For many in the UK, the mention of “Brannigans crisps” conjures up a specific, potent memory: a thick-cut, intensely flavoured potato crisp, often enjoyed with a pint in a pub. Brannigans weren’t just another bag of crisps; they were a distinct experience, renowned for their robust flavours, particularly the iconic Roast Beef & Mustard. While the brand may no longer grace supermarket shelves in its original form, its legacy and the fervent longing of its fans continue to echo across the internet.

This article delves into the world of Brannigans crisps, exploring their history, their beloved flavours, why they ultimately disappeared, and what the passionate community of fans are doing to keep their memory alive.

What Exactly Were Brannigan’s Crisps?

Brannigans crisps were a brand of thick-cut potato crisps, distinguished by their hearty texture and powerful, distinctive flavours. They were manufactured by KP Snacks, a prominent British snack food company. Unlike many other crisps that offered subtle notes, Brannigans were known for their unapologetically strong taste, designed to stand out. The crisps were famously described as “proper thick cut” and “bursting with strong classic flavours.” They were cooked with 100% sunflower oil and, notably, were suitable for vegetarians, even the Roast Beef & Mustard flavour, which used flavourings rather than actual meat.

A Taste of History: The Rise and Fall of Brannigan’s

Brannigans crisps first emerged onto the British snack scene in the 1980s. While the exact origins are a bit hazy, anecdotal evidence suggests they were developed by a Mr. Brannigan, a shopkeeper of Irish heritage, who launched them from a market stall. They quickly gained popularity, particularly finding a strong foothold in pubs and catering businesses, where their robust flavours perfectly complemented a refreshing drink.

For decades, Brannigans held a special place in the hearts of crisp enthusiasts. Their two most famous and widely available flavours were:

Roast Beef & Mustard: This was, without a doubt, the flagship flavour. It delivered a powerful kick of mustard intertwined with a savoury, meaty (yet vegetarian-friendly) roast beef essence. It was a flavour that truly “cleared your sinuses” as many fans fondly recall.

Smoked Ham & Pickle: Another popular choice, offering a tangy and smoky profile that was equally bold and satisfying.

For years, these two flavours were synonymous with the Brannigans brand, cementing their reputation for intensity and quality.

The Inevitable Decline: Why Brannigans Were Discontinued

Sadly for their loyal fanbase, Brannigan’s crisps faced the unfortunate fate of many beloved snacks: discontinuation. In September 2020, KP Snacks officially announced that Brannigans crisps would no longer be produced. The reason cited was a “declining demand.”

A statement shared by KP Snacks explained: “Whilst this product had been cited as a fond favourite, its popularity had regrettably not been shown in consumer demand. In fact, sales of this product had for some time been in a downward trend. Demand from stockists had correspondingly declined. Therefore, sadly, production was no longer commercially viable and the product had to be discontinued. We have no plans in producing these again in the near future.”

This news was met with widespread disappointment and a wave of nostalgia across social media. Fans expressed their grief, sharing memories of enjoying Brannigans and lamenting the loss of their distinctive taste. Despite their perceived popularity, the commercial reality was that sales had simply dwindled to a point where continued production was no longer sustainable for KP Snacks.

The Brannigans Ingredients: What Made Them So Distinctive?

The unique flavour and texture of Brannigans were a result of their carefully selected ingredients and manufacturing process. Let’s take a look at the typical ingredients for their most famous flavour, Roast Beef & Mustard:

Potatoes: The foundation of any crisp, Brannigans used specially selected potatoes, cut thickly to provide that satisfying crunch.

Sunflower Oil: Cooked with 100% sunflower oil, contributing to their taste and texture.

Roast Beef & Mustard Flavouring: This is where the magic happened. The flavouring typically contained:

Dried Whey (Milk)

Yeast Extract

Salt

Dried Skimmed Milk

Mustard Powder

Potassium Chloride

Flavourings (containing Mustard Oil)

Citric Acid

Dried Garlic

Ground Black Pepper

Ground Cayenne

It’s important to note the presence of ingredients like dried whey, dried skimmed milk, and yeast extract, which contributed to the savoury, umami notes, while mustard powder and mustard oil provided the characteristic kick. The inclusion of citric acid also added a subtle tang that enhanced the overall flavour profile. Despite the “Roast Beef” in the name, the crisps were indeed suitable for vegetarians due to the use of flavourings rather than actual meat.

The Fervent Fan Community: Keeping the Brannigans Dream Alive

Even after their discontinuation, the love for Brannigans crisps has not faded. A strong and vocal fan community exists online, particularly on social media platforms and forums. These dedicated fans often engage in:

Lamenting the Loss: Sharing memories and expressing their sadness over the discontinuation.

Seeking Alternatives: Actively discussing and recommending other crisps that come close to the Brannigans experience. Common suggestions often include:

Aldi’s Beef and Horseradish crisps: Many fans consider these a decent replacement for the Roast Beef & Mustard flavour, noting their similar strong kick.

McCoy’s Ultimate Chargrilled Steak & Peri Peri: Some find similarities in the robust, meaty flavour profile.

Mackie’s Crisps: Particularly their Haggis & Cracked Black Pepper or Scotch Bonnet flavours for those who enjoy an intense, unique taste.

Slabs: Known for their thick-cut style, some compare their texture to Brannigans.

Petitioning for a Return: While less common now, there were undoubtedly calls and petitions for KP Snacks to bring Brannigans back.

Sharing Nostalgia: Recalling the days when Brannigans were readily available in pubs and shops, creating a shared sense of nostalgia among fellow crisp aficionados.

The continued discussion and search for “Brannigans alternatives” on platforms like Reddit highlight just how deeply ingrained these crisps were in the British snack psyche.

FAQs

What were Brannigan’s crisps?

Brannigans were a line of thick-cut, full-flavour “pub-style” crisps produced by KP Snacks since the 1980s. Iconic for their bold flavours like Roast Beef & Mustard and Smoked Ham & Pickle, they came in distinctively retro-styled brown or foil bags and were beloved for their sinus-clearing intensity .

Why were they discontinued?

In September 2020, KP Snacks ended production, citing “declining demand,” despite a devoted fan base. Over time, sales dropped and fewer retailers stocked the product, making its continued production commercially unviable 

 Is there a petition to bring them back?

Yes! A Change.org petition launched in July 2020 urged KP Snacks to “return Brannigan’s crisps ASAP!”, arguing that replacements like McCoy’s simply “can’t replace the taste bomb that mustard lets off” 

 Are there suitable alternatives?

While no crisp matches Brannigan’s perfectly, fans suggest these options:

Tesco Finest Beef & Horseradish (ridged)

“They taste almost identical! The texture is very different but not in a bad way.” 

Mackie’s (various bold flavours)

“Mackies crisps are good and probably pretty close to Brannigans.” 

Pipers Beef Longhorn and Lancashire Crisps Black Pudding & Mustard – recommended for bold-flavour seekers 

What did Reddit users say?

“Irreplaceable…. Especially the Roast Beef and Mustard.” 

“Tesco Finest Beef and Horseradish…almost identical in taste.” 

Fans are still mourning, even years later:

“They were the best. Brannigan’s crisps…killed off for good in mid‑2020 due to declining sales.” 

Where can I still find them?

Bulk‑order websites like ChipsAndCrisps.com occasionally list old stock 

Some B&M or discount stores carried limited stock in 2020, but these are now rare 

Collector forums sometimes mention leftover packs, though these are scattered and not widely available .

Were they really so intense?

Yes—reviews and social media confirm Brannigans were celebrated for their powerful flavour and thick, substantial texture. Eater London likened the Roast Beef & Mustard variety to a “sinus‑ruining” snack, praising its caramelised, deep-fried boldness 

Will they be revived?

Unlikely in the short term. KP Snacks cited consistent sales decline and stated they have no plans to bring them back. While petitions and nostalgia posts continue, the brand’s future remains very unlikely 

To conclude

Brannigans crisps represented a high-water mark of bold, thick-cut pub-style snacks in the UK. Despite passionate fan campaigns, they were discontinued in September 2020 due to declining sales . While diehard fans mourn their loss, alternatives like Tesco Finest Beef & Horseradish and Mackie’s bold flavours provide a similar punch, though none replicate the exact experience 

The brand’s disappearance sparked both nostalgia and lively debate on Reddit, where it’s repeatedly remembered as “irreplaceable” 

. Today, acquiring genuine Brannigans is a rare feat—limited to online surplus stock or secondhand stores. Though petitions and nostalgia persist, KP Snacks hasn’t indicated any intention to reintroduce the brand.

For fans seeking that crunch and flavour, exploring bold UK crisp brands or stocking up on Tesco Finest’s rigid equivalents may be the closest substitute. But for many, the Brannigans experience remains a one-of-a-kind snack legend.

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