In recent years, London has emerged not just as a global culinary capital but also as a hotspot for snack innovation. Amid a fast-paced urban lifestyle, the demand for quick, flavourful, and better-for-you snacks has surged and at the heart of this snack revolution lies one timeless treat: chips.
Across the city, chips companies are crafting everything from traditional British crisps to bold new vegetable-based alternatives. These companies aren’t just feeding a craving they’re shaping food culture, prioritising sustainability, and elevating the humble chip into a gourmet experience. This blog explores the top 10 chips companies in London, looking at how they’ve risen to the top and what sets them apart in this highly competitive market.
What Makes London a Thriving Market for Chips Companies?
The vibrant food culture, diverse consumer base, and retail infrastructure make London an ideal launchpad for innovative chips brands. From diverse consumer preferences to advanced logistics and branding opportunities, the city has all the ingredients for success.
A Diverse and Demanding Consumer Base
Londoners are a culturally rich population with a broad array of tastes and dietary requirements. This diversity fuels demand for everything from gluten-free lentil chips to truffle-infused gourmet crisps. With this variety in demand, brands are pushed to continuously innovate and customise their product lines.
Access to Local and Sustainable Ingredients
London’s close proximity to agricultural counties like Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk makes it easier for chips companies to source fresh, high-quality British potatoes and root vegetables. This not only shortens the supply chain but also aligns with consumer preferences for locally sourced food.
Established Retail and Distribution Infrastructure
The capital is home to the UK’s largest network of supermarkets, independent stores, and international export hubs. Chips brands can get their products into retailers quickly and cost-effectively, or deliver directly to consumers using robust e-commerce platforms.
How Do These Companies Innovate in Flavour and Texture?
The London chips market is not driven by quantity. it’s about quality, flavour variety, and textural uniqueness.
Creative Use of Ingredients
Modern chips are more than just deep-fried potatoes. Brands like Emily Crisps and Proper Snacks are exploring plant-based alternatives using:
- Sweet potatoes
- Lentils
- Beetroots
- Parsnips
- Cassava
These ingredients result in chips with unique textures and a more complex flavour profile.
Premium Flavour Pairings
Gourmet chips companies are tapping into culinary trends to deliver flavours that mimic fine dining dishes. Think “Wagyu Beef & Honey Mustard” or “Goat Cheese with Rosemary.” These are not just snacks they’re gourmet experiences in a bag.
| Brand | Flavour Innovation | Category |
| Savoursmiths | Truffle & Rosemary | Gourmet Potato Crisps |
| Proper Snacks | Salted Lentil Chips | Healthy Baked Chips |
| Emily Crisps | Sweet Potato Chilli | Root Vegetable Crisps |
| Pipers Crisps | Anglesey Sea Salt | Traditional Premium Chips |
This continuous innovation keeps customers engaged and willing to try new variants with each purchase.
What Are the Top 10 Chips Companies in London?
1. Tyrrells – “Hand-Cooked British Indulgence”
Tyrrells is a beloved name in the UK’s snack landscape. Originally founded on a Herefordshire farm, it has established a strong presence in London through retail and online distribution.
Known for its artisanal roots and hand-cooked crisps, Tyrrells mixes quirky British branding with gourmet-level flavours. Their products include inventive blends like “Sunday Best Roast Chicken” and “Mature Cheddar & Chive,” making them a favourite in both traditional and upscale snack aisles.
Signature Range
Classic potato crisps with heritage flavour twists, always cooked in small batches.
Ideal Choice
For those who love high-end snacks with a distinctly British personality.
Pricing: £1.30–£2.80 per bag (40–150g)
- Website: www.tyrrellscrisps.co.uk
- Phone: +44 0800 689 0603
- Address: 118 Pall Mall London SW1Y 5ED
- Email: info@tyrrellflooring.com.
Review: ★★★★★
“Bold flavours and a rustic crunch — Tyrrells never disappoints!”
2. Proper Snacks – “Snacking Redefined”
Proper Snacks started with popcorn but quickly evolved into one of the UK’s leading names in better-for-you snacks. Their Proper Chips range features lentil-based crisps with standout flavours like “Barbecue” and “Sour Cream & Chive.” Proudly female-founded, Proper Snacks blends health-conscious innovation with bold branding, sustainability, and plant-based ingredients.
Product Focus
Plant-based crisps that taste indulgent but are surprisingly light and low in fat.
Top Use
A guilt-free snacking option for health-focused Londoners.
Pricing: £1.50 per 85g bag
- Website: www. proper.co.uk
- Address: 184 Drummond Street London, NW1 3HP
- Email: snack@proper.co.uk
Review: ★★★★☆
“I love the crunch and the fact that they’re actually healthy – my go-to snack!”
3. Kettle Foods Ltd – “Real Food, Real Pleasure”
Kettle Foods, a premium crisp manufacturer, has established its UK division in Norwich but has a strong commercial presence in London. Known for their dedication to real ingredients and thick-cut crisps, Kettle champions slow cooking for that signature bite.
London shoppers regularly reach for popular picks like “Sweet Chilli & Sour Cream” and “Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar,” which have become go-to favourites on supermarket shelves.
Feature Highlight
Thick-cut crisps crafted from all-natural, high-quality British potatoes.
Target Audience
Perfect for traditionalists who enjoy hearty, full-flavoured crisps.
Pricing: £1.80–£3.00 per 150g bag
- Website: www.kettlefoods.co.uk
- Phone: 0800 616996
- Address: 38 Barnard Rd, Bowthorpe Employment Area, Norwich NR5 9JP
Review: ★★★★★
“The crunch is on another level – proper, satisfying crisps every time.”
4. Savoursmiths – “Luxury Flavours, British Craft”
Savoursmiths represents the luxury end of the chips spectrum. Based in Cambridgeshire with retail operations in London, the brand fuses opulence with snack food think “Champagne & Serrano Chilli” or “Wagyu Beef & Honey Mustard.” Made from home-grown potatoes and using eccentric flavour pairings, Savoursmiths stands out as a true disruptor.
Culinary Edge
Chic, indulgent flavours rarely seen in the crisp world.
Suitable For
Sophisticated snackers looking to impress or indulge.
Pricing: £1.80–£3.50 per 150g
- Website: www.savoursmiths.com
- Phone: 077 676 23265
- Address: Dame Edith Farm, Duxford, CB22 4PP
- Email: hello@savoursmiths.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“Stylish and full of flavour – definitely not your average crisp!”
5. Walkers (London Distribution) – “Britain’s Favourite Crisps”
No list would be complete without Walkers. With a dedicated distribution network in London, Walkers has remained a household name for decades. From their classic “Ready Salted” to the more adventurous “Prawn Cocktail,” their crisps are iconic. Though mass-produced, Walkers retains loyalty through nostalgia, variety, and widespread availability.
Key Differentiator
A legendary crisps brand offering maximum variety and consistency.
Most Popular With
Everyone from school kids to office snack drawers.
Pricing: £1.00–£2.00 per bag
- Website: www.walkers.co.uk
- Phone: 0800 274 777
- Address: 450 South Oak Way, Reading RG2 6UW
- Email: consumer.relations@walkers.co.uk
Review: ★★★★★
“Classic British crisps that never go out of style.”
6. Fairfields Farm – “Crisps from Crop to Chip”
Located in Essex but widely available across London, Fairfields Farm is a family-run operation growing its own potatoes and crafting hand cooked crisps onsite. Their range includes unique offerings like “Sea Salt & Aspall Cyder Vinegar,” all made in an environmentally friendly facility using renewable energy.
Product Identity
Farm-grown ingredients with minimal food miles and high traceability.
Recommended For
Eco-conscious consumers looking for true farm-to-snack experiences.
Pricing: £1.20–£2.40 per bag
- Website: www.fairfieldsfarmcrisps.co.uk
- Phone: 01206 241613
- Address: Fordham Rd, Wormingford, Colchester CO6 3AQ
- Email: hello@fairfieldsfarmcrisps.co.uk
Review: ★★★★☆
“Fresh-tasting crisps and I love knowing exactly where they’re made.”
7. Two Farmers – “Plastic-Free, Planet-Friendly Crisps”
Two Farmers set a UK industry milestone by launching crisps in fully compostable packaging a move that strongly appeals to environmentally aware consumers in London. With flavours like “Hereford Hop Cheese & Onion,” they also prove that sustainability doesn’t mean compromising on taste.
Unique Feature
Sustainable packaging backed by zero-waste production methods.
Ideal Users
Environmentally minded snackers seeking a guilt-free crunch.
Pricing: £1.50–£2.75 per bag
- Website: www.twofarmers.co.uk
- Phone: 01989 253133
- Address: Lower Barn Farm, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 5SE
- Email: info@twofarmers.co.uk
Review: ★★★★★
“Finally, crisps that taste amazing and don’t hurt the planet!”
8. Ten Acre – “Free-From, Full of Flavour”
Ten Acre focuses exclusively on “free-from” snacking, offering crisps that are entirely plant-based, and free of gluten and dairy making them ideal for allergen-sensitive eaters.
With playful packaging and classic flavours like “The Story of When Cheese Met the Onion,” Ten Acre has built a loyal following among Londoners with dietary restrictions.
Standout Attribute
Inclusive snacks made without compromising on classic crisp taste.
Designed For
Those with allergies, intolerances, or ethical food preferences.
Pricing: £1.20–£1.99 per 40g bag
- Website: www.tenacresnacks.co.uk
- Phone: Not listed
- Address: North London (distributed via YUM Group)
- Email: hello@tenacrecrisps.co.uk
Review: ★★★★☆
“You’d never guess they’re vegan — the taste is spot on!”
9. Pipers Crisps – “Crisps as They Should Taste”
Pipers focuses on bold, honest flavours and supports British growers by sourcing ingredients like Anglesey sea salt and Lye Cross cheddar. They’ve earned a premium reputation and are a regular feature in pubs, cafés, and hotels throughout London.
Distinct Feature
Single-origin ingredients with unmatched intensity of flavour.
Best Enjoyed By
Snack purists who want strong, no-nonsense British crisps.
Pricing: £1.00–£2.20 per 40–150g bag
- Website: www.piperscrisps.com
- Phone: 0800 783 3851
- Address: Elsham Wold Industrial Estate, Brigg DN20 0SP
Review: ★★★★☆
“Strong flavours and proper crunch – a real pub crisp!”
10. Emily Crisps – “Naturally Bold”
Emily Crisps is a London-born brand focused on turning real fruit and vegetables into boldly flavoured, vibrant snacks. Using a unique drying process that locks in colour and nutrition, they produce options like “Sweet Potato Sea Salt” and “Chilli & Lime Banana.”
Key Trait
Colourful, nutrient-rich snacks made from real vegetables and fruits.
Suited For
The adventurous eater or health-conscious snacker.
Pricing: £1.20–£2.60 per 30–100g
- Website: www.emilycrisps.co.uk
- Address: 61 Grosvenor Sreet, London, W1K 3JE
- Email: hello@emilycrisps.co.uk
Review: ★★★★★
“Beautifully crispy, and the flavours are so different – love them!”
Where Are These Chips Companies Selling Their Products?
Availability plays a big role in brand visibility and growth. London’s chips brands utilise both traditional and modern sales channels to reach their consumers.
Supermarket and Grocery Store Distribution
Kettle Foods and Walkers have firmly secured shelf space across major UK supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Asda a testament to their popularity and reach. Meanwhile, artisanal brands such as Fairfields Farm are featured in upscale organic stores like Planet Organic, Whole Foods, and Daylesford.
Direct-to-Consumer Models
Many chips companies operate e-commerce platforms that offer:
- Nationwide delivery
- Subscription snack boxes
- Customised flavour bundles
- Plastic-free or compostable shipping options
This direct model allows them to build customer loyalty, gather feedback quickly, and maintain control over product presentation.
International Export
Brands like Tyrrells and Pipers have moved into the export market, shipping to over 40 countries worldwide. Their “Britishness” acts as a unique selling point on the global stage.
What Role Does Sustainability Play in the Chips Industry?
Sustainability is now central to every forward-thinking chips brand in London.
Eco-Friendly Packaging
Several chips companies have moved beyond plastic:
| Brand | Packaging Type | Environmental Impact |
| Two Farmers | 100% compostable bags | Reduces landfill waste |
| Fairfields Farm | Recyclable cardboard packs | Sustainable and stylish |
| Proper Snacks | Recyclable soft plastic | Supports closed-loop recycling |
These changes reflect both brand responsibility and customer expectations.
Ethical Sourcing and Local Farming
Working with local farms supports the British economy and ensures traceability. Companies like Pipers Crisps highlight their partnerships with single-source farms, adding authenticity and transparency to their supply chain.
Reducing Emissions
Some chips manufacturers are investing in solar-powered production facilities and using biofuels for transport. Brands like Two Farmers are leading the way with near-zero waste manufacturing.
Are London’s Chips Companies Meeting Health Conscious Demands?
As the wellness movement grows, snack brands are under pressure to make chips healthier without compromising on taste.
Low-Calorie and Baked Options
Brands like Proper Snacks are responding with low-fat, air-popped, and baked crisps that contain fewer calories and saturated fats compared to conventional fried products.
Vegan and Allergen-Free Products
Many of the top chips companies now produce entirely vegan ranges. Ten Acre, for instance, offers gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free chips all in line with strict allergy standards.
Transparent Labelling and Nutritional Content
Clear front-of-pack labelling, health star ratings, and allergen callouts have become standard among premium brands, making it easier for consumers to make informed choices.
What Makes Branding So Important in This Industry?
In a competitive market, the story behind the crisp is just as important as the taste.
Visual Appeal
Packaging isn’t just functional. it’s a marketing tool. Savoursmiths use metallic finishes and surreal imagery, while Emily Crisps reflects their botanical ingredients through vibrant, nature-inspired designs.
Storytelling and Community Connection
Companies are investing in “brand purpose” by sharing stories of how their founders created the business, their commitment to the environment, or how they give back to local communities.
Can Entrepreneurs Still Enter the Chips Market in London?
Despite fierce competition, the snack market is still open to new entrants particularly those with a unique value proposition.
Key Entry Points for Startups
- Focus on underserved dietary needs (e.g. keto, paleo)
- Offer fully compostable packaging
- Use exotic or regional ingredients
- Create limited-edition collaborative flavours
Challenges to Consider
- High production and distribution costs
- Stringent food safety regulations
- Competing against legacy brands
Entrepreneurs need to be innovative and agile, often starting in small batches and scaling through farmers’ markets, e-commerce, and local grocers.
Why Should Londoners Support Local Chips Brands?
Buying from local chips companies goes beyond flavour it has economic, environmental, and cultural benefits.
Supporting Local Agriculture and Jobs
Many chips brands directly employ Londoners or source their ingredients from nearby counties, contributing to regional economies.
Reducing Carbon Footprint
Less transportation means fewer emissions. London-based snacks reduce food miles and support sustainable production.
Celebrating British Flavours
Local companies are more likely to create flavours that reflect British cuisine such as roast beef, cheddar & onion, or salt & malt vinegar preserving cultural culinary traditions.
Conclusion
London’s chips companies are redefining what it means to snack blending bold flavours, clean ingredients, and sustainable practices. From household names to eco-conscious innovators, these brands offer something for every taste and lifestyle. By choosing locally made crisps, Londoners not only enjoy great flavour but also support ethical food production and homegrown talent.
FAQs About Chips Companies in London
What is the shelf life of gourmet crisps?
Typically 6–9 months, depending on packaging and preservatives used. Eco-packaged chips may have slightly shorter shelf lives.
Do any London chips companies use heritage potatoes?
Yes. Companies like Tyrrells and Fairfields Farm grow or source heritage varieties like Lady Claire and Lady Rosetta for flavour and texture.
Are there subscription boxes for London-made crisps?
Absolutely! Brands like Two Farmers and Proper Snacks offer monthly snack boxes featuring rotating flavours and exclusive first releases.
What preservatives are commonly used in artisanal chips?
Many gourmet brands avoid artificial preservatives, using natural methods like vacuum sealing, low moisture cooking, or using citric acid.
Which London chips brands offer gluten-free options?
Ten Acre, Emily Crisps, and Proper Snacks offer certified gluten-free lines suitable for coeliacs.
Can I recycle crisps bags in London?
Only soft plastic or compostable bags are widely recyclable. To recycle responsibly, examine each bag’s disposal instructions or find designated Terracycle collection points near you.
Are London chips companies involved in community projects?
Yes, several support food banks, sponsor local sports teams, or run educational programs on sustainable farming and food waste reduction.