Snack attacked as Walkers get bags of crisp complaints
You've heard of the credit crunch – and now crisp fans reckon they are being short-changed on their snacks.
A row has broken out over Walkers's Multipack Deep Ridged crisps, with customers saying they often have less than 10 whole crisps in each 28g multipack bag.
One consumer even claimed he had received only five full crisps in one pack, and many complaints are about the amount of air in each packet.
The outcry has been the subject of a BBC Watchdog investigation and the subject is a hot topic on Twitter under the hashtag "crispgate".
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The Leicester Mercury carried out its own investigation and found packs contained between seven and 10 whole crisps, with various fragments and crumbs.
But the Beaumont Leys company said the 28g packs contain the weight of crisps stated and that the air in the bags keeps the crisps from breaking.
A spokesman said: "Walkers Deep Ridged crisps have been designed with deeper ridges than other crisps on the market – this makes them susceptible to some breakage.
"To limit this breakage, we put them into slightly larger packets with some cushioning to protect them, which may give the impression of there being fewer crisps per bag.
"There are in fact 28g of crisps in each multipack bag and this is above the average for multi-pack crisps."
The Mercury investigation counted the crisps in packets bought in six-pack bags from Sainsbury's, Asda and Tesco in Leicester.
The average pack had nine whole crisps inside.
We asked crisp-lovers on the streets of Leicester to give their reflections on the packets they opened for us.
Ben King, 19, of Queniborough, said: "Based on the packet size, it just feels like it's not value for money."
Matt Elliott, 21, of Glenfield, said: "They taste good and I'd probably buy them, but there aren't that many crisps in a multi-pack bag. Before you open them you think there are going to be a few more."
The six-bag packs are for sale for £1.99, but some supermarkets are selling them for just £1.
On Twitter one user, Hashim, wrote: "I've opened Walkers Deep Ridged crisps with only a quarter filled."
Another user, Gooch, wrote: "Just bought a bag of air and Walkers were kind enough to put a few crisps in there."
The face of Walkers crisps, Gary Lineker, also tweeted: "Yikes! I'm told I've been on Watchdog! I guess that's not good. Is it too many crisps or not enough crisps? It's generally one or the other."
Comments
by lisa_mc
Wednesday, October 10 2012, 2:54PM
“I agree with spalding1944 - If your paying for 28g of crisps and get 28g of crisps whats the drama!”
by Scottmason
Sunday, October 07 2012, 2:39PM
“Who would be sad enough to count crisps out of a packet? If you don't like don't buy, simples, or eat 2 packs.”
by Markymark002
Saturday, October 06 2012, 6:51PM
“Seabrooks are the way forward. Loads of flavour!”
by redcat
Saturday, October 06 2012, 5:44PM
“by spalding1944Saturday, October 06 2012, 2:42PM
"28g bag of crisps contain surprise, surprise, 28g of crisps, 1 crisp or 28, it's the weight that counts"
Well yes and no, really. As the saying goes "you eat with your eyes". If you bought a wonderfully decorated cake -then cut it to find it was all just a wonderful decorated cardboard cake then you would be disappointed -even if the weight was exactly as described. The fact is that when you open a bag of these crisps the first thing you feel is disappointment, because you aren't expecting to see "28g" when you open them you are expecting to see a bag of crisps. And if your first thought is "it's 3/4 empty" then it doesn't matter how exactly the weight inside matches the print on the packet you are going to feel shortchanged.”
by DavidJCB
Saturday, October 06 2012, 5:06PM
“You hardly get any crisps in the packet. Health wise, this is great, cost wise a rip-off!”
by CGLee
Saturday, October 06 2012, 4:19PM
“It's simple really, if you're not satisfied, don't buy them. Walkers would soon do something about it then.”
by CaptEngland71
Saturday, October 06 2012, 2:54PM
“That should be taste, not test ;)”
by CaptEngland71
Saturday, October 06 2012, 2:53PM
“Buy Mc Coys crisps instead. A Leicestershire firm and they do not short change you. Walker's have gone down hill since they became famous and the crisps now do not test like they used to.
Cost cutting too far and your rivals are getting better!”
by spalding1944
Saturday, October 06 2012, 2:42PM
“28g bag of crisps contain surprise, surprise, 28g of crisps, 1 crisp or 28, it's the weight that counts”
by heisspartacus
Saturday, October 06 2012, 11:56AM
“The Leicester Mercury carried out its own investigation and found packs contained between seven and 10 whole crisps,
Can't beat dedicated investigative journalism”