Joybuy Insights

Buying crisps: how to choose potato crisps and special snacks that suit you

If you’re looking to buy crisps online, you’ll quickly come across dozens of flavours, sizes and brands. But a striking packet doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right choice for your situation. Whether you’re after a snack for a get-together, an individual portion for on the go, or a spicy flavour that isn’t your standard potato crisp, what really matters are ingredients, nutritional values, allergens and portion size.

The following pitfalls are common:

  • “Baked” is mistaken for low-calorie. Oven-baked crisps may contain less fat than fried varieties according to the label, but they’re still an energy-dense snack. Always compare the nutritional values per 100 grams and per portion.
  • A large size seems good value, but isn’t always practical. A tube or bag of 150 to 200 grams works well for sharing, while smaller packs are handier for lunch, on the go or portion control.
  • Special flavours can hide allergens. Wasabi snacks, paprika crisps, pesto crisps and konjac snacks may contain milk, soya, wheat, mustard or sesame, among others. Always check the current packaging, even if you’ve bought the product before.

What to look for when buying crisps

1. Look beyond the front of the packet

Claims like “baked”, “light” or “reduced salt” should always be checked against the nutrition table. A practical checklist:

  • Energy: usually given in kilojoules and kilocalories per 100 grams.
  • Fat and saturated fat: relevant when comparing different types of potato crisps.
  • Sugars: especially important for snacks with sweet seasonings or sweet potato crisps.
  • Salt: key for heavily seasoned crisps, corn snacks and spicy snacks.
  • Portion size: a 30-gram portion is not the same as the whole bag.

For example, Yan Jin Pu Zi O-Potao Baked Potato Crisps Tomato Flavour contains 502 kcal and 24 grams of fat per 100 grams according to the product information. Lay's Oven Baked Mediterranean Herbs lists 440 kcal and 13 grams of fat per 100 grams. The difference can be verified from the nutritional values, but neither product should be seen as a healthy choice.

2. Check ingredients and allergens

The ingredients list is in descending order by weight. When comparing, look out for:

  • the proportion of potato, corn, pumpkin, okra or konjac;
  • the oils used, such as sunflower, palm or rice bran oil;
  • flavour enhancers, sweeteners and colourings;
  • allergens, which must be highlighted in bold on the packaging.

For vegetarians, Gusto Wasabi Corn Puffs and Gusto Paprika Corn Puffs are described as suitable. The Gusto wasabi variant also states that it contains none of the 14 main EU allergens. That said, you should still check the packaging on delivery, as recipes or labels can change.

Lay's Patatje Joppie lists mustard as an allergen. Pringles Italian Style Pesto contains milk and wheat among other ingredients, and may contain soya. So a flavour like “pesto” or “lime” doesn’t automatically tell you what ingredients have been used.

3. Choose size and packaging based on how you’ll use it

An individual pack of 50 to 80 grams is ideal when you don’t want to keep dipping into a large bag. A sharing pack can also be handy for a lunchbox, the office or a small snack moment.

For a party or film night, larger packs work better. Pringles Italian Style Pesto comes in 165 grams and has a stackable shape that’s easy to share. A multipack, such as Gusto Wasabi Corn Puffs 80 g x 6, splits the portions across several bags. That’s practical for a snack selection used on different occasions.

Once opened, crisps quickly lose their crunch. Seal bags tightly and store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat. Konjac products may have different storage instructions after opening. Be&Cheery Konjac Vegetarian Tripe should be refrigerated after opening and consumed quickly, according to the product information.

Recommended choices by type of snack lover

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Yan Jin Pu Zi O-Potao Baked Potato Crisps Tomato Flavour Snack 62g

Yan Jin Pu Zi O-Potao Baked Potato Crisps Tomato Flavour Snack 62g

Why this suits the profile: The small size is straightforward for a single snack moment. The tomato flavour is accessible without having to order a large pack straight away.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information mentions a baking process instead of frying and lists 24 grams of fat per 100 grams. Still compare this with other snacks; “baked” doesn’t automatically mean low in calories.

Key benefit & highlights

62 grams per pack, 502 kcal and 24 grams of fat per 100 grams; suitable for immediate consumption.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
Pringles Italian Style Pesto 165g

Pringles Italian Style Pesto 165g

Why this suits the profile: The pesto, garlic and basil flavour offers something different from standard paprika crisps. The 165-gram pack works well for gatherings and moments when sharing is key.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The flavour is clearly described and the allergens are listed: milk and wheat are present; soya may occur.

Key benefit & highlights

165 grams, resealable tube and 522 kcal per 100 grams according to the product information.

Suitable for: Specific use & heavy users
Gusto Wasabi Corn Puffs 80 g x 6

Gusto Wasabi Corn Puffs 80 g x 6

Why this suits the profile: The multipack is practical for stocking up, parties or fans of wasabi snacks. The light corn snack is clearly different from standard potato crisps.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The flavour, portion size and vegetarian suitability are clearly described. The wasabi flavour can be quite hot; don’t choose this blindly if you’re after mild snacks.

Key benefit & highlights

Six packs of 80 grams, vegetarian according to the product description and 158 kcal per stated 30-gram portion.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.

Other flavours to compare

For fans of spicy snacks, Pringles Hot Mexican Chili & Lime and WEILONG Konjac Snack Spicy Flavor are options with chilli, spices and a bold flavour profile. If you’re after something sweeter, you can compare sweet potato crisps with regular ones: Xue Ji Crispy Sweet Potato Chips consists of at least 80% sweet potato according to the product information and contains 17.6 grams of sugars per 100 grams.

Okra crisps are another alternative to standard potato crisps. GREENDAY Okra Chips lists 98% okra and 0.04 grams of salt per 100 grams, but does contain 39 grams of fat per 100 grams. That example shows why you shouldn’t look at just one nutritional value or a product claim.

Frequently asked questions about buying crisps

Which crisps are suitable for a party?

Choose a combination of large packs and different flavour profiles. A Pringles tube or Lay's pack of 150 to 200 grams works well for sharing. Add a mild variety, some paprika crisps and one spicy snack. Check allergens in advance if several guests will be eating.

Are oven-baked crisps always a lighter choice?

No. According to the product information, oven-baked crisps can contain less fat than some fried varieties, but the overall nutritional value varies by recipe. Compare energy, fat, salt and portion size per 100 grams. In practice, a smaller portion can be more important than the cooking method alone.

How do you store opened crisps?

Store crisps in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal an opened bag as tightly as possible or use an airtight container. For konjac snacks, always check the specific instructions on the packaging; some products need to be refrigerated after opening and consumed quickly.