Walkers has ditched crisp packets with its new range — and shoppers aren’t happy

| Senior Lifestyle Reporter Published August 7, 2026 11:39am Updated August 7, 2026 11:39am The new products don’t come in traditional packets (Picture: Shutterstock / Richard M Lee) Walkers has been on a roll of late when it comes to new releases. The crisp giant recently unveiled the two takeaway-inspired finalists of its Do Us A Flavour campaign, and the company brought back its iconic KFC collab. And the products keep coming, as shoppers just spotted something new and unexpected on the shelves. Walkers MAX have popped up in a different format, with traditional crisp packets being ditched in favour of a 140g square-shaped tube. And these aren’t the only crisps to get a new look; Doritos are also available in the new format. This isn’t too surprising though, as both brands are owned by the same company – PepsiCo. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. On Instagram, food blogger @newfoodsuk shared a snap of the tubes, claiming they’d found them in a convenience store in the UK, but they’re also being sold in TG Jones (formerly WH Smith) for £2.99 and SPAR for £1.95. Flavours include Paprika Walkers MAX and Jalapeno & Cheese. While for Doritos, it’s the classic Tangy Cheese, as well as Chilli Heatwave. Social media users have had a mixed reaction to the products, with some claiming they ‘need’ them, and others not happy about the size of the tubes. Will you be trying the new Walkers tubes? Sign up to Metro's The Slice newsletter for your guide to what's on in London, with trusted reviews, offers and giveaways. ‘New packaging, less crisps. Oh what a surprise,’ commented @repthelonestar, as @dead4ever_uk said: ‘140g if that’s replacing the bags that were 200g now 180g.’ Similarly, @mary.monk.art wrote: ‘In boxes so they can distract you from the fact that you get almost 1/3 less than in a packet.’ And @eat.crisps proclaimed: ‘Woah! That’s pricey for 140g!’ A SPAR store in Dalbeattie, Scotland also shared a closer look at the crisps on Facebook, sharing that they’d been ‘causing a stir’. They posted: ‘The brand new Doritos/Walkers tubs have officially landed at SPAR Scotland Dalbeattie! These are already causing a stir, so don’t hang about if you want to get your hands on them!’ Metro has contacted Walkers for comment. Cadbury’s new Christmas chocolate caused a stir (Picture: Cadbury Gifts) Several other new food products hit shops this week, including Cadbury Christmas chocolates. But as with Walkers, fans had a bone to pick with the brand about the launch. Many claimed the new Smash Baubles and Biscoff-filled Baubles looked suspiciously familiar, likening them to Easter eggs. Responding to a look at the new treats on social media, @emj_pgh wrote: ‘Repurposed, relabelled left over Easter egg, anyone?’ Similarly, @rootinhooton said: ‘Basically an Easter egg.’ Nestlé has also introduced a new festive twist on Milkybar with Milkybar Caramel Crunch, featuring caramel-flavoured white chocolate with crunchy biscuit pieces. And McDonald’s has Brits going wild over the launch of its first-ever Crocs Happy Meal in the UK. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk Deals of the Day Parents can save up to 30% on Kickers school shoes ahead of the new term The back-to-school hack that's helping parents avoid queues and sold-out sizes Could your hair be wavy rather than straight? This brand thinks so Could your star sign improve your skincare routine? This new beauty launch thinks so Best skincare for menopausal skin? This dermatologist-created treatment is tailored to you Arrow MORE: Burger King’s mysterious breakfast menu that most people don’t even know exists Arrow MORE: Supermarket own-brand ketchup matches Heinz for flavour — and it’s much cheaper Arrow MORE: McDonald’s menu has had a shake-up — including return of iconic 00s favourite The Slice Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.