Last year, my coworker came back from a trip to England with a suitcase half full of snacks. We all thought she was crazy until she started sharing them during lunch breaks. Within a week, three of us had placed orders for British snacks online. That's how good they are.
American snacks are fine. We've got our chips, our cookies, our candy bars. But British snacks have this whole different vibe. The flavors are more interesting, the textures are often better, and there's just something about them that makes you keep reaching back into the bag.
I'm not saying you need to completely abandon your favorite American snacks. But adding some British options to your pantry rotation? That's a game changer.
Walkers Crisps: The Chip Upgrade You Didn't Know You Needed
Let's start with crisps, which is what British people call potato chips. Walkers is the biggest crisp brand in the UK, and they absolutely dominate for a good reason.
The first thing you'll notice is the texture. Walkers crisps are crunchier than most American chips. They have this satisfying snap when you bite into them. They're also less greasy, which means you're not left with orange fingers after eating a bag.
But the real magic is in the flavors. Sure, they have standard options like Ready Salted (plain) and Salt & Vinegar. But then they've got flavors like Cheese & Onion, Prawn Cocktail, and Roast Chicken that you just can't find with American brands.
Cheese & Onion is probably my favorite. It sounds weird if you've never had it, but trust me on this. The cheese flavor is tangy and sharp, and the onion adds this savory depth. It's not overwhelming or artificial tasting. It's just really, really good.
Prawn Cocktail doesn't actually taste like shrimp. It tastes like the sauce that comes with shrimp cocktail, with tomato and a slight tang. Again, it sounds strange, but it works surprisingly well.
The variety packs are perfect if you want to try different flavors without committing to full-size bags. You get a mix of three or four flavors, and you can figure out which ones you want to buy more of.
One warning though: once you start eating Walkers, regular chips might seem kind of boring. You've been warned.
McVitie's Digestives: Not What You Think
When you hear "digestive biscuits," you probably picture something bland and medicinal. That's what I thought too. Turns out, I was completely wrong.
Digestives are actually slightly sweet, wheaty cookies that are perfect for tea time or any time you want a snack that's not super heavy. They were originally made with baking soda to help with digestion (hence the name), but nowadays people eat them just because they taste good.
The plain digestives are great on their own. They have this toasty, almost nutty flavor that comes from the whole wheat flour. They're not too sweet, which makes them perfect for having with tea or coffee.
But here's where it gets really good: chocolate digestives. Take that wheaty biscuit base and cover one side with chocolate, and you've got yourself a near-perfect snack. The chocolate is usually milk chocolate, and it's good quality stuff, not waxy or overly sweet.
Some people eat the chocolate side first. Some people eat the biscuit side first and save the chocolate for last. Some people dunk them in tea and let the chocolate get all melty. There's no wrong way to eat a chocolate digestive.
I keep a package in my desk drawer at work. When that afternoon slump hits around 3 pm, a couple of chocolate digestives with a cup of tea fixes everything. It's just enough sweetness to give you a boost without making you feel sick.
Biscuits for Every Occasion
McVitie's makes more than just digestives. They've got a whole range of biscuits (cookies), and pretty much all of them are worth trying.
Hobnobs are like digestives' cooler cousin. They're made with oats, which gives them a heartier texture and a bit more flavor. The chocolate-covered Hobnobs are dangerously addictive. I'm talking "eat half a package in one sitting" levels of addictive.
Jaffa Cakes are in their own category. They're technically cakes, not cookies, which was actually decided in a court case. Each one has a sponge cake base, orange jelly in the middle, and a chocolate coating. They sound like they'd be too much, but somehow they're perfectly balanced.
Rich Tea biscuits are the simple, no-frills option. They're plain and slightly sweet, ideal for dunking in tea. They're not exciting on their own, but that's kind of the point. They're the supporting actor that makes your tea better.
Cadbury Chocolate: The Better Version
I know Cadbury chocolate is sold in American stores now, but here's the thing: it's not the same. The Cadbury made in the US uses a different recipe than UK Cadbury. The British version is smoother, creamier, and less waxy.
British Cadbury uses more milk and less sugar than American chocolate. The result is something that melts in your mouth differently and tastes less artificial. If you've only had American Cadbury, you haven't really had Cadbury.
The Dairy Milk bar is the classic. Simple milk chocolate that's just really well made. No fancy fillings or weird flavors, just quality chocolate.
Flake bars are unique. They're made by layering thin sheets of chocolate, which creates this texture that literally flakes apart in your mouth. It's messy to eat but totally worth it.
Wispa bars are aerated chocolate, full of tiny bubbles that make it feel light and melty. It's like eating a chocolate cloud.
And then there are the Cadbury Creme Eggs, which show up around Easter. Love them or hate them, they're definitely an experience. That super sweet fondant center is not for everyone, but if you like them, you really like them.
Marmite: The Love It or Hate It Legend
I have to mention Marmite, even though it's probably the most controversial item on this list. Marmite is a spread made from yeast extract, and it tastes salty, savory, and kind of umami-rich.
British people literally say "you either love it or hate it" about Marmite. It's even printed on the jar. There's no in-between. You take one bite and immediately know which camp you're in.
If you love it, you'll want to put it on toast with butter every morning. If you hate it, you'll wonder why anyone would willingly eat it. I'm in the "love it" camp, but I know plenty of people who think it's absolutely disgusting.
The key is to use it sparingly. A little bit goes a long way. Spread butter on your toast first, then add a very thin layer of Marmite. Don't slather it on like peanut butter. That's a rookie mistake that'll turn you against Marmite forever.
Some people also use it in cooking to add depth to soups, stews, and gravies. Just a tiny spoonful can add tons of savory flavor without making things taste specifically like Marmite.
Try it if you're feeling adventurous. Just don't say I didn't warn you.
Proper Shortbread: Not Just for Christmas
Shortbread is one of those things Americans mostly see during the holidays, usually in fancy tins. But in the UK, shortbread is an any-time snack.
Real Scottish shortbread is made with just three ingredients: butter, sugar, and flour. That's it. No eggs, no leavening, nothing else. The simplicity means the quality of the butter really matters, and British shortbread uses good butter.
The texture should be crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth, not hard or dry. It should taste buttery and rich without being greasy. When it's done right, shortbread is absolutely incredible.
Millionaire's shortbread takes things up several notches. It's shortbread on the bottom, a layer of caramel in the middle, and chocolate on top. It's rich, sweet, and absolutely worth the calories.
I usually keep some shortbread in my pantry for when I need something sweet but don't want anything too heavy. A couple of pieces with a cup of tea makes for a perfect afternoon break.
Why British Snacks Hit Different
So what makes British snacks special compared to American ones? Part of it is just different food traditions and taste preferences. British snacks tend to be less sweet and less salty than American snacks. The flavors are often more subtle and complex.
British snack companies also seem to care more about texture. Crisps need to be properly crunchy. Biscuits need to have the right balance of crisp and crumbly. Chocolate needs to melt smoothly. These details matter.
There's also just more variety in flavors. British people aren't afraid of weird chip flavors or unusual biscuit combinations. They're willing to experiment and try things that might sound strange at first but end up being delicious.
Plus, many British snack brands have been around for over a hundred years. When you've been making biscuits since the 1800s, you've had plenty of time to perfect your recipes.
Building Your British Snack Stash
If you're new to British snacks, don't try to buy everything at once. Start with a few basics and see what you like.
Get some Walkers crisps in a variety pack so you can try different flavors. Pick up a package of chocolate digestives because they're pretty much universally loved. Grab a Cadbury Dairy Milk bar to see what British chocolate is really supposed to taste like.
From there, you can branch out based on what you enjoyed. Like the crisps? Try different flavors. Love the biscuits? Explore the whole McVitie's range. Can't get enough of the chocolate? There are dozens of Cadbury varieties to discover.
The great thing about snacks is that they keep well and don't take up much space. You can stock up and have a variety on hand. I've got a whole shelf in my pantry dedicated to British snacks now. It started with one package of Hobnobs and kind of spiraled from there.
Snack Time is Self-Care
Here's something I've learned from British snack culture: taking a proper snack break is actually important. It's not lazy or indulgent. It's a moment to pause, enjoy something tasty, and recharge.
In the UK, tea time is a whole thing. You stop what you're doing, make a cup of tea, have a couple of biscuits, and actually sit down for ten or fifteen minutes. You're not eating at your desk while frantically working. You're taking a real break.
We don't really have that in American culture. We eat lunch at our desks. We snack while driving or walking. We're always multitasking, always rushing.
But there's something really nice about the British approach. When I take a proper snack break with tea and biscuits, I actually feel more refreshed than if I just grabbed something and kept working. Those few minutes of doing nothing but enjoying a snack make a real difference in my day.
Where to Find British Snacks
The good news is you don't have to fly to London to get authentic British snacks anymore. There are online shops that specialize in British groceries and snacks, and they ship all over the US.
Yes, the prices are higher than grabbing chips at your local grocery store. You're paying for imported goods and specialty items. But think about what you spend on snacks anyway. Spending a few extra dollars for something you actually love is worth it.
Plus, these specialty shops usually have pretty much everything you'd find in a British supermarket. Crisps, biscuits, chocolate, candy, tea, condiments, all the good stuff. You can do all your British snack shopping in one place.
The Social Side of Snacks
One of my favorite things about British snacks is sharing them with friends. I love introducing people to Walkers crisps or chocolate digestives for the first time and watching their reactions.
British snacks are great conversation starters too. People get curious when they see unusual flavors or unfamiliar brands. It's a fun way to talk about food and travel and different cultures without getting too serious about it.
I've started hosting what I call "British tea and snacks" gatherings. I make a pot of proper British tea, put out a variety of biscuits and crisps, and people just hang out and try different things. It's become a regular thing with my friend group.
Everyone has their favorites. Some people go crazy for Cheese & Onion crisps. Others can't get enough of Jaffa Cakes. A few brave souls have even become Marmite converts. It's fun to see what resonates with different people.
Final Thoughts
British snacks aren't better than American snacks in some objective way. They're just different, and that difference is worth exploring. Trying snacks from other countries opens up your palate and gives you more options.
Life's too short to eat boring snacks. If you've been eating the same chips and cookies for years, maybe it's time to shake things up. Give British snacks a try. Start with the classics like Walkers crisps and chocolate digestives. See what you like. Branch out from there.
You might discover a new favorite snack. You might find something that reminds you of a trip to the UK. You might just enjoy having more variety in your pantry. Whatever happens, at least you tried something new.
And who knows? Maybe you'll become one of those people who keeps a secret stash of Hobnobs in your desk drawer. Trust me, it's a good club to be in.
Want to discover more amazing British treats and build your perfect snack collection? Head over to Ocanao British Shop and explore authentic British foods that'll transform your snack time!