crisp, there's a urinal-cake-scented Takis waiting to disappoint. Stick to flavours that enhance rather than overwhelm, and you'll find your perfect gourmet snack.