A local’s guide to the best snacks in London, from Cadbury chocolate to Tyrrells crisps, and foodie souvenirs to buy, enjoy on the spot, or bring back home!
After living in London both full-time and half of the year, I’ve come to know very well what my tastes in snacks are – mostly sweet with caramel, and really high-quality when savory.
If you’re wondering what you could buy in London, one of the cheapest souvenirs you can get is foodie things, among which snacks.
So I’ve gathered my own, personal list of the best snacks from London and foodie souvenirs you can get – even if you’re traveling on a budget.
7 Best Snacks in London and Foodie Souvenirs To Buy and Love
I’ve mostly focused on snacks you can get from London’s supermarkets and mainstream grocery stores – there are so many I like, but these few picks really are what I consider the best foodie stuff to treat yourself to.
Some of them you can get from places like Tesco and Sainsbury’s, or even budget shops like B&M and Poundland, and others can be purchased in London’s souvenirs shops, and even post offices!
Best Snacks in London: Walkers’ Nonsuch Toffee (Souvenir Shops and Post Offices)
I love almost all the toffees from Walkers’ Nonsuch, a British confectionery brand founded in Stoke-on-Trent in 1894.
All toffees are free from artificial flavors, hydrogenated vegetable oils and preservatives – and gluten-free treats.
The nutty Brazil toffees are my favorite, and other flavors you should definitely try if you like toffee are the original ones, the banana split ones, and the treacle toffees.
It’s really a kind of sweet treat that connects deeply with Britishness and tradition – one bag costs about 3 pounds, and is worth every single pound.
My favorite shop in London for Walkers’ Nonsuch toffees is the Leicester Square souvenir shop – you’ll find almost the entire range there, and the souvenir shops on Oxford Street also carry a few flavors.
Best Snacks in London: Cadbury Chocolate Bars
There are some really amazing chocolate-themed things to do in London, and one of them is to pop by the Museum of Brands to check out old Cadbury chocolate bars packagings.
Or, you can just go to one of London’s grocery shops, like Tesco or Sainsbury’s, to get a meal deal with a small chocolate bar, or a full bar for about one pound.
Cadbury is a British chocolate brand that knows how to bond with the UK state of mind – you have classic recipes, and more funky versions with nuts, honeycomb crunchies, and other bubbly chocolate bars.
I personally love the Chips Ahoy! Cadbury chocolate, as well as the Boost bars: the latter are my favorite kind of snack to eat on the go while walking around London, when I feel like I need a little pick-me-up.
The Double Decker chocolate bars are also excellent, very chewy, with several layers and a flavor explosion in your mouth – available in meal deals as well at supermarkets like Tesco.
Best Snacks in London: Cakes from Hollylane, Aldi Shops
I first discovered the Holly Lane bakery brand at my local Aldi store back when I used to live in North Finchley – their Red Velvet cake bars linger in my mind, although they’ve long been discontinued.
Holly Lane has lots of other pastries and cakes available at Aldi, though; the Angel cakes, the Caramel shortcakes, and the Cherry Bakewells are all amazing picks.
They’re all really British cake specialties, and super affordable, yet tasty, at Aldi – you’ll even find muffins and other walnut cakes in this brand.
Best Snacks in London: Red Velvet and Salted Caramel Cupcakes, Co-Op Shop
I’m in love with anything carrot cake and red velvet cake-inspired or themed.
When I first moved to London back in 2019, there was a period during which I’d visit the Co-Op on Mile End Road just to get my daily fix of Red Velvet and Salted Caramel Cupcakes.
Priced at around 4 pounds a box (so 1 pound for each cupcakes) the Co-Op cupcakes are ultra-moist, with a rich cream that lingers in the mouth.
I’ve always felt that the Salted Caramel cupcakes almost had a little taste of coffee, which I particularly enjoyed.
However, it’s really the Red Velvet cupcakes that caught my heart: that buttercream on top is especially wonderful.
Best Snacks in London: Rodda’s Classic Cornish Clotted Cream, Co-Op Shops
Although my favorite Patisserie Valerie bakery branch shut down behind Oxford Street, I hold my memories of their clotted cream dear and near to my heart.
I would eat clotted cream on anything, from pancakes to scones and, above all, crumpets – Rodda’s Classic Cornish clotted cream is a must-have on your bucket list if you’re into this rich, silky cream.
Rodda’s is made from 100% Cornish milk and supports local farmers.
It’s a properly British brand established in 1890, that keeps delivering their wonderful clotted cream at Co-op shops, just waiting to be spread and, why not, mixed with jam!
Best Snacks in London: Pop Dots, Tesco (Various Flavors)
I discovered Pop Dots the last time I lived in London, while shopping at a Co-Op grocery store near my place, back in North Finchley.
Pop Dots are bite-sized doughnut balls produced by Europastry – they’re defrosted, and each typically features a soft dough center, a filling and an outer coating with a topping.
They’re literally made to enjoy while walking around London in autumn, to feel a little cozier, and although they come in few variants, they’re all outstanding:
- Triple chocolate – chocolate coating, filling, and sprinkles
- Cocoa filling – cocoa-flavored filling with chocolate coating and topping
- Strawberry sensation (my favorite!) – a strawberry-flavored coating with white pearls and a strawberry filling
Each pack retails for a little over 1 pound, and if you’re feeling like a sweet snack, just know these are great on the go!
Best Snacks in London: Tyrrells Crisps (Various Supermarkets)
I first discovered Tyrrells Crisps in my hometown, Troyes in France, years before I even knew I’d ever want to move to London.
I used to love their patriot crisps – regular, blue and red potatoes – until they were seemingly discontinued; one day, I just couldn’t get my hands on them anymore.
Tyrrells Crisps are widely available across major supermarkets in London, including Tesco and Waitrose, with all kinds of flavors; notably Lightly Sea Salted (my current favorites), Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar, Mature Cheddar and Chive.
They’re definitely amongst the most premium crisps brands, but I’ve never tasted crisps that thick in any other brand – a must-try at least once if you’re hunting for really delicious British snacks.
7 Best Snacks in London and Foodie Souvenirs To Buy and Love
From Tyrrells crisps to red velvet cupcakes at Co-Op, you have here all my favorite snacks to buy and enjoy in London.
There are oh, so many places to eat in London, from beautiful rustic bakeries to pink coffee shops, and more grocery shops than you could ever imagine.
What’s great about this short list is that all snacks mentioned here are quite easy to get ahold of.
Whether you pop by a budget shop like Poundland or a higher-end grocery store like Waitrose, you should easily find all these items.
And if you’d like to find more souvenir ideas and places to shop in London, here are a few guides you may want to read next to complete your bucket list: