Smiths Frazzles

Frazzles are a iconic British corn-based snack known for their distinctive crispy bacon flavor and appearance, designed to resemble small rashers of bacon. Launched in 1975, the brand was originally created by the Smiths Potato Crisps Company, which pioneered the 'flavoring' of snacks in the UK. The manufacturing process is notable for its signature 'striping' machine, which creates the reddish bacon-like streaks on the yellow corn base.

Over the decades, the brand has transitioned through various corporate hands. In 1992, PepsiCo acquired the UK operations of Smiths and eventually moved Frazzles under the more prominent Walkers umbrella in 2005. Today, Frazzles are sold as part of the 'Smiths' heritage range, which includes other pub classic snacks like Scampi Fries and Bacon Fries. Despite being owned and marketed by Walkers (a PepsiCo subsidiary), they often retain the Smiths logo on packaging as a nod to their original heritage. They remain a staple of the UK snack market and, interestingly, are suitable for vegetarians as the bacon flavor is synthetic.