A DISCONTINUED flavour of Walkers crisps has returned to shelves, as hundreds of shoppers queued to get their hands on the limited-edition bag.
Crisp lovers lined up outside a tiny newsagents in Worcester – the only place in the world to stock the snack – to get their hands on a bag.
Superfan Hannah Harley Young said she would ‘travel the globe for a packet of crisps’[/caption]
Fans queued to get a bag from Charlie’s Convenience Store in Worcester[/caption]
The snacks are only available for a limited time[/caption]
Walkers has brought back its Worcester Sauce flavoured crisps for a limited time only – and exclusively to Charlie’s Convenience Store in Worcester.
The iconic flavour has been deeply missed since it was axed in 2023, with one fan tweeting: “What has happened to Walkers Worcester Sauce Crisps?
“I can’t find them anywhere. I’m furious. Seriously what has happened?”
Shoppers were ecstatic to learn the beloved flavour was back – even for a short time – with some travelling from as far away as Glasgow to sample the first few packets off the production line.
Four superfans spanning Dartford to Derbyshire were invited to make the journey – and were among the first to snaffle the snack.
One superfan, Katie Barnes from Kent said: “Today’s my 28th birthday and what better way to celebrate.
“I’ve been waiting years for this moment, as I used to constantly go on about the Worcester Sauce flavour.
“I took a day off work and travelled over 150 miles to secure the goods – it’s the best birthday present ever.”
To add to the celebrations, a giant six-metre purple packet of the crunchy morsels was floated down the River Severn on a barge.
Charlie’s is run by local legend and crisp connoisseur 31-year-old Gubir Singh, known to locals as Gav, whose family took over the shop in 2019.
He said: “I was honoured to be asked to help relaunch the Worcester Sauce flavour crisps.
“I’m playing a pivotal moment in the city’s history – I’d just encourage people to pay us a visit while stocks last.”
People with Walkers-themed sandwich boards slung over their bodies were also spotted across the city – as pubs also made broadcast announcements.
Irina Panescu from Walkers, added: “We’re bringing back our iconic Worcester Sauce flavoured crisps, and this time they’re even more Worcestershire-y with the help from our friends at Lea & Perrins.
“We’re sorry to disappoint fans but it’s only right that our limited supply is reserved for the people of Worcester.
A giant six-metre pack of the beloved crisps floated down the River Severn to mark the occasion[/caption]
The city also saw an influx of mobile billboards, with people with sandwich boards slung over their bodies[/caption]
Fans celebrated with their bags of crisps[/caption]
“We’ve been floored by the reception from the locals as we painted the town purple.”
The Sun revealed the long-awaited return last month, after Walkers posted a series of cryptic replies on social media, telling fans to keep their eyes peeled and to check their DMs.
In a post hinting at its return, many fans left comments sharing their excitement.
One wrote: “Day has been made omfg.”
While another said: “OMG! So exciting. Travesty that these were discontinued.”
While a third said: “Oh my goodness! Heaven.”
The crisp is inspired by the iconic Lea & Perrins condiment[/caption]
Locals watched as the huge crisp packet floated down the river[/caption]
CANCELLED WALKERS CRISPS
Walkers has a history of cancelling certain flavours before bringing them back.
In 2024, the crisp giant announced the return of another fan-favourite – BBQ Sauce.
The popular flavour was launched in the 1990s but was discontinued before making a heroic comeback.
In the past, the brand has also treated fans to an array of new flavours, including Tomato Ketchup and Cheese Toastie and Heinz Beanz flavour.
These limited edition flavours were not around for long however, and were removed from stores last October.
Why are products axed or recipes changed?
ANALYSIS by chief consumer reporter James Flanders.
Food and drinks makers have been known to tweak their recipes or axe items altogether.
They often say that this is down to the changing tastes of customers.
There are several reasons why this could be done.
For example, government regulation, like the “sugar tax,” forces firms to change their recipes.
Some manufacturers might choose to tweak ingredients to cut costs.
They may opt for a cheaper alternative, especially when costs are rising to keep prices stable.
For example, Tango Cherry disappeared from shelves in 2018.
It has recently returned after six years away but as a sugar-free version.
Fanta removed sweetener from its sugar-free alternative earlier this year.
Suntory tweaked the flavour of its flagship Lucozade Original and Orange energy drinks.
While the amount of sugar in every bottle remains unchanged, the supplier swapped out the sweetener aspartame for sucralose.
