Crisp fans are baffled by contradicting crisp packets
August 27, 2023Crisp fans are baffled by packets claiming contents are made from 100 per cent British potatoes – while also stating ingredients include non-British potatoes
- Potato fanatics slammed Kettle and Lidl crisps for the miscommunication
Crisp enthusiasts were left stunned to see the back of contradictory crisp packets, which claimed to simultaneously contain British and non-British potatoes.
The crisp packet from Lidl’s deluxe range states in bold white letters, ‘100% British potatoes,’ next to a Union Jack flag.
But in the lower right and corner, tucked underneath the best before date eagle-eyed customers spotted: ‘Contains non-British potatoes.’
The same contradiction was also spotted on a yellow-coloured packet of Kettle crisps.
Crisp fanatics have been befuddled by the Lidl crisp packet (pictured) which claims to contain 100% British potatoes whilst also stating there are non-British potatoes inside
Closely to the right of the mature cheddar and red onion crisps’ boast of being hand cooked, and a 100% British was the sentence: ‘Contains non-British potatoes.’
READ MORE: Marks & Spencer admits its ‘hand cooked British’ crisps were actually made with potatoes from OUTSIDE the UK
The discovery of these 100% British but also non-British potatoes comes after M&S admitted their potatoes were made from non-UK potatoes, despite claiming they were ‘hand cooked British’ crisps.
The retailer cited a summer drought in 2022 as why they had to find alternatives to the British potato ‘for a few weeks’.
But crisps fans were not happy after discovering the contradiction on the packets of crisps on two separate Reddit threads.
One person said: ‘What a tangled web of lies they weave.’
Others were furious querying if it was even in line with the law to have with such conflicting statements.
Another added: ‘Is it even legal for them to do this? Sounds like it could fall under false advertisement.’
Others argued that it was a technicality, stating: ‘No lies there. They ‘select’ British potatoes, but that doesn’t mean they use them.’
One user quipped: ‘ I have chosen a British potato! Now, pass me three dozen of those Portuguese ones.’
One individual said the Kettle crisp company were taking the ‘American approach on labelling.’
But not everyone was bewildered about the contradicting labelling. Some foodies found the fun in the miscommunication.
One poster joked: ‘I wouldn’t consider it 100% unless it was grown by a Druid.’
One jested: ‘Bloody non-British potatoes, comin’ over ‘ere…’ whilst another answered: ‘Taking our crisps.’
The yellow-orange Kettle crisp packet also had the same contradiction as the Lidl crisp packet. Pictured: the back of a mature cheddar and red onion Kettle Crisp packet
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute said fewer potato growers and poor growing conditions for potatoes in 2022 cause the befuddling labels. Similar issues occurred with free range eggs
Whilst others speculated as to why the conflicting statements were even on the packet to begin with.
‘Probably had to mix in foreign potatoes because of the droughts last year affecting British crops.’
The confusing labels are a result of poor growing conditions for potatoes during the 2022 growing season alongside fewer potato growers in the UK over the last few years, according to the Chartered Trading Standards Institute.
The institute also said there were similar issues with free range eggs.
A Lidl spokesperson said: ‘As was reported by the MailOnline last month, crisps containing British potatoes were temporarily impacted by crop shortages, impacting multiple retailers.
‘In line with our commitment to customer transparency the inkjet mark on the pack, which is completed at the production stage, was updated to reflect the temporary change in origin to the potatoes.
‘This was a very short concession, with only a small number left in stores and we are pleased to confirm that production has now returned to using 100% British Potatoes.’
MailOnline has approached Kettle Foods for comment.
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