10 Of The Best British Snacks From The World's Worst Cuisine

Somewhere along the line, the UK gained a reputation for having the worst cuisine in the world. To be quite frank, I don't know what they're talking about – minced offal encased in a sheep's stomach is at the top of anyone's menu, right? Ok, so maybe the more traditional British foods take some getting used to, but let's take a look at the foods and snacks the British themselves actually eat on a daily basis.

Photo by u/honeydot — Photo by u/honeydot

If you don't recognise this meal and are thence filled with warm, fuzzy memories of childhood nostalgia, then you certainly aren't British. Bland as they may seem, British snacks are actually quite delicious. So, if you're thinking of moving to the UK and want to get a head start in familiarising yourself with British snacks, or if you're British and want to check out how many of these you consume on a regular basis, look no further. Here, we present to you 10 of the best and most popular British snacks that you'll undoubtedly find yourself eating in the UK.

1. Potato Smiles

Photo by @sophiejdalston — Photo by @sophiejdalston

A McCain's classic. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these Smiles are made with 100% British potato. Smiley faces are a key constituent of the British cuisine. Pair with baked beans and turkey dinosaurs for the holy trinity of authentic British meals, that will save you both time and money.

2. Pot Noodle

Photo by OurCreative — Photo by OurCreative

It is exactly what it says on the label: noodles in a pot (well, plural). Fill to the line with hot water, wait three minutes and voila – a hot meal. Ok, a snack. If you don't go for chicken & mushroom then you're doing it wrong.

Not to be confused with Cup Noodle which comes in a polystyrene cup.

Read more about Borough Market – the foodie favourite.

3. Biscuits

There are a whole variety of British biscuits, and Jaffa Cakes aren't one of them.

Why the Brits love their biscuits so much, I do not know. Perhaps because they make the perfect tea-dunking devices? Hobnobs are a real delicacy, followed by chocolate digestives and custard creams.

Read more about the traditional Easter hot cross buns.

4. Marmite

Photo by The Telegraph — Photo by The Telegraph

Marmite has increased in popularity with vegans in recent years by boasting a high B12 content.

Arguably Britain’s most famous export, this thick, gloopy yeast extract is best spread on toast with some butter. Marmite is a byproduct of beer brewing and people either love or hate its strong, distinctive flavour.

5. Squash

Most Brits you ask won't even have any memory of drinking water as a child, only squash.

Robinsons fruit squash was a staple in any British childhood and a hugely popular beverage. What's more, there is no added sugar which nullifies the concoction of aspartame and preservatives, right?

6. Crisps

No packed lunch is complete without a good ol’ bag of crisps.

Go classic and grab a bag of Walkers ready salted, or twiddle your thumbs by seeing how many Hula Hoops you can fit on your pinky. If you're feeling daring, try the exclusively British prawn cocktail flavour.

7. Tinned Food

What is more quintessentially British than a full English breakfast in a can? Other products you can find tinned are SPAM, custard and spaghetti.

Brits love food in a tin; from baked beans to steak and kidney pie, you can find it canned. A real staple in the UK is tuna, which is commonly eaten in sandwiches and combined with sweetcorn (also tinned).

8. Gravy

Traditionally made from the juices of meats after cooking, ahh! Bisto offers an instant version of the sauce.

aah! Bisto is a popular brand of gravy granules that you can smother your Sunday Roast in. Easily prepare by mixing the granules (that look suspiciously like chicken pellets) with water for a real taste of Britain.

9. Tea

Photo by Afternoon Tea Total — Photo by Afternoon Tea Total

National Tea Day is on 21st April, not to be confused with International Tea Day which falls on the 15th December.

Having a cuppa is a common expression heard in Britain meaning to make oneself a cup of tea. There is a real hierarchy of teas brands, from Lipton (bottom) to Yorkshire (top). PG Tips is a good mid-range option.

Read more about the top 5 London cake shops you have to visit.

10. The Meal Deal

Photo by Emily Benton — Photo by Emily Benton

If you're wondering what a typical British lunch looks like, this is it. Maybe that’s why we’re the fattest country in Europe?

The classic British Meal Deal cannot go unmentioned. Go to Tesco, Sainsbury's, Boots or M&S and grab yourself a sandwich, drink and snack for as little as £3. Finding the best deal for the price is a sport.

Visit Rate My Meal Deal's Facebook page to compare yours!

If I had to describe British food in one word, it would be this: beige. Think fish and chips, Yorkshire pudding, pie, mash, crisps, crumpets and scones. Ok, so the snacks that Brits consume on a regular basis are hardy a Mediterranean variety of colour and vitality, but it is certainly nostalgic food that Brits can universally find comfort in.

If you've tried any of these British Snacks already, what did you think? Or is there anything on this list that tickles your fancy? Let us know in the comments down below!