I compared M&S’s cheapest and most expensive crisps – I’d only buy one again

I taste-tested the £3.90 Collection Extra Virgin Olive Oil crisps against the £1.50 ready salted to see which was actually worth buying.

Nicola Roy Spare Time writer

01:33, 24 Jan 2026

The two packets couldn’t look more different (Image: Nicola Roy)

I have a bit of an obsession with crisps. Rather than craving something sugary after dinner, I need that savoury hit, and I believe I’ve tried most of what’s available in stores currently.

That was until Marks and Spencer launched a new crisp range last year that looked so upmarket I didn’t even need to check the price to recognise this. And I was correct – the Collection Extra Virgin Olive Oil crisps with Mediterranean sea salt carry a staggering price tag of £3.90 per packet.

So I chose to carry out a taste comparison against the store’s most affordable crisps to determine whether there were any key differences – and one obvious winner emerged.

To make it fair, I needed to get a cheap packet of crisps with a similar flavouring. The Collection range offers several different varieties, from plain to truffle flavoured (which I thought sounded amazing) but I ultimately opted for the standard salted option as this seemed simplest to compare, reports the Express.

The Collection crisps only had three ingredients (Image: Nicola Roy)

As mentioned, this cost £3.90 for a 125g packet, which seems steep. However, it seems the ingredients are quite luxurious, with the product description stating: “Expertly crafted with the best-quality potatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and salt from Alicante salt flats, these golden crisps have a delicate texture and a rich flavour.”

At the opposite end of the pricing spectrum, I purchased a standard ready salted packet costing £1.50.

According to Ocado there’s an even more affordable crinkle cut variety available for £1.20, I couldn’t locate any at my local shop, so this would have to do.

Expensive crisps

These were thinner-cut than I was expecting(Image: Nicola Roy)

I tried the pricier crisps first. Or rather, I attempted to, as the packaging was very challenging to open.

Whilst it certainly had a more premium feel, was this really worth the hassle?

Eventually, I resorted to scissors to cut along the top, and fortunately I had some to hand at home, but imagine attempting this whilst out and about?

Nevertheless, the packaging does appear and feel considerably superior to the budget alternative. However, that’s not particularly important – it’s the flavour that matters most.

I expected a crunchier texture, similar to the thicker consistency of Kettle chips. They were unexpectedly light, and tasted delightful too.

They weren’t overly greasy and you can certainly detect the extra virgin olive oil in every bite.

We’re all aware that olive oil prices have soared recently, so it’s hardly shocking that these crisps cost such a premium. They contain just three ingredients – potatoes, EVOO and salt – making them excellent if you’re attempting to reduce your ultra-processed food consumption.

Cheap crisps

The two packets couldn’t look more different (Image: Nicola Roy)

Turning to the cheaper option, I instantly observed that this packet felt more substantial. Upon checking the weight, this one was 150g – 25g heavier than the premium crisps, and clearly at a lower price point too.

I noticed there was less air in the packet when I opened it – and it proved far easier to open as well.

These also lacked the satisfying crunch I value in a crisp, and I had to admit they had a noticeably more budget texture. Nevertheless, I genuinely couldn’t fault the taste whatsoever.

They were deliciously salty without being overwhelming, and upon checking the ingredients, I was surprised to discover just three – potatoes, sea salt and sunflower/rapeseed oil.

The verdict

There’s no question that the premium crisps certainly tasted more costly. You cannot avoid that distinctive EVOO taste, and I would have gladly continued eating my way through the remainder of these.

I also recognise that the ingredients are undoubtedly superior, contributing to the elevated price point. But frankly, the budget option was just as good, whilst being considerably more affordable too.

I’m curious about the other varieties in the Collection range, so they will undoubtedly find their way onto my shopping list sometime over the coming weeks. They’d be excellent for taking to someone’s house if you really wanted to make an impression.

However, if I had to choose one to purchase again, I’m opting for the £1.50 version.