Carole's crispy creation could be spice for life
Jan 9 2009 The Journal
A NORTH mother has reached the final of a competition to find a new flavour for Walkers Crisps. Carole Wood’s onion bhaji bites are among a range of exotic flavours that also include chilli and chocolate and even Cajun squirrel that will be unleashed on the public today.
Walkers launched its Do Us A Flavour campaign last July, challenging the public to think up a unique flavour of crisp.
Fish and chips, crispy duck and hoi sin, and builder’s breakfast have also made the finals of the public search.
Chef Heston Blumenthal and a judging panel picked the top six entries from more than one million, and Walkers turned the ideas into reality.
The crisps can be bought from all supermarkets from today until May, either individually or in a special multi-pack containing all six flavours.
Carole, 53, a civil servant from Durham, said she fancies her chances of winning.
The mother-of-two chose the unusual flavour because it is a family favourite and she has kept the Walkers steak and onion pack that prompted her entry as a good luck token.
She said: "Onion bhaji has a delicious, mildly spicy taste and will taste great as a crisp."
Celebrity chef Blumenthal said: "The complexities of flavour fascinate me and to watch the British public get so excited about taste has been absolutely inspiring.
"We’ve had an incredible response and sifting through the entries has been quite incredible.
"I can’t wait to see which one the public chooses as their winner."
Votes cast on the Walkers website between now and May 1 will decide which flavour stays permanently on sale, and the creator will win £50,000, on top of the £10,000 that each finalist has already received.
One per cent of profits from all future sales will also be handed to the winner.
The crisp manufacturer revealed that, if sales should reach those of its barbecue flavour for example, the winner would receive around £57,000 a year.
Contenders
Carole Wood’s onion bhaji crisps will be up against:
Chilli and chocolate
Fish and chips
Crispy duck and hoi sin sauce
Builder’s breakfast
Cajun squirrel.
