Proper Crisps Big Cut - Marlborough Sea Salt product reviews

These crisps were pleasant to eat just on their own. They are not too salty so did not aggravate my cold blister or my partner's mouth ulcer. We ate a few on their own and then followed up with some guacamole dip - and both decided they were actually better eaten with something else as they took on the flavour of the other food. Because they are not highly seasoned, they are the perfect match for spicy or umami dips, and would also be nice with a rich soup seasoned with chilli.

We spread some on top of a cauliflower bake before browning it in the oven, and sprinkled a pinch of paprika on top - the crisps took the place of breadcrumbs; because they are thick and hold their shape when in contact with liquids, they formed a semi-crust on the top and gave the dish lots of crunch. We had added mozzarella to the cauliflower so the crisps took on the cheesy flavour as well, forming a nice contrast of taste and texture. This would be a good way to get reluctant children to eat their vegetables and the crunchy top with its red dusting really made the dish look attractive.

My partner had told me about a sandwich that was common among primary-school aged children some years ago. It was a simple filling made of a scrape of butter, marmite to taste, and a layer of potato chips. This was in the days when potato chips came with a separate little bag of salt. Because marmite is already quite salty. the salt bag would normally be omitted. I had never heard of such a thing. I had tried chip butties when in the UK (and was not impressed because they were too greasy), and when I was at school marmite was often combined with lettuce or chopped walnuts to make sandwiches. But potato chips on a sandwich? What a strange idea!

I am game for anything, however, so decided to give the weird idea a go. It was good that these crisps are not too salty as I did not relish the idea of shaking the salt off each one first! I had been told that the bread used must be white and very fresh. No artisan breads for this gourmet food. So - I followed directions to the letter, producing a rather unusual sandwich. The crisps did not want to stay in place and because they are quite big, they ended up sticking out between the slices. Never mind. They would taste the same whether or not they were tidy.

And - to my immense surprise, the sandwiches were delicious. Crunchy, full of flavour, and so good that I made a second as soon as I had finished the first. They were very similar in texture to the walnut and marmite sandwiches of my own youth. Having discovered this idea, I definitely plan to make them again. I think they would be best if the crisps were added just before the sandwiches are eaten to maximise the crunch. I also think a flavoured crisp would not work so well because the marmite and added flavour would compete. But the Marlborough Salt variety is just perfect.

Ever since trying the Proper Crisps Big Cut Smoked Paprika crisps, I have been converted to eating this brand, the quality is definitely worth paying that little bit more for, when I saw these Marlborough Sea Salt crisps available, I wondered if these would pack a big enough flavour hit, or just be too plain and boring. One of the main reasons I enjoy the Big Cut varieties is because they are slightly thicker than a normal crisp and therefore do not fall apart or crumble easily in the packet, they also usually pack an incredible crunch!

These crisps have been cooked with their skins still on and cooked in high oleic sunflower oil and then teamed with the salt, thankfully the flavour packed a punch, and the ratio of salt was not overpowering, but not dull. In comparison to some of the other salted potato chips I have had recently, these ones are miles ahead in the taste category, and none compared to these Proper Crisps with their undoubtable crunch factor.

The crisps are non-genetically modified organisms, gluten free, and have no added MSG, meaning no nasties, I thoroughly enjoyed these and these are now a staple in our pantry for movie night.

I was converted to Proper Crisps after trying their Dill Pickle with Apple Cider Vinegar flavour, and they were extremely good. The Marlborough sea salt I was looking forward too, but my expectations, weren't too high as there can't be too much of a flavour sensation with plain salt... At this risk of making this review short, I was wrong. These were delicious, the crisps are cooked to perfection, and as with my previous experience, they were very moreish, I simply could not stop eating them.

One more reason I had already added proper crisps to my shopping list was because they are vegan, with one member of my family a strict vegan finding delicious food that all of the family like and that isn't too exorbitant is always a challenge. The initial flavour of these chips ticked all those boxes and this one did too. It was at this point in time when said family sensed there were chips open and came to devour the rest of the packet. I noticed that they found it almost impossible to stop snacking and kept going back for more!

The packaging is another great tick from our family, we love that it is compostable and being made in New Zealand with New Zealand grown potatoes not only is great for our economy I think it does add to the taste. These chips don't have the slightly oily coating that some potato chips can have, and that can be particularly noticeable in the ready salted flavour. Reading the packaging, they are cooked in sunflower oil, and this may be the taste difference. The chips are light and crunchy and I highly recommend them for flavour and texture. To be honest there is simply nothing I can fault with this brand, taste, quantity, texture and ethics of the company are all outstanding, with additional ticks for being vegan and New Zealand made. I have encouraged my friends to give them a try and so far I have had no adverse feedback from any I have converted.

These Big Cut Proper Hand Cooked Crisps come in a 140-gram bag which is far too small! As soon as the family sees these crisps, it's game on, with me having to wrestle control of the bag from hubby and the two kids. I bide my time reading the back of the bag (just to frustrate the family even more) and these are going to be 'glorious and blistery, big cut crisps' that are unpeeled, sliced big and hand cooked for a big satisfying crunch. The ingredients are simple, potatoes, high oleic sunflower oil, and salt, and are gluten-free, non-GMO, and have no added MSG. The bags are also able to be recycled at the soft plastic recycling which is great for the environment, especially as they've also included a website with drop-off locations - no excuses for not doing the right thing!

When I opened the bag, I noticed the crisps were of a good size, not humungous, but not small enough that you could stick them in your mouth whole. A lot of the crisps were doubled over which meant they had an extra crunch. As usual, the whole family snuck a small handful with all of them exclaiming how yummy they were - I even got a 'these are my favourite crisps' from my eldest daughter. They are a top-quality crisp that is salty to perfection and have the best crunch I've seen in a chip. They are surprisingly filling, but also very moreish, and unfortunately, the bag only made it to one sitting (hence a bigger bag would be great!)

Overall, these are delicious treats with a flavour that everyone can enjoy. Although a little more expensive than your mass-produced crisps, you get what you pay for, and that's a quality crisp that is cooked by hand (thanks Mika).