The best British snacks to munch on with a pint this summer.
Beer snacks like dry-roasted peanuts and salt and vinegar crisps are classics for a reason, however, we feel like it's time to change it up and discover new beer and snack pairings. Just in time for the World Cup, we've narrowed down some of the best alternatives to munch on when the next game kicks off.
Mr Singh's chilli crisps
Why we love it? Chilli crisps rarely deliver on flavour, apart from the usual throat-tickling heat, but Mr Singh's chilli crisps are an exception. Each bite offers a rich, flavoursome heat that continues to develop. Most amber ales will pair well with the heat of these crisps.
Where can I buy it? Available online and from Ocado and other retailers for £2.20 per 150g pack.
Serious Pig snacking salami
Serious Pig
Why we love it? A great alternative to beef jerky and a less fussy version of a charcuterie board, this snacking salami is the perfect indulgence for one. A delicious blend of British pork, herbs and spices, both flavours are a joy, however, we preferred the chilli and paprika just for that extra kick of flavour. Weiss beers of Bavaria and smoked or cured meats are a match made in heaven.
Where can I buy it? Available online and from a variety of shops across the UK for £1.50 per 28g bag.
The Snaffling Pig Co. pork crackling
Why we love it? With a large selection of flavours on offer– including Perfectly Salted and Ham & Coleman's Mustard – there's something for everyone. We particularly enjoyed the Low & Slow BBQ as the crackling pieces still had salty melt-in-your-mouth bits of fat attached to them. The BBQ flavour wasn't too overpowering and balanced the natural saltiness of crackling really well. Pair it with The Snaffling Pig's own Piggin' Beer (a medium bodied pale ale) that's brewed specifically to be enjoyed with pork crackling.
Where can I buy it? Available online and from Ocado, John Lewis and other retailers from £1.50 per 50g bag.
Joe & Seph's Madras curry popcorn
Joe & Seph's
Why we love it? A part of Joe & Seph's sweet and savoury collection of gourmet popcorns, this madras curry popcorn delivers some unusual and exciting flavours. Sweet and indulgent caramel hit is infused with the heady spice of madras curry, followed by the slightly bitter taste of black onion seeds and topped with a zesty lime finish. Have a hoppy IPA on hand to balance the flavour fireworks popping in your mouth.
Where can I buy it? Available online and from most major retailers from £4 per 70/80g pouches.
Mrs Elsewood pickled cucumbers
Why we love it? It might sound like an unusual combo but hear us out. While most beer snacks are packed with carbs and will leave you stuffed and bloated, pickled cucumbers are a much easier to digest yet still deliver on crunch and flavour. Pair with a refreshing lager and you'll be surprised how the vinegar notes in the pickle lift the flavours of the beer.
Where can I buy it? Available from all major retailers from £1.50 per 670g.
Rutland Charcuterie
Rutland Charcuterie
Why we love it? Made from native British beef, Rutland's motto of 'much in little' rings true in their biltong. Each piece of beef is packed with lots of flavour and encrusted in a savoury coating of garlic, chilli and coriander spice mix that leaves you wanting more after every bite. While some might be put off by the chewy texture, it's simply a characteristic of biltong and beef jerky in general. Pair with a full-bodied pint of brown ale that will help tone down the spice between bites.
Where can I buy it? Available online and from Ocado, Harrods, Fortnum & Mason and other retailers for £3.50 per 45g pouch.
Barmies baked beer snacks
Barmies
Why we love it? An unusual and original snack, Barmies are palmier-like morcels of baked deliciousness. Available in three different flavour combinations, the recently launched snacks are made from beer bran – a by-product of the brewing process created during fermentation. Try our favourite, the smokey chipotle, with a black gold amber ale, that's also reduced and folded into the dough.
Where can I buy it? Available from Art and Craft and Wild and Lees in London and from various shops in Newcastle, Sheffield and Nottingham with new stockists added in July for £2.30.
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