Packet #64 Nik Naks Scampi 'N' Lemon

One of the great things about this blog is having a press dedicated to crisps. I'd imagine it's like the folks on Cribs having a wardrobe just for runners, only better because we have crisps. Today I fancied something different and in the back of the press came across a multi pack of Nik Naks. Scampi 'N' Lemon flavour seemed the best choice for the lovely weather.

Straight away you get the strong whiff of scampi from the bag, unsurprisingly they smell just like scampi fries. If you're not a  fan this will be where you stop but I don't mind scampi so dived right in. Nik Naks have always been a delightfully crunchy, noisy crisp and today's bag was no different. They even had those little bits which are rock hard in the corner. Unfortunately that's where the enjoyment stopped. A bitter lemon is the first taste to attack your taste buds followed by a salty limp fish flavour. The lingering aftertaste is not pleasant either, I actually sat with my tongue out for a while hoping the sun word burn the taste away. It didn't.

Anyway that's the benefit of having a crisp press, when you realise that one pack isn't actually that nice you can just jump back in and try again.

Deano.

Packet #47 - Meanies Hot & Spicy

When perfection is achieved, why change what you've been doing? Many crisp companies are constantly trying to tweak and change the flavour of their crisps to enhance it. Often when the pack in question is quite fine just the way it is. The same goes for bringing out new and EXCLUSIVE flavours. These new flavours are always going to be compared to what has come before. ALWAYS. That's why I was skeptical, worried even, when purchasing this latest pack of Meanies, Hot & Spicy.

Meanies are probably my favourite anytime crisps. So automatically I was going to be extra harsh on the new boys. However, as Peter Falk would have put it, there was just one more thing, they were absolutely DELICIOUS! I've ranted before how crisps mascaraed as hot & spicy so now I'm going to focus on the positive. The balance between the hot and the spice was perfect, it allows a nice flame like sensation to develop in your mouth as you contemplate shoving the next handful of deliciousness into your mouth. The heavy crunch and corny texture we all know and love from the pickled onion bunch carries through here to add even more delight to the pack.

I'm not sure what else I can say. I'm delighted with Meanies Hot & Spicy. So delighted in fact I think I'll go out and buy enough boxes of them to make a new bed for myself. And yes, I will be making bed covers out of the empty packs.

Deano.

Packet #31 - Jawz Cheese & Onion

The recent good weather saw an increase in barbecuing in my house. Naturally this led to an increase in crisp purchases and consumption. I had heard a lot about KP's new crisps Jawz so I decided to take the plunge and buy a pack.

I have to admit, I was expecting a lot from Jawz. The pack itself adding to the hype by suggesting I go for the "Big Bite". So in I dived (last water pun I promise). They certainly were a big bite, offering a nice triangular crunch and a corny texture. The flavour however, is where I was let down. There was no great cheese and onion flavour. Mainly just onion. What they started to taste like after a couple of crisps was a big bag of onion rings.

A little let down to say the least. If I want onion rings I'll give Johnnie or Mr. Perri a call. Lets hope the bacon flavour can salvage something for Jawz.

Deano.

Packet #7 - Meanies

Ah Meanies, a childhood favourite if ever there was one. Mainly because they were 5p and you could usually pick up a bit of chocolate with your 20p too. Or there was Mega Meanies if you were feeling flush for 15p.

Well the size of the pack and the price has changed now. 30c will pick you up a mid sized pack of Meanies but they still pack the same pickled onion flavour we all love. A good strong crunch can be expected from these demon shaped crisps. A simple version of the corn based crisps as they don't get stuck to the roof of your mouth.

The pickled onion flavour is as delightful as ever. I wouldn't be big on eating pickled onions normally so I get my fix through Meanies. Not too strong of a pickled flavour but I would advise caution to anyone with any mouth sores. Perfect for a day in the park when you want to feel like a kid again.

Deano.