In the crisps and snacks category, 2025 was a year of amplifying the heat and – refreshingly – releasing packs and flavours that catered specifically for the convenience sector.
A number of products with hotter flavour profiles or in convenience-exclusive pricemarked packs (PMPs) have hit shelves over the past 12 months. Below are a few of our favourites from across 2025, although these of course only really scratch the surface of the number of new lines released this year.
In February, supplier PepsiCo launched the fiery Doritos Dinamita exclusively into UK convenience, and solely in PMPs. The rolled tortilla chip joined the existing Extra Flamin’ Hot portfolio, which includes Walkers MAX, Doritos and Wotsits Crunchy.
Rob Pothier, head of marketing, portfolio campaigns at PepsiCo, said: “The last year has seen us unleash the heat in the impulse channel, but now it’s time to turn things up another notch. We know Gen-Z are driving the demand for bold and exciting flavours, so we’ve been on a mission to support retailers in catering to these shoppers through our Extra Flamin’ Hot brand, effectively working to futureproof the category with new and innovative offerings.”
The following month (March), Walkers confirmed that its fan favourite Worcester Sauce and Tomato Ketchup flavours were set to return – with the former getting something of a wider releaser than its soft launch in one particularly convenience store.
Irina Panescu, senior marketing manager at Walkers, said: “Super fans from all over the country descended on Charlie’s Convenience Store in Worcester, as it became the first and only stockist of Walkers Worcester Sauce flavour crisps in the world. However, we knew from the unprecedented reaction that we needed to bring the iconic flavour back to stores nationwide. We’re thrilled to be answering the demands of shoppers with the return of our Worcester Sauce flavoured crisps, working with Lea & Perrins to deliver our best taste yet.”
In June, Seabrook brought a new level of excitement into convenience with news that its latest edition, Trebles, would be joining its pricemarked packs (PMP) range.
Stephen Boyd, business manager - head of impulse at supplier Calbee UK, said: “Trebles is new, delicious and taking the category by storm. With incredibly positive feedback from consumers, its success meant one thing - we had to extend it into our PMP range and deliver the same excitement into our wholesale and convenience markets.”
August saw snack brand Proper extend its portfolio with the launch of Crunch Corn in four flavours.
Sandie Dilger, chief marketing officer, said: “With Crunch Corn, we’re building on our track record of driving growth in both the crisps and snacks categories. Shoppers are increasingly looking for more fibre, and this launch delivers it in a bold new format that brings fresh energy to the nuts aisle and snacking occasions.”
Finally, in September, Nik Naks diverted from the shape of its distinctive knobbly crisps with the launch of a sub-brand called Twisters.
“With sharing representing the biggest segment in crisps and snacks, and still growing, it’s the perfect time to introduce a bold new product like Nik Naks Twisters,” said John McDougall, Nik Naks’ senior brand manager at supplier KP Snacks. “By bringing fan-favourite flavours into a new and exciting format, we’re confident Twisters will deliver incremental growth for the segment, while delighting shoppers with the fun, full-on taste they expect from Nik Naks.”
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