McCain has announced that they will be bringing back their beloved Potato Smiles after mercilessly discontinuing them 12 years ago.
This news has ushered in an existential spiral. Whilst I’m thrilled that these chipper little snacks have returned to the freezer department, the revelation that it’s been 12 years since I’ve consumed one has left me startlingly conscious of my own mortality.
After axing Potato Smiles in 2009, McCains sought redemption last year with an updated iteration of the snack, EmotiBites. Not what we asked for.
When we crave nostalgia food, we don’t want updated versions of childhood favourites. We want our childhood evoked. The tuck shop memories of receiving a piping hot bag of manically smiling potatoes, complete with a single portion of squeezy tomato sauce. The palate scalding insides, that soggy yet crispy texture.
The Potato Smiles have been somewhat altered to be bite-sized. The technological advance means that the smiles will be cooked to a crisp in just eight minutes.
McCain Australia’s potato manager (yes), is thrilled to reintroduce their hallowed snack to Australian’s everywhere, after revealing that over 50 per cent of the requests on the brand’s Facebook page were to bring them back.
“It’s great to be able to bring Smiles back on shelves with a twist that is beneficial to our customers,” she said in a statement.
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“The Quick Cook range was created to be fast with no compromise. We see these products as an essential side-of-plate lunch and dinner option for all individuals and families.”
Mini Smiles will be available at all Aussie supermarkets for $4.30. A low price to pay for the thrill of indulging in a snack that should ethically not be consumed by anyone over the age of twelve.
