Core Ingredients of Burts Crisps
At the heart of every Burts crisp are a few fundamental ingredients that contribute to its distinctive thick-cut, hand-cooked crunch. The simplicity of the base allows the quality of each component to shine through, reflecting the brand's commitment to honest, authentic snacks made in Devon.
The Potato: A Foundation of Quality
Burts sources their potatoes from growers they know and trust, ensuring a high-quality foundation for their crisps. The potatoes are washed, given a gentle scrub to leave some skin on for extra flavor, and then sliced to a specific, satisfying thickness. This attention to detail in the sourcing and preparation of the raw potato is a cornerstone of the brand's process.
Rapeseed Oil: The Cooking Medium
Burts predominantly uses rapeseed oil for cooking their crisps. This oil is known for its versatility and flavor profile. The hand-cooked process involves frying the sliced potatoes in small batches, with a 'master fryer' constantly monitoring and adjusting the temperature to achieve the perfect golden color and hearty crunch.
Seasoning: The Flavor Makers
While the base of potato and oil is consistent, the seasonings are where each flavor profile is uniquely crafted. Burts prides itself on using local ingredient partners for its seasonings to deliver authentic and simple flavors. They avoid using MSG, artificial colorings, and artificial flavorings in their own-brand products, aligning with their focus on quality and craft.
Popular Burts Crisp Flavor Ingredients
Here is a detailed look at the ingredients for some of the brand's most sought-after flavors, based on information provided by Burts and its retailers:
- Lightly Sea Salted: The simplest and most classic flavor. Ingredients include potatoes, rapeseed oil, and sea salt. It's a testament to the quality of the base ingredients themselves.
- Mature Cheddar & Onion: A savory and tangy option. This flavor includes potatoes, rapeseed oil, onion powder, sugar, salt, cheese powder (MILK), yeast powder, natural flavorings, yeast extract powder, cream powder (MILK), parsley, cheddar cheese powder (MILK), and turmeric extract. This variety is suitable for vegetarians but not vegans due to the dairy content.
- Spicy Sweet Chilli: For those who enjoy a bit of heat. This crisp features potatoes, rapeseed oil, sugar, salt, yeast extract powder, garlic powder, onion powder, spices, tomato powder, herbs, natural flavorings, color (paprika extract), and chilli extract. This spicy blend is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
- Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper: A simple yet sophisticated flavor combination. Ingredients include potatoes, rapeseed oil, rice flour, mixed peppercorns, sugar, sea salt, yeast extract powder, onion powder, and natural flavorings. This variety is vegan-friendly.
- Sea Salt & Malt Vinegar: A tangy, classic option with a subtle blend of vinegar flavor. The ingredients are potatoes, rapeseed oil, BARLEY malt vinegar powder, sea salt, sherry vinegar powder, sugar, rice flour, acid (citric acid), and yeast extract powder. Crucially, this is one of the few Burts varieties that is NOT gluten-free due to the barley content.
Comparing Key Allergen & Dietary Information
Understanding the specific ingredients is vital for those with dietary restrictions. The following table compares the allergens and dietary suitability of some popular Burts crisps, based on manufacturer information.
| Feature | Lightly Sea Salted | Mature Cheddar & Onion | Spicy Sweet Chilli | Sea Salt & Malt Vinegar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allergens | None listed (nut-free factory) | Contains MILK | None listed (nut-free factory) | Contains BARLEY (gluten) |
| Gluten-Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Suitable for Vegans | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Suitable for Vegetarians | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Conclusion: A Crunch Built on Simplicity and Quality
From the simple Lightly Sea Salted to the complex Mature Cheddar & Onion, the ingredients in Burts crisps reflect a brand philosophy centered on quality, craft, and authentic flavor. The foundation is consistently high-quality potatoes and rapeseed oil, with the defining factor being the careful application of natural seasonings. While the core recipe is simple, it's the detailed, hand-cooked process and attention to ingredient sourcing that makes the difference. For consumers with dietary concerns, it's always best to check the specific packaging, especially for allergens like milk and barley malt, to ensure a safe and satisfying snack experience. This commitment to clear labeling and quality ingredients is a key part of the brand's appeal.
The Hand-Cooking Process
The hand-cooked process is a key differentiator for Burts. Unlike many mass-produced crisps that are fried continuously in large machines, Burts fries its crisps in small batches in kettle fryers. A master fryer oversees this process, constantly monitoring the temperature and stirring the crisps by hand to ensure even cooking. This manual process results in a thicker, crunchier crisp with more flavor, as the potatoes are handled with care from start to finish. This level of craft and attention to detail is a hallmark of the Burts brand. For more on this, check out their 'About Burts' page on the official website.
Other Burts Snacks
Beyond their traditional hand-cooked crisps, Burts has expanded its range to include other products, such as lentil waves and quinoa crinkles. These are often marketed as lighter or healthier options and feature different core ingredients to achieve a distinct texture and nutritional profile. For example, their lentil waves use lentil flour and rice flour as a base, providing an alternative for those seeking a different type of snack.
Flavor Innovation and Sourcing
Burts frequently collaborates with local producers and partners in the Southwest of England to develop unique and authentic flavors. Examples include using cheddar from Quicke's for their Mature Cheddar & Onion crisps and beef from Eversfield Organic Farm for their Beef & Mustard flavor. This focus on local sourcing not only supports regional businesses but also ensures a taste profile that is deeply connected to its Devon roots.
The Evolution of Burts
Since its founding in 1999, Burts has evolved significantly. Initially known as Burts Potato Chips, the company rebranded to Burts Snacks in 2019 to reflect a broader portfolio that includes popcorn and other snacks. This expansion, alongside acquisitions by Europe Snacks and later One Rock Capital Partners, has allowed the brand to grow its market presence while maintaining its commitment to quality ingredients and its hand-cooked process. Despite the changes in ownership, the emphasis on craft and authentic flavor remains a core part of the brand's identity.
