Is the success of the spice bag rooted in a culture of fussy eating?
This opinion piece explores the popularity of the 'spice bag' in Ireland, linking it to the country's culture of picky eating. The author discusses how sensory processing disorders and commercial marketing influence the dietary habits of children and adults.
Why it matters
Offers a cultural critique of modern eating habits and the intersection of food marketing with neurodiversity.
A WEEK AGO, I caused a bit of a stir when pointing out that we have reached a saturation point in Ireland’s spice bag market. Available everywhere from petrol stations to burrito shops, the meal is quickly becoming recognised as our national dish, having captured the imagination of tourists on social media.
This opinion landed me on Oliver Callan’s show and Newstalk’s Moncrieff, where I went back to basics to explain what a spice bag was (a strange thing to do, in the year 2026). As I reflected on it, I realised that spice bags are a glorified reinvention of chicken goujons and chips.
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