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FROM ‘CRISP-MAS’ PARTIES TO ALDI’S TASTE PANEL: MEET THE MUM SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SUPERMARKET SNACKS    

28 August, 2025

• Anna Barney, 40, won a nationwide competition to become Aldi’s Crisp Taster securing a supply of free crisps as well as the coveted job role  

• Anna’s all-important reviews of Aldi’s crisps will be shared with Buyers to help inform the 2026 range  

• Crisp fanatic Anna, a mother of two, throws CRISP-mas parties every Christmas, and has even made herself a Crisp dress for the occasion  

A Norwich mum who throws annual ‘CRISP-mas’ parties – complete with crisp-themed games, decorations and even a self-made crisp packet dress – has just landed what many would call the UK’s tastiest job. 

Anna Barney, 40, has beaten hundreds of applicants across the UK to land the prestigious job title of Aldi’s official ‘Crisp Taster’. 

Her prize? A supply of Aldi crisps – and the power to influence which flavours make it onto shelves in 2026.  

The supermarket launched the search earlier this month, asking crisp fanatics to submit videos explaining why they deserved the role. 

Anna impressed the judges with her video application detailing the decade-long tradition of hosting ‘CRISP-mas’ parties where she welcomes 40 friends and family each December to celebrate the festive season entirely through crisps. 

Games include ‘Guess the Flavour,’ and ‘How many crisps in a jar’ with strict rules on what qualifies as a crisp (cheese savouries are banned!). 

Reacting to the win, Anna said: “Becoming Aldi’s Official Crisp Taster is a dream come true. To be able to share my passion and have a say in what products hit shelves is incredible. This year’s CRISP-mas party is going to be even more special.” 

Anna’s husband Mike, 40, added: “Anna’s crisp credentials are legendary. This title was never in doubt – she was born for it.” 

Anna, an Office Manager and mum to Edith (7) and Violet (2), has been a loyal Aldi shopper for years and names the new Snackrite Salt & Vinegar Starry Night Mix as her current favourite. 

Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: “Britain’s love of crisps is undeniable, and Anna takes that passion to another level. Her ‘CRISP-mas’ tradition really stood out, and who better to help shape our future range than someone who dedicates an entire party to their favourite snack? We really value the opinion of our customers and can’t wait to hear her feedback on the range.” 

Aldi’s crisp selection, which starts from just 85p, includes fan favourites such as the Specially Selected Lightly Sea Salted Hand Cooked Crisps (£1.09, 150g), Specially Selected Mature Cheddar & Red Onion Hand Cooked Crisps (£1.09, 150g), Snackrite Delta Tortilla Chips (89p, 200g) and Snackrite Tangz (85p, 78g).   

Aldi’s full range of crisps is available in stores now. 

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