Marketing blunders happen even to the biggest snack brands in Britain. From social media mishaps to problematic promotions, these food giants sometimes trip up spectacularly. Yet despite these advertising disasters, we keep coming back for more. Here's a look at beloved treats that survived their marketing mistakes and continue to satisfy our cravings.
This article is for general informational and cultural interest only. Product availability, marketing history, and consumer preferences may vary by region and brand.
1. Walkers Crisps (Spell & Go Promo, 2016)
The beloved crisp brand crashed and burned with its holiday competition that promised free trips. Customers collected letters from packets, but many claimed the rarest letters were impossible to find.
Despite over 100 complaints and an ASA ruling calling it "unnecessarily disappointing," loyal fans kept munching. The flavours remained delicious even if the promotion left a bad taste.
2. Walkers Crisps (Lineker Selfie Twitter Campaign, 2017)
Gary Lineker's face became an unwitting accomplice when Walkers invited fans to upload selfies for an automated Twitter video. Pranksters flooded the campaign with photos of notorious criminals and dictators instead.
The company quickly pulled the plug on the hijacked promotion. Meanwhile, shoppers separated the marketing mess from the product itself, continuing to enjoy their salt and vinegar without a second thought.
3. Pringles (Prize-Draw Promotion Rapped By ASA)
Some of the brand’s prize draws and on-pack campaigns have left shoppers scratching their heads, with wording or prize details occasionally confusing. While the marketing side didn’t always land smoothly,
Pringles remained a favourite for its familiar tube and signature crunch. Even when the promos fell flat, fans happily kept popping open the can.
4. KP Snacks' HFSS Ads Around The Hundred (Hula Hoops, McCoy's, Butterkist)
KP Snacks caused debate when it partnered with The Hundred cricket tournament, drawing criticism for promoting high fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) products during a family-oriented event. The sponsorship led to scrutiny over whether it aligned with efforts to reduce children’s exposure to unhealthy food advertising.
Despite the backlash, classics like Hula Hoops and McCoy’s stayed popular with shoppers, showing the products themselves remained resilient.
5. Nik Naks (Controversial "Alien"-Style Ad, 2004–05)
Nik Naks once ran a TV advert that shocked some viewers when a man’s stomach burst open, Alien-style, with crisps flying out. The imagery sparked complaints from families who felt it was unsuitable for early evening viewing.
Regulators ultimately allowed the ad to continue with edits, but the debate lingered. Through it all, fans kept enjoying the bold flavours and crunch that made Nik Naks a cult favourite.
6. Bugles (UK Relaunch, 2016)
After disappearing from British shops for years, these cone-shaped corn snacks made a comeback in 2016 under Walkers. The return didn’t arrive with the same splashy campaigns seen for other brands, but fans were quick to notice.
Nostalgic snackers embraced their distinctive cone shape and crunchy texture, happily slipping them back onto their fingers as edible hats.
