M&S Launches Lobster-Flavored Crisps Amidst Wave of Discontinued Classics

Marks & Spencer has introduced a new high-end snack: Extra Virgin Olive Oil Crisps with Lobster. The premium offering, part of M&S's Collection Line and priced at £3.90, has quickly garnered attention on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Users have praised the subtle yet distinct flavor, with one noting, "The flavour is so subtle, they've just got it bang on."

This launch coincides with a growing sentiment of nostalgia for discontinued British crisp flavors. Over the decades, many unique and once-popular crisps have vanished from supermarket shelves, prompting retrospection among consumers. One such case is Brannigans crisps, a "pub classic" known for its roast beef and mustard and smoked ham and pickle varieties. Despite a petition launched in 2023 to bring them back after their discontinuation in 2020, the brand has not reappeared.

Several other crisps evoke fond memories for those who grew up with them:

KP Outer Spacers, launched in the late 1970s during the Star Wars craze, were popular with children for their starship shapes and themed flavors. The brand was later rebranded as Alien Spacers and eventually evolved into the current Space Raiders.

Smith's Chinese Quavers offered a spicy, beef-inspired twist on traditional cheese puffs, designed to mimic Chinese takeaway spices. They were known for dissolving on the tongue and were a common school lunchbox item before being discontinued.

Skip's Sweetcorn Relish crisps, released in 1985 with distinctive yellow packaging, were a tangy and unusual vegetable-flavored option that gained a niche following but were short-lived, making way for the more popular Prawn Cocktail flavor.

Rileys, founded in 1947, was known for its experimental flavors such as Scampi & Lemon, Grouse, and New Potatoes with Mint, alongside more traditional options. The brand was phased out in the 1990s after the company was acquired by Golden Wonder.

King Fuey crisps, popular in the 1970s, capitalized on the martial arts trend. These uniquely shaped, hollow balls featured flavors like bacon and mushroom, but were discontinued due to shifting consumer preferences.

Hedgehog Crisps, developed in 1981, were known for their unusual flavoring and shape. Initially removed from shelves due to misleading naming, they were later renamed "Hedgehog Flavoured Crisps" but were ultimately discontinued in 1994.

Walkers launched a limited-edition Monster Munch Vanilla Ice Cream flavor in 2003, a sweet variation that lasted only 16 weeks. Despite its short run, it remains a memorable nostalgic snack for some.

Thundercat crisps, popular in the 1980s, were accompanied by collectible glitter stickers and offered flavors like Crispy Bacon and smoky Bar-B-Cue. Their popularity waned with the end of the television show's broadcast.

Tudor Crisps, established in 1947, experimented with flavors such as hot dog and mustard, mint sauce, and gammon and pineapple, as well as sweet options like chocolate and Irn-Bru. The brand was discontinued in 2003 when PepsiCo consolidated its brands under Walkers.