Adding “cheddar” to cheese and onion is a statement. It says: this isn’t generic cheese flavouring. This is specific, identifiable, quality-focused cheese flavouring. M&S makes this statement and backs it up.
The cheese here has genuine cheddar character. Sharp, tangy, with depth that generic cheese crisps lack. There’s a sharpness that suggests aged cheese rather than processed approximation.
The onion balances appropriately. Present, sweet, complementary. The classic ratio maintained while the quality level rises.
On a decent quality crisp base, the combination works well. Not thick-cut premium, but better than standard supermarket offerings. M&S occupies middle ground between budget and artisan, and this product exemplifies that position.
The default choice
If you’re in M&S and want cheese and onion crisps, these are the obvious choice. They’re better than bringing Walkers home from a different shop. Whether they’re worth a special trip is a different question with a more uncertain answer.
