'World's first' haggis, neeps and tatties flavoured crisps to hit the shelves

30 December 2019, 09:40

A family business has launched the "world's first" haggis, neeps and tatties flavoured crisps for fans of Scotland's national dish.

Mackie's Crisps has taken inspiration from the country's bard Robert Burns to recreate the flavours of the traditional meal in snack form in the run-up to Burns Night next month.

A limited run of 150,000 bags will hit the shelves in early January.

Non-meat eaters can also enjoy the snack, created using natural flavourings and high oleic sunflower oil, as the crisps are suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.

James Taylor, from the Perth and Kinross-based family business, said: "While we do push the boat out with exotic flavours, we do also like to look closer to home at some of the fantastic dishes from our heritage.

"Quite simply, there are none more iconic than our own national dish.

"We're fiercely proud of our Scottish roots and so narrowed down to a number of options for a limited run. When it came to the taste tests, haggis, neeps and tatties emerged as the runaway favourite."

A traditional Burns Night supper involves a meal of haggis, neeps (turnips) and potatoes on January 25.

Mackie's Crisps is already known for its haggis and cracked black pepper variety, and also launched what it said was the world's first pigs in blankets flavour for Christmas.

Research on the haggis, neeps and tatties flavour started in earnest in 2018 during a new product development push.

Mr Taylor said: "It's been many years in the making, so we'll be keeping in contact with our end customers and trade clients throughout to see what the appetite is like for our new flavour.

"Who knows, we may even be able to expand the run to make it a permanent addition to our range. We'd also love to be able to sell bags abroad, helping the wider world to experience the taste of haggis, neeps and tatties."