The nostalgic charm of vintage crisp packet design has been on full display in a new book that celebrates the golden age of snack food packaging. "UK Crisp Packets 1970-2000" is a visually stunning collection of retro designs, featuring iconic characters and flavors from bygone eras.
Among the most striking examples are those that showcase the unique blend of creativity and kitsch that defined this period in British snacking history. Take, for instance, the infamous "smoky spider flavor" Monster Munch packet – would you dare to try it? Or how about a Bovril crisp commemorating the Back to the Future film release, perfectly capturing the zeitgeist of the time.
Beyond these nostalgic throwbacks, the book also delves into the fascinating world of lettering, illustrations, and design that adorned many a snack packet. Equally captivating are the intricate details – like the curvaceous lines on early Discos packets or the seemingly impossible geometric shapes that decorated Odduns cheeseburger-flavored potato snacks.
The story behind this collection is one of serendipity and determination. Chris Packet, an artist with a background in graffiti and design, stumbled upon his first vintage crisp packet while exploring a disused train tunnel in London. The experience sparked a passion project, as he began scouring the internet for more rare finds and sharing them with fellow collectors.
Packet's criteria for selection is centered on artwork – specifically lettering, illustrations, cartoons, and design styles that evoke a sense of playfulness and coolness. As an outsider observer might note, there's an almost melancholic air to this nostalgic exercise, as if acknowledging the passing of time and the loss of an era.
However, others view the retro snacking world through a more nuanced lens. Annebella Pollen, professor of visual and material culture at the University of Brighton, sees these vintage packets not just as relics but as windows into a distinct cultural moment. "Crisp nostalgia hits people deeply," she argues, tapping into long-forgotten memories of childhood choices – like deciding what to put in one's lunch box or having that first 10p spent in a tuck shop.
While some may dismiss this fixation on vintage packaging as quirkiness or mere nostalgia, others recognize the cultural significance at play. By celebrating the unique designs and creative endeavors that defined this era, we're not only honoring a bygone age but also acknowledging our collective memories and experiences.
UK Crisp Packets 1970-2000 is more than just an archive of discarded trash – it's a testament to human ingenuity, creativity, and the art of design.
Among the most striking examples are those that showcase the unique blend of creativity and kitsch that defined this period in British snacking history. Take, for instance, the infamous "smoky spider flavor" Monster Munch packet – would you dare to try it? Or how about a Bovril crisp commemorating the Back to the Future film release, perfectly capturing the zeitgeist of the time.
Beyond these nostalgic throwbacks, the book also delves into the fascinating world of lettering, illustrations, and design that adorned many a snack packet. Equally captivating are the intricate details – like the curvaceous lines on early Discos packets or the seemingly impossible geometric shapes that decorated Odduns cheeseburger-flavored potato snacks.
The story behind this collection is one of serendipity and determination. Chris Packet, an artist with a background in graffiti and design, stumbled upon his first vintage crisp packet while exploring a disused train tunnel in London. The experience sparked a passion project, as he began scouring the internet for more rare finds and sharing them with fellow collectors.
Packet's criteria for selection is centered on artwork – specifically lettering, illustrations, cartoons, and design styles that evoke a sense of playfulness and coolness. As an outsider observer might note, there's an almost melancholic air to this nostalgic exercise, as if acknowledging the passing of time and the loss of an era.
However, others view the retro snacking world through a more nuanced lens. Annebella Pollen, professor of visual and material culture at the University of Brighton, sees these vintage packets not just as relics but as windows into a distinct cultural moment. "Crisp nostalgia hits people deeply," she argues, tapping into long-forgotten memories of childhood choices – like deciding what to put in one's lunch box or having that first 10p spent in a tuck shop.
While some may dismiss this fixation on vintage packaging as quirkiness or mere nostalgia, others recognize the cultural significance at play. By celebrating the unique designs and creative endeavors that defined this era, we're not only honoring a bygone age but also acknowledging our collective memories and experiences.
UK Crisp Packets 1970-2000 is more than just an archive of discarded trash – it's a testament to human ingenuity, creativity, and the art of design.
. I ended up buying way too much gummy candy, but it was worth it because they had all these vintage candies from the 90s that I used to love eating as a kid. It made me realize how much nostalgia is tied to our food preferences - like, why do certain flavors just transport us back in time? 
And have you seen those old-school candy wrappers? So colorful and fun! The packaging of snack foods from the 70s-2000s is honestly one of my favorite design periods ever...
they're actually a time capsule of British snacking history! the designs are fire 
like who wouldn't want a Bovril crisp from Back to the Future? 
and those monster munch packets with smoky spider flavor? 
definitely trying that in my dreams. but for real, it's not just about nostalgia, it's about appreciating the art and creativity that went into making these little packets so iconic 
The design and letters on those packets are super unique and show how creative companies were back then 
. i mean, yeah, it's visually stunning, but isn't this just a bunch of nostalgic throwbacks? and what's up with the obsession over lettering and illustrations? can't we talk about something more relevant to our daily lives? 
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It's crazy how much nostalgia drives consumerism! 
. On the other hand, did you know that 71% of Brits aged 18-24 still have fond memories of childhood snacks? 
. And can we talk about how ridiculous those Bovril crisps look with the Back to the Future logo on them? 
Is it just nostalgia for the past or are we trying to make sense of our own childhood experiences by revisiting this stuff?
... like who thought smoky spider flavor was a good idea? But hey, I guess that's part of the charm. The book looks pretty and all, but what does it really say about our culture? Is it just a bunch of cool stuff we're pretending to care about because it's old and retro?
, and I love how they're not just retro but also super functional. Like, have you seen the original flavor combinations? Smoky spider Monster Munch? Bovril with a BTTF theme? Genius! 
Like, what's up with the smoky spider flavor Monster Munch packet though? That thing sounds like it was made by some crazy person! 
just saw that new book out about vintage UK crisp packets... I mean, who wouldn't want to look at pictures of old snack food packaging all day?