Core Ingredients of Simply Roasted Crisps
At their core, Simply Roasted crisps utilize a straightforward and high-quality set of primary ingredients to achieve their signature taste and texture. The foundation is a real, sliced potato, which is sourced locally and prepared with its skin on for added texture and nutrients. Unlike traditional fried crisps that use large quantities of oil for frying, Simply Roasted uses a special roasting process and a smaller amount of high oleic sunflower oil. This type of oil is prized for its high percentage of monounsaturated fats and stability during cooking, contributing to the crisps' low-fat profile. The specific ingredients for the foundational plain Sea Salt flavor are potatoes, high oleic sunflower oil, and sea salt.
The Roasting Process
Rather than being submerged in boiling hot oil, Simply Roasted crisps are cooked in custom-built ovens. This patented technology allows the company to achieve a satisfying crunch while drastically reducing the fat content compared to traditional frying methods. The potato slices are triple-cooked to enhance their crispiness before being seasoned. This method is a key differentiator that sets Simply Roasted apart from other snack brands and is the main reason for its healthier nutritional benefits.
Ingredient Variations Across Simply Roasted Flavors
Beyond the base ingredients, a variety of natural seasonings are added to create the different Simply Roasted flavors. Each flavor's ingredient list is tailored to achieve a distinct taste profile without relying on artificial additives. For instance, the popular Mature Cheddar & Red Onion flavor incorporates rice flour, onion, yeast extract, sugar, tapioca starch, and natural flavorings, making it suitable for vegetarians. The Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar flavor uses Suffolk cider vinegar powder, rice flour, sherry vinegar powder, and other natural flavorings. The specific seasoning blend varies significantly between flavors, and a comprehensive list of flavor options and their ingredients can be found on their official website.
A Comparison of Simply Roasted vs. Fried Crisps
| Feature | Simply Roasted Crisps | Traditional Fried Crisps |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Method | Roasted in special ovens | Deep-fried in large vats of oil |
| Fat Content | 50% less fat per serving | Significantly higher fat content |
| Oil Type | High oleic sunflower oil | Various vegetable oils (sunflower, rapeseed, corn) |
| Texture | Triple-cooked for a satisfying, thick-cut crunch | Ranges from thin and delicate to kettle-cooked hard-bite |
| Artificial Flavors | No artificial flavors or colors | May contain artificial flavorings and colors |
| Dietary Suitability | Mostly vegan and gluten-free | Varies by brand and flavor; often not vegan or gluten-free due to ingredients and cross-contamination |
Benefits of the Simply Roasted Approach
The brand's manufacturing process has several benefits for consumers. The use of high oleic sunflower oil and the roasting technique results in a product with significantly less fat compared to conventionally fried crisps, making them a lower-calorie snack option. All Simply Roasted flavors are gluten-free and vegan, catering to those with specific dietary requirements and preferences. The company also prides itself on using locally sourced, high-quality potatoes and avoiding artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, focusing on the natural taste of the potato itself.
A Look at Flavor Specifics
- Barbecue: Uses a blend of rice flour, sugar, salt, potassium chloride, yeast powder, spices (including smoked paprika and cayenne), and natural flavorings.
- Black Truffle: Contains maltodextrin (from potato), salt, flavorings, truffle extract, garlic powder, and yeast extract.
- Sour Cream & Chive: Features onion powder, rice flour, dairy-free creamer, salt, yeast extract, herbs (chive), natural flavoring, garlic powder, and citric acid.
- Duck & Hoisin: Seasoned with sugar, yeast extract, spices (fennel, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon), salt, garlic powder, dextrose, spirit vinegar, and caramelized sugar powder.
Conclusion
By focusing on simple, natural ingredients and an innovative roasting method, Simply Roasted has carved out a niche in the snack market for those seeking a healthier, yet still satisfying, crisp. The key to their product lies in their core ingredients of potatoes, high oleic sunflower oil, and natural seasonings, combined with a unique process that eliminates the need for deep frying. Whether it's the classic Sea Salt or a more decadent flavor like Black Truffle, consumers can enjoy a tasty, crunchy snack with significantly less fat and fewer artificial additives. For further details on the brand's production and mission, you can visit their website.
Visit Simply Roasted's website for more on their story and process.
