Walkers crisps confirms it has axed divisive flavour for good

Walkers has confirmed that one of its more divisive flavours will no longer grace supermarket shelves.

As far as divisiveness goes, it doesn’t get heavier than this flavour: Marmite.

We’ll spare you any gags about loving or hating it because, let’s face it, you’ve heard them all before.

The flavour was discontinued at the end of 2023, with stocks gradually dwindling to zero.

Having been around for over 20 years, its sudden axing surprised fans online.

Marmite is much-loved and much-hated - Bloomberg via Getty Images

“This flavour crisp takes me back to the 1960s," said one commenter.

“I always come back to these," said another.

A third added: “Plenty of flavour - and they're well cooked and crisp without being greasy.”

"Why are you discontinuing Marmite?” asked another. “The only crisps my son eats and he's now sobbing on his bed."

It wasn’t just this commenter’s son whose day was ruined by the news: "Completely ruined my Friday. If they discontinue the marmite ones, they should at least bring back the beef and onion ones."

Walkers spoke to The Sun to apologise for the flavour’s discontinuation.

“We are very sorry to disappoint fans of Marmite flavour Walkers crisps with this news,” the crisp manufacturer said. “We know many crisp lovers will hate to see this Walkers’ flavour go.

“This change will enable us to focus our efforts on making more of the flavours crisp fans love the most.”

Now that we’re into mid-2025, it’s unlikely that you’ll find any leftover stocks in stores or online.

But fret not, you can still get Marmite flavoured crisps. Marmite itself produces and sells its own, and you can pick up a pack at Tesco for £2.20.

The brand was quick to act after Walkers’ discontinuation.

“The nation of Marmite lovers can rejoice as Marmite crisps will continue to be on shelves nationwide, featuring a new and improved flavour profile and a striking, fully Marmite-branded pack,” Jolanda Wells, licensing manager at Unilever, told The Sun.

Marmite crisps were soon back on shelves - Matthew Horwood via Getty Images

"Our great new partnership with Tayto allows us to deliver an exciting pipeline of tasty Marmite innovation we know consumers will love.

“Marmite crisps are a firm favourite with Marmite lovers, but they are also great for the ‘first-timers’ who are a bit unsure whether they want to buy a jar of the black stuff or not.

"We expect new products and new flavours, like cheese, to drive trials with new shoppers and therefore also drive category growth.