Another in the amazing Manomasa range and something a bit more plain. 

But sometimes you need that for a good dip, I've combined them with fresh pesto, humous & sweet red pepper and it's working for me.

Personally I like my black pepper strong and these could do with a lot more.. But as dipping apparatus- they're perfect.

7/10

“What’s New Pussycat? Well, these crisps for starters. They’re a flavour not seen before in snack format as far as I’m aware and at time of writing they don’t even appear as part of REAL crisps’ range on their website. 

I really love the design of the packet though. For those not up to speed with their traditional British foodstuffs, Welsh Rarebit is ‘… a dish made with a savoury sauce of melted cheese and various other ingredients and served hot, after being poured over slices (or other pieces) of toasted bread, or the hot cheese sauce may be served in a chafing dish like a fondue, accompanied by sliced, toasted bread.’ So in short, everyone’s favourite ‘late-night-post-pub-didn’t-get-to-the-kebab-shop-in-time’ cooked snack, cheese on toast! And these are endorsed and flavoured no less by the Powerful brand version Welsh cheddar specialists, Collier’s.

“As you might expect then, these crisps are definitely one for those who like to dabble in a spot of fromage and certainly It’s not Unusual to find me time to time chowing down on chipped off chunks of cheddar. However, I’m not altogether sure you’d find these crisps in my Green, Green Grass of Home. 

The crisp texture itself is as I would expect from REAL crisps, thick and crunchy, so no complaints there. My issue is with the potent cheese taste which is more overpowering than powerful and I struggled somewhat with the strength of the flavour which packs a punch that Welsh miner and packet cover star ‘Rhondda Rodders’ would have been proud of I’m sure. For me, it’s not that it’s TOO CHEESY (this is Collier’s Powerful Welsh Cheddar after all) but that it was too dry and powdery. And, like a kiss from an ex-girlfriend that you didn’t know wanted you back, it lingers in your mouth longer than expected. If you queso crazy you might want to try but a step too far for me. Mama Told Me not to eat too many crisps.

PS. Apologies to Sir Tom Jones.

5/10.


Stevo, Crisp Nation

REAL Crisps – Ham and English Mustard:

“First off, let’s have it right. REAL (I’m using the capitalisation because they do) are a boss brand of crisp. But I would expect nothing less. Part of the Tayto group, they’re the siblings of other popular brands such as Tayto itself, the evergreen (and no I don’t mean mouldy potatoes!) Golden Wonder, pub favourite Mr Porky pork scratchings and the upper class Jonathan Crisp who like REAL try to breath character into their fried spud offerings. So when I get a chance to savour a flavour from REAL I do expect a lot and these big beauties don’t disappoint.

“The cut of the crisps is thick and they offer wonderful crunch. They’re not oily either as can be the case sometimes with ‘handcooked’ chips as our American cousins might call them. But that’s par for the course for REAL crisps as far as I’m concerned; I expect that quality. What’s great here is the flavouring. Now, meat flavoured snacks aren’t everyone’s cup of tea (although if you’ve read some of my other reviews then you’ll know they most definitely are to my taste) and English mustard (which let’s remind ourselves, can be pretty damned hot) is not exactly subtle but you’ve got respect the balancing act here. You can absolutely recognise a good ham taste which when incorporating mustard can be a tough ask in itself but the mustard hit is a good one too. It’s enjoyable without blowing you socks off and not leaving too nasty an after taste. I mean, you will of course feel like you’ve got a bit of indigestion post snack, they wouldn’t be doing their job if you didn’t! So whilst it’s not exactly gentle it is more subtle on your palette than say Brannigan’s (explosive but still magnificent in my humble opinion) Roast Beef and Mustard crisps. So if you’re after that particular through your nose type mustard rush you might be disappointed but these are cracking if you ask me.”

8/10




Stevo, Crisp Nation

Another superb entry from Manomasa and I'm really ecstatic about this brand. They really have mastered their take on tortilla crisps.

These ones come in the form of a 'Tostada' - Essentially a round tortilla chip but with a slightly softer texture coming from the beans inside.

The flavouring is just glorious - a perfectly original combination of Green Lemon (who knew?!) and Pink Peppercorn. It's got a lovely citrusy tang and mild peppery bite that really teases the taste buds.

A great summery snack. 

If you see these on the shelves - take them, you won't go wrong! 9/10


More from the range:
Manchego & Green Olive
Tomatillo-Salsa