Brits reveal the weird and wonderful ways they eat crisps

From using chopsticks, crushing them to powder, or creating a taste overload with a mix of different flavors, a study of British adults has revealed there are plenty of ways to enjoy the nation’s favourite snack

The study revealed many enjoy eating crisps with something sweet, covering them with chili sauce, or dipping them while it’s in their mouth (Tom Maddick / SWNS)

Research of 2,000 adults found one in ten crush crisps to pour them straight into their mouth, while 28 per cent lick their fingers in order to pick up every last crumb in the packet.

The study also revealed 69 per cent have an unconventional style when it comes to their enjoying their chips in private.

But 71 per cent believe crisps should be eaten in a certain way to make them taste better.

The research was commissioned by Doritos after hundreds went online to reveal the “secret” ways they snack, including submerging chips in a dip to make them soggy and eating crisps with cutlery to avoid getting dusty fingers.

Taste expert Natalie Alibrandi, who has collaborated with the snack brand explained the science behind why adults may choose an unusual eating method.

She said: “Lots of the secret snacking styles are proven by science to increase enjoyment.

“For example, eating lots of crisps together achieves a concentrated flavour burst, and nibbling prolongs flavour exposure.”

The study also found the North West was the “finger-licking capital” with 34 per cent licking their fingers to mop up the last few crumbs at the bottom of each packet.

And London was the city of shy snackers with 19 per cent eating theirs as quietly as possible so they can enjoy them on their own.

Residents of the West Midlands were a group of unsubtle snackers, as a third have been caught red-handed when unleashing their favourite ways to munch.

While gen Z was found to be the age group which is the most experimental, with 21 per cent dipping their chips while holding it in their mouth and 21 per cent opting to warm their crisps up in the oven before eating them.

Others admitted to dipping their tortilla chips in cups of tea (13 per cent) or a milkshake (13 per cent), while 23 per cent eat their tortilla chips with chocolate for that salty-sweet hit.

As the social media generation, 44 per cent of the younger age group have also been inspired by Instagram, TikTok or Facebook to try a new snack.

Alex Nicholas, from Doritos, which commissioned the research to launch its new “Doritos Devour” ad campaign, said: “There’s no doubt that we’re a nation with bold snacking styles, and while some of us feel confident to air them in social situations, many of us only feel confident unleashing them behind closed doors.

“We celebrate individuality, and we want people to enjoy our bold flavours and crunch in fun and unique ways, however, and wherever they choose.

“That’s why we have teamed up with flavour expert Natalie Alibrandi, to empower snackers to embrace their own ways to enjoy tortilla chips.

“Natalie reminds us that while the habits of licking the flavour off, chomping through a few at a time or nibbling each chip bit by bit may not be everyone’s cup of tea, they can maximise the taste experience and so we say just go for it”.

Top ways crisps are eaten by Brits:

1. Eating them one by one
2. Licking your fingers to pick up the last few crumbs
3. Chomping multiple crisps at once
4. Nibbling them bit by bit to make them last longer
5. ‘Drinking’ them straight out of the bag
6. Eating half a dozen crisps in one go for a massive flavour blast
7. Sucking them
8. Licking them before eating them
9. Eating them with cheese crumbled on top
10. Eating as quietly as possible so you don’t have to share
11. Crushing crisps up and pouring them into your mouth
12. Mixing up multiple flavours
13. Warm them in the oven before eating
14. On top of savoury dish (e.g., a pie)
15. Close your eyes so you can taste the flavour more
16. With something sweet (e.g., a piece of chocolate)
17. Chomping them as loudly as possible
18. Chucking them up in the air and catching them in your mouth
19. Covered in chilli sauce
20. Dipping a chip into a dip while holding it in your mouth
21. Smashing them all up into a powder then eating them
22. Put the dip in your mouth first before eating the crisp
23. Leaving tortilla chips in a dip or salsa to go soggy
24. With chopsticks to avoid getting seasoning on your fingers
25. With cutlery to avoid getting crisp grease on your hands