Tomato Snaps will leave the shelves for good, leaving crisp fans devastated
07:54, 20 Oct 2025
Iconic crisp brand Walkers has confirmed a classic type is being discontinued, leaving fans devastated(Image: Getty)
Walkers has announced it will stop making a beloved crisp variety that has been a staple since the 1970s. Tomato Snaps will disappear from shelves permanently, leaving crisp enthusiasts heartbroken.
The snacks are produced at the Newark Road factory in Lincolnshire – and crisp lovers have responded with fury. Walkers, which is owned by PepsiCo, said it was axing the line to focus on ‘bestselling’ products.
The snack giant has confirmed that remaining stocks of the fiery tomato treats will be available through wholesalers, retailers and online platforms over the coming weeks, according to the BBC.
Snaps are curved, rectangular extruded snacks produced from potato starch and potato granules. PepsiCo stated: “Smiths Tomato Snaps have had a great run and will always hold a special place in our history, but evolving our portfolio allows us to focus on making more of the brands and flavours people love.
“We know that fans of Snaps will be sad to see them go, and we’d like to thank them for giving the brand their support over the years.”
Tomato Snaps will vanish forever, Walkers has confirmed(Image: Walkers)
PepsiCo’s Newark Road site, built in 1937, was originally known as the Smith’s Potato Crisp factory.
Today, it is mainly dedicated to producing Quavers, turning out 500 million packs of the snacks each year.
PepsiCo shifted two million kilos of Smiths crisps in 2024, including Tomato Snaps, Frazzles, Chipsticks and Scampi Fries. Crisp enthusiast Alex Ward expressed his disappointment to the BBC, stating: “Me and the wife often go to buy a box full. So really, it’s quite disappointing to know.”
Emma Seddon revealed her fondness for the tomato-flavoured snacks, especially during her pregnancy, saying: “I’ll still eat them now if I find them.”
Meanwhile, garage mechanic Presley Cook reminisced: “I used to have them as a kid, not much anymore.”
Cheryl Smith criticised the decision to discontinue the snack as “out of order”, exclaiming: “That’s ridiculous, isn’t it?”.
Another fan lamented: “I used to get these from the tuck shop at school. I’ve always loved them then discovered they were being made now. They’re our family’s favourite crisp. Absolutely devastated.”
