Salty Dog Crisps Review: The Hand-Cooked Pub Snack With a Proper Bite (and a Brilliant Backstory)
The hand-cooked crisps that BITE BACK. That’s how Salty Dog wants to be defined when we’re choosing between them and the other gazillion crisps out there. It’s plastered over their iconic silver packs that shimmer on the snack racks of pubs across the country. Although, speaking as someone who defines herself as a “dog mum”, it’s their dedication to our canine pals that have influenced my decision.
When they sent me a box to try last month during my house move (also referred to as one of the “most stressful times in anyones life”), they got themselves an advocate for life.
For those who are just here for a quick flavour recommendation: get the British Roast Beef.
Foodie fans, hold tight whilst I give you the low down.
What Makes Salty Dog Crisps “Premium”?
When a crisp brands itself as “premium,” it needs to offer more than a higher price point. Salty Dog backs it up with a clear ingredient philosophy, making these crisps deeply flavoursome.
Their crisps are made without artificial colours, artificial flavours or preservatives. The focus is on quality raw ingredients and simple, honest production.
They use carefully sourced British potatoes, which gives the crisps a fuller, more natural potato flavour and a thicker, more satisfying crunch. The seasoning is bold but balanced. Strong enough to deliver impact, but never masking the base ingredient.
Because they are hand-cooked in smaller batches, the texture is consistent and substantial. You don’t get thin, greasy slices or bland patches. You get depth of flavour and a proper crunch from first bite to last.
It’s all “field to bag”.
The Story Behind Salty Dog: From £1,000 and a Knackered Transit Van
Every great brand has a story. Salty Dog’s is refreshingly real.
Founder Dave Willis started the business with just £1,000 and an old Transit van. No fancy office. No big investor. Just shelves he built himself in the back of that van and relentless determination.
He drove around pubs and independent shops, selling hand-cooked snacks, building relationships one handshake at a time. Week after week. Pub after pub.
Eventually, Dave and his wife Judy decided to create their own crisps. And that’s when Salty Dog was truly born.
Like many independent British brands, the journey hasn’t been smooth.
They’ve faced a lot of challenges. A factory fire destroyed stock and raw materials overnight. They’ve made U-turn decisions to prioritise peace over risk. They lost all of their customers overnight when the lockdown hit. Plus the supply chain chaos and inflation pressures from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Dave has written about the whole rollercoaster journey in a fascinating 10 blog series on their website. Including how they’ve built other brands, such as Gruntled and Darling Spuds.
They’re a real family business that has weathered storms to stay on the shelves.
The Salty Dog Leaderboard
I’ll wrap up with the list you’ve been waiting for (perhaps to contest), my family’s Salty Dog leaderboard, in order of preference with one being the winner.
British Roast Beef
Salt and Malt Vinegar
Ham and Mustard
Strong Cheddar and Onion
Sweet Chilli
Prawn Cocktail
Fiery Jalapeno and Paprika
Sea Salt
Our final thought: Salty Dog crisp flavours take themselves very seriously. They’re vibrant, strong and delicious. We felt bad for placing Sea Salt at the bottom because it’s still a great plain crisp. But the flavours all needed a moment of recognition, along with Dave, Judy and the whole team.
Find a Salty Dog at a pub near you, tell them which pubs they should be in, or follow our lead and buy a pack of British Roast Beef on their website.