Crisps: an icon for the British Consumer

If you observe Brits' lunch habits, you'll discover the obsession of the Nation for crisps. While, according to Mintel's latest research into savoury snacks, the vast majority (76%) of Brits would typically lunch on a sandwich - or roll or wrap - 40% will include a packet of crisps or salty snacks as part of their packed lunch.

While a huge majority of the UK population (84%) eat crisps, 12% do it as often as once a day or more and 28% around two or three times per week. And while two in five (40%) eat crisps and salty snacks as part of their lunch, the evening appears to be the best time for crisp consumption, with over seven in ten (71%) doing so, while over a third (36%) prefer to eat them as an afternoon snack.

Not even a double dip recession has managed to halt the market, which was valued at £1.3 billion in 2011 - a growth of 27% since 2006. Indeed, the market has certainly seen some factors turn in its favour, such as the trend towards consumers staying at home to save money during times of economic hardship, as well the "affordable treat"factor, with 47% of consumers claiming to treat themselves to unhealthy foods. And just to put it into context, Brits splashed £655 million on tea (in-home consumption) and £3.3 billion on milk last year.

Moreover, the sheer number of packets on supermarket's shelves reinforces the idea of crisps as a national treasure, with product launches registering an increase of 6.5% from 2007 to 2011. There is also the incredible variety of flavours, which tailor to every kind of taste.