‘Bland’ crisps fall out of flavour with Nigella
NIGELLA Lawson is waging a war against “alarming” crisp flavourings that lack bite.
The TV chef says tasting a range of salt and vinegar snacks convinced her firms had toned down the tang while also producing needless low-fat versions.
Nigella – who keeps her silver “crisp cauldron” at home well stocked up – claims current flavours are “disappointing”.
She credits Hula Hoops as having “the most bite” but gave the thumbs down to Discos.
Nigella, 61, added: “This has been a cause of deep research.
I am a salt and vinegar person. But one of the things I have found alarming, in its own small way recently, is how they have become more and more muted. I am disappointed with the salt and vinegar crisps I get. “And they keep producing the low-fat crisps...you don’t buy crisps to have a low-fat food. “Until recently I had given up crisps in the salt and vinegar department because salt and vinegar Hula Hoops have the most bite.” Nigella said her book tour producer provided her with Discos, which she says are “no good any more”.
“They used to make you wince. You have a Disco now...it’s like they have reduced the fat, the vinegar is not there.What is the point?”
One brand has the right recipe: “I was recommending Co-op salt and vinegar. I was put off initially, because it said chardonnay vinegar. I thought it is not going to be aggressive enough. If it doesn’t hurt the roof of your mouth, it’s wrong.
“They are very good – for crisps, they are the best for salt and vinegar. The Co-op do roast potato flavour crisps. I like the idea.”
She said she tasted a giant Wotsit, adding: “It was OK but I didn’t need to go to that party again.” Nigella was at the Brighton Dome to promote her book Cook, Eat, Repeat.
She told the audience: “I brought my own salt and vinegar Hula Hoops for the journey today.”
Nigella said she occasionally eats crisps from a bowl after hearing that the late Dame Vera Lynn enjoyed drinking a glass of wine accompanied by a small bowl of crisps.