UK Independent Crisp Tasting Championships 2026

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The Robin Hood Pub Celebrates the Best of UK Independent Crisps

Bristol crunched its way into history with the second UK Independent Crisp Tasting Championships, taking place on Saturday 18th April at The Robin Hood Pub, located on St Michael’s Hill.

Over 500 attendees were handed tasting tongs on entry before making their way around 10 crisp stations, sampling over 80 flavours from independent producers across the UK. The evening built towards the final stop, the Crisp of the Year station, where the ultimate accolade was decided.

What Took Place:

A diverse selection of crisps from 33 of the UK’s top independent brands, representing a wide variety of 80 flavours and styles.

A public tasting session where 500 attendees sampled crisps from each brand, with 3,500 votes across all categories for their favourites.

Bristol’s community helped crown the “Best Independent Crisp” in categories such as Most Unique Flavour, Best Texture, and Overall Champion.

Our Charity Partner

The MAZI Project is a youth-led charity empowering disadvantaged 16-25 year olds through food.

They support care leavers, young asylum seekers, youth recovering from homelessness and fleeing domestic violence.

Find out more

Award Categories:

Crisp of the Year – The ultimate accolade for the standout crisp of the event

Winner: Salty Dog, Salt and Malt Vinegar

Runner up: Two Farmers, Woodland Mushroom and Wild Garlic

Third place: Serious Pig, Pickle with Dill

Best Packaging Design – Celebrating the most eye-catching and creative packaging

Winner: Savoursmiths, Desert Salt & Black Pepper

Runner up: Soffle’s Pitta Chips, Rosemary and Thyme

Most Unique Flavour – Recognising the crisps with the most unusual and adventurous flavour profile

Winner: Savoursmiths, Bubbly & Serrano Chilli

Runner up: Pea Pops, Salted Honey

Best Texture – For the crisps with the perfect crunch or mouthfeel

Winner: The Giving Tree, Broccoli Crisps

Runner up: Simply roasted, Barbecue

Best Use of Local Ingredients – Highlighting crisps that feature locally sourced ingredients

Winner: Two Farmers, Herefordshire Sauce

Runner up: Sussex Crisp Co., Romney Marsh Lamb with Rosemary & Garlic

Best Flavour Pairing – For the crisps that combine flavours in a perfectly balanced way

Winner: Two Farmers, Woodland Mushroom and Wild Garlic

Runner up: Well&Truly, Spicey & Nicey

Healthiest Crisp – Recognising the most nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on flavour

Winner: Human Nature, Smoky BBQ Pea Snacks

Runner up: Junk Food Crisps, Junk Organic Beetroot Crisps

Best Vegetable Crisp – For the top non-potato-based crisps (e.g., parsnip, beetroot, or kale)

Winner: Human Nature, Caramelised Onion Pea Snacks

Runner up: Other Foods, Crunchy Okra

Best Pub Snack Crisp – The crisps that pair best with a pint!

Winner: Salty Dog, Salt and Malt Vinegar

Runner up: Yorkshire Crisps, Sweet Cured Ham & Pickle

Best Eco-Friendly Brand – Celebrating a brand with sustainable practices, such as compostable packaging or environmentally friendly production methods

Winner: SHORE, Sweet Sriracha Seaweed Chips

Runner up: Fairfields Farm, Sea Salt & Aspall Cyder Vinegar

Best Spicy Crisp – For those who like a bit of heat, this award goes to the crisps with the best spicy flavour

Winner: Brown Bag Crisps, Oak Smoked Chilli

Runner up: Just Crisps, Ham and English Mustard

Brewery Tap Takeover

New Bristol Brewery is an independent brewery based in Bristol, known for its bold, flavour-led approach to modern beer. Brewing a wide range of styles from hazy IPAs to pastry stouts and fruited sours, the brewery has built a reputation for creativity and experimentation. With a strong local following, it supplies pubs and venues across the UK while continuing to push boundaries with innovative small-batch releases.

We be hosted 5 keg lines of New Bristol Brewery at The Robin Hood during the Bristol Independent Crisp Tasting Championships

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