Buying crisps: how to choose a crunchy snack that suits you

Buying crisps might seem straightforward, until you have to choose between plain crisps, ridged crisps, oven-baked varieties and special flavours like cheese and onion, barbecue or ketchup. Packaging often highlights terms such as “light”, “extra crunchy” or “no artificial additives”. That doesn’t automatically mean a product matches your preferences, dietary choices or the occasion you have in mind.

Pay particular attention to three common pitfalls:

• A smaller bag may look like better value, but can work out more expensive per 100 grams.
• “Oven-baked” doesn’t automatically mean low in calories or salt. Always check the nutrition table.
• A flavour name doesn’t tell you the full ingredient story. Cheese and onion crisps, for example, may contain milk, and ketchup or barbecue crisps can include several flavourings, sugars and spices.

Whether you’re looking for crisps for a film night, a student gathering, a lunchbox or a potato snack on the go: the right choice starts with the product information.

What to look for when buying crisps

1. Compare nutritional values per 100 grams

A portion pack makes it tricky to compare. So start by looking at the values per 100 grams:

• Energy: usually given in kJ and kcal.
• Fat and saturated fat: relevant when comparing different cooking methods.
• Carbohydrates and sugars: especially important with flavoured crisps.
• Salt: flavour varieties can differ noticeably.
• Protein and fibre: extra information, but not a standalone quality mark.

For example, Chio Oven Chips Sea Salt states 435 kcal and 9.2 grams of fat per 100 grams. Lay’s Max Original states 524 kcal and 33 grams of fat per 100 grams. These figures come from the product information and give you a practical point of comparison. An oven-baked product can therefore contain less fat, but it remains a snack that you’re best off portioning carefully.

2. Check the cooking method

With crisps, you’ll come across these varieties, among others:

• Fried or deep-fried crisps: often made from potato slices with oil.
• Oven-baked crisps: according to the product description, prepared in the oven rather than fried.
• Potato sticks and formed snacks: made with potato, potato powder or other starches.
• Dried snacks: such as dried sweet potato, with a different texture and flavour.

Bear in mind: a brand claim about a “lighter” or “healthier” choice shouldn’t be taken as a fixed fact. According to the product description, Chio Oven Chips Sea Salt contains 60% less fat than regular crisps. According to the product information for Lay’s Oven Baked Natural, this variety contains 50% less fat than regular crisps. Always compare these claims with the nutritional values stated on the packaging.

3. Look at allergens, size and packaging

For families and crisps to share, a bag of 135 to 200 grams is practical. For on the go or a lunchbox, a small bag of 27 to 62 grams can be more convenient. Individual portions also help you avoid opening the whole supply at once.

Also check the allergens:

• Lay’s Cheese Onion contains milk.
• Lay’s Max Joppie states mustard.
• Lay’s Max Heinz Tomato Ketchup contains milk.
• Lay’s Max Cheddar & Onion contains milk.
• Some oven-baked and Asian snacks may contain soya, wheat, sesame or milk.

The allergen information on the current packaging remains the definitive guide, as recipes can change. Also check that the bag is undamaged, and store crisps in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal the packaging well after opening to keep them crunchy for longer.

Our recommendations by usage profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Lay's Max Original - 185 g

Why this fits the profile: A familiar plain crisp in a bag size that’s suitable for a film night or sharing.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The simple ingredients list makes it easier to check for flavourings and allergens.

Key benefit & plus points

185 grams; suitable for vegetarians; according to the product information, free from the 14 major EU allergens.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality

Lay's Max Joppie Potato Flavor - 185 g

Why this fits the profile: The ridged texture and distinctive Joppie flavour suit fans of a crunchier, more substantial snack.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states the flavour, texture and the mustard allergen, so you don’t have to rely on the front of the pack alone.

Key benefit & plus points

185 grams; ridged crisps; suitable for vegetarians; 0 grams of trans fat according to the provided nutritional information.

Suitable for: Specific use & heavy users

Dianerwa Original Fresh-Cut Wavy Potato Chips 135g

Why this fits the profile: The large wavy crisps are designed for sharing at a gathering or a cosy evening in.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size and wavy texture are clear upfront, so you won’t mistake a small individual bag for a sharing pack.

Key benefit & plus points

135 grams; wavy cut; according to the product information, prepared using a non-fried process.

Suitable for: Those looking for an oven-baked option

Chio Oven Chips Sea Salt - 125 g

Why this fits the profile: An oven-baked potato snack with sea salt for those who care about the cooking method.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The nutrition table shows exactly what the choice means in practice: 435 kcal and 9.2 grams of fat per 100 grams.

Key benefit & plus points

125 grams; oven-baked according to the product description; sea salt flavour; suitable for vegetarians.

Frequently asked questions about crisps

Which crisps contain less fat?

Compare the nutritional values per 100 grams. In the product information provided, Chio Oven Chips Sea Salt contains 9.2 grams of fat and Lay’s Oven Baked Natural contains 13 grams of fat per 100 grams. That’s lower than some regular crisps, but the overall nutritional value and portion size still matter.

How do I keep crisps crunchy for longer?

Store an opened bag in a cool, dry place, seal it as airtight as possible, and keep it away from moisture and heat. Individual portion packs are practical when you don’t eat a whole bag in one go.

Which crisps are suitable for sharing?

For a film night or a party, bags of around 125 to 200 grams are handy. Plain crisps are usually easy to pair with dips, while cheese and onion crisps, barbecue crisps, ketchup crisps and spicy crisps offer more distinctive flavours. Always check the allergens on the packaging for your guests.