Specifying malt vinegar signals intent. Waitrose Essential could have used generic vinegar flavouring. Instead, they’ve specified malt, the British chip-shop vinegar, the authentic sour experience.
The sourness is present but restrained. This isn’t aggressive salt and vinegar. It’s polite salt and vinegar, the kind that registers without assaulting. Your lips might tingle slightly. Your face won’t scrunch.
For the Essential range, this is appropriate calibration. Budget crisps shouldn’t try to be extreme. They should try to be acceptable, and these are acceptable.
The malt specification adds credibility without adding intensity. It’s the thought that counts, even if the execution plays it safe.
Decent budget salt and vinegar.
