Retro Crispy Snacks are Making a Comeback

 

I read several articles this September about how retro style crispy snacks are making a huge comeback. Of course, one person’s retro snack is another person’s childhood favourite. Apparently it’s a TikTok trend. I have never looked at TikTok and don’t intend to start now, but it seems that TikTokers will watch absolutely anything for a laugh. And if that means discovering retro snacks that’s fine by me.

Here’s the Daily Mirror. And here’s The Guardian. And The Daily Mail.

Here’s what I had to say about Nik Naks. How interesting, I had quite forgotten them. They’re rather like Crunchy Wotsits. 

And here’s me trying Skips if you are interested.

Since I started eating crisps and crispy snacks in the early 1960s none of these “retro” snacks strikes me as particularly old school. Especially as the little local shop at the bottom of our road has never stopped selling this style of snack. Ditto our post office. Mind you, these days retro seems to apply to anything that wasn’t made or thought of this year. So you decide if these snacks seem retro to you.

Also TikTokers seem to have the attention span of a goldfish (I gather this is longer than we thought), so this trend will probably be over by Christmas, if it isn’t over already.

KP Nik Naks Rib'n'Saucy

 

I don't think I really get Nik Naks. They were never part of my childhood snacking (possibly not invented yet), or indeed my snacking at any time. I don't spot a packet and cry "Amazing I haven't seen Nik Naks for ages!" in an enthusiastic fashion as did Slightly Red Haired Bristolian taste tester the other day. Tech taste tester likes them too. I'm pretty sure they were a childhood treat for him.

 

However, it's always good to try something new, and this is a new Nik Nak flavour for me. Rib'n'Saucy. Hmmnnn..... We think this is a Chinese style rib not an American barbecue rib. And to me it tastes a bit sweet and sour, or aromatic crispy duck-like.

 

Not being a big eater of Nik Naks, neither a big eater of ribs (not even Chinese ribs) I am struggling slightly here. I think if you are a fan of Nik Naks you are likely to enjoy this crispy snack a lot. If not, perhaps not.

KP Nik Naks Nice'n'Spicy

Weirdly perhaps I've never tried Nik Naks before. I didn't mention this to the newest of the taste testers as I think he was thrilled to see a blast from his past on offer.

I have seen Nik Naks of course. But so often them come in a multi pack and I really hate to buy something for the first time if I can only get 10 at once.

So anyway, guess what? Yes the local Budgens has again come to my rescue and sells 50g "grab bags" of Nik Naks.

And? And, although obviously one of those crispy snacks aimed at small boys, these are really great and the nice'n'spicy flavour is inspired.

Basically; yum. What have we got? Onion, curry powder, spice and spice extracts (yes, but which spices?), garlic, sugar,  soy sauce, and the ever popular natural flavourings. So what have we got? Not sure but it certainly tastes good.

Even the empty bag (orange and red with cartoon explosions of taste) has a generous spicy aroma.

Nik Naks (it says here): knobbly, wacky sticks of corn. Intensely tasty, unusually knobbly.
No artificial colours or flavours (although we don't really know what the flavours are dammit), no MSG, and made with 100% sunflower oil.

Definitely worth a try. Now. Can I find small bags of their other flavours?