Children love crisps. Parents love healthy snacks. Can you see the obvious problem with those two statements? Crisps are not traditionally thought of as a healthy alternative, sure they’re made of potatoes but they’re smothered in coatings, fried and salted. It doesn’t exactly scream ‘eat me, I’m good for you!’ Walkers have done their best to try and create a snack that is both low in fat, full on flavour and appealing to kids with new Mighty Lights, but have they managed it? I was so inspired by these snacks that I made this short/silly animation with my husband, kids and musically inclined brother (we’re a creative family) all about this most heroic of nibbles!

As you can probably tell from the video we are now firm fans, but make sure to read the review to find out why. This is appropriately timed given that this is the last week of Summer holidays for children across the land (not in Scotland though, they’re already back at school) lunchbox fillers are being carefully considered during the mad dash to buy shoes and uniform.

First up here’s the stats on Mighty Lights:

• They contain 30% less fat than standard crisps
• They are available in three flavours – Roast Chicken, Cheese and Onion, Lightly Salted
• All the flavours are suitable for vegetarians
• Made from real potatoes
• No artificial colours or preservatives
• A source of fibre
• Available nationwide now!

That’s enough to satisfy most of us parents, but if they don’t stack up on taste and appeal I think their healthy credentials will fall flat with the little ones.

First up Taste

I’m actually eating a bag of Lightly Salted while writing this review so I can accurately describe the taste. They don’t taste immediately healthy (perhaps a good thing as far as kids are concerned) but your fingers aren’t left with a salty oily slick or burn that traditional crisps can cause.

Lightly salted – the flavour is gentle but by no means lacking, I’m not a huge fan of Salt & Vinegar but I can happily eat these.

Cheese & Onion – I am a long time admirer of Walkers Cheese & Onion crisps, these have the same flavour but less fat… I’m sold!

Roast Chicken – Again these taste very similar to normal Walkers chicken crisps, the flavour has not been sacrificed at all.

Texture

Crunchy, ridged and in no way inferior to traditional crisps, just less greasy.

Value for Money

I found a 6 pack of Mighty Lights on sale for between £1 – £1.79 in various supermarkets, this seems in line with other brands. Some healthy crisps contain hardly anything when you look inside the bag (it’s no wonder they’re healthy, you’re barely eating them!) These contain a decent amount and are enough for one snack.

Will kids enjoy them in their lunchboxes?

I asked mine and the responses were:

Crispy G – Yes, because they’re really healthy and they are tasty and they’re the greatest crisps in the world!

Snacky I – Yes, because they are really nice and you can find different shapes (she’s referring to the heart shaped one she found below) and they’re mighty!

Munchy N – Yes, because they’re tasty!

A parents view

I’ll admit it, I don’t overly worry about the fat content of the food my kids eat, they’re all so active and skinny it’s not really an issue. However additives, preservatives and colourings are things I worry about, with so many horror stories it’s easy to get confused and concerned about the health implications. Therefore I’ll avoid them when I can and I particularly like products that make this choice easy for me. For this reason alone I like Mighty Lights, they’re also incredibly convenient for days out and picnics.

Would I recommend Mighty Lights

I’d be happy to, they are one simple change without sacrifice to a healthier lifestyle.

Could they be improved at all?

Most definitely, they will not be perfect until Walkers make them in Bacon flavour! 🙂

Details

Mighty Lights are available nationwide now!

For more info visit their website www.walkersmightylights.co.uk