Buying crisps: how to choose potato crisps that suit your taste and occasion

Buying crisps seems straightforward, until you have to choose between ready salted crisps, ridged crisps, barbecue crisps, spicy crisps and oven-baked crisps. Pack size, allergens and cooking method also make a difference. A bag that sounds appealing doesn’t automatically suit your gathering, dietary requirements or desired portion size.

When comparing, watch out for three common pitfalls:

• Flavour names can say more than the ingredients. “Barbecue”, “sour cream” or “herbs” may come with sugar, flavourings, flavour enhancers or allergens.
• A large bag isn’t always better value. For individual snacking, a smaller size can reduce waste, while for a party you might need several bags or a multipack.
• “Baked” doesn’t automatically mean a lighter choice. Check the nutritional information per 100g. Some oven-baked crisps have a lower fat content, but carbohydrates, sugar or salt can be relatively higher.

What should you look for when buying crisps?

1. Check ingredients and allergens

The ingredients list matters more than the front of the pack. If you’re looking for vegan crisps, gluten-free crisps or crisps without certain allergens, always check the current label. Recipes can change, and product information on a website may differ from the packaging.

Farmhouse Biscuits Sea Salt Chips, according to the product information, contains potatoes, sunflower oil and salt. It is also stated that the product is vegan and gluten-free and contains none of the 14 major EU allergens. The ridged version of the same brand also lists potatoes, sunflower oil and salt.

Pringles Sour Cream & Onion lists potato starch, wheat and maize flour, and a seasoning mix containing milk ingredients. Lay’s Hamka’s, according to the label, contains wheat and milk among other things. So always check the allergen information when serving crisps to a mixed group.

2. Compare cooking method and nutritional values

Potato crisps are usually made by frying sliced potatoes. Oven-baked crisps are made differently. Chio Oven Chips Sea Salt, for example, states 435 kcal and 9.2g fat per 100g, compared to 502 kcal and 31g fat for Lay’s Potato Chips Cucumber flavour. That’s a product-specific comparison, not a general promise about all oven chips.

Also look at:

• salt or salt content: relevant when comparing different ready salted crisps or sea salt varieties;
• saturated fat: listed in the nutrition table;
• portion size: often 30g, while bags vary significantly in total weight;
• cooking method: baked or fried;
• Nutri-Score: a helpful tool within the product information, but not a substitute for the full ingredients list.

3. Choose size and texture for the occasion

For a solo film night, 62 to 90g may be enough. For a drinks party or get-together, bags of 125 to 200g are more practical. A resealable tube, like Pringles, can be handy when you don’t want to serve the whole pack at once.

Texture also matters. Ridged crisps are thicker and have a rougher surface, making them ideal for dips or a sharing platter. Lay’s Max Joppie 185g and Farmhouse Biscuits Sea Salt Ribbed Chips 150g are examples of products with a ridged texture. The exact flavour and ingredients vary by product.

Which crisps suit your profile?

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Lay's Potato Chips Cucumber flavour 135g

Why this suits the profile: A 135g bag offers a practical size for solo snacking or sharing. The cucumber flavour is a change from standard ready salted crisps and gives you a choice without having to order several varieties at once.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states the weight, ingredients and milk as an allergen. This means you can check the flavour and suitability before buying.

Key benefit & highlights

135g net weight; crunchy potato crisps; nutritional value of 502 kcal per 100g according to the product information.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality

Farmhouse Biscuits Sea Salt Ribbed Chips - 150 g

Why this suits the profile: The thicker ridged texture is ideal for a sharing platter or dip. The flavour stays with potato, sunflower oil and salt, without a long list of flavour components according to the product information provided.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states vegan and gluten-free, but always check the packaging if you have allergies. The 150g size makes the portion clear in advance.

Key benefit & highlights

Ridged texture; 150g net weight; according to the product information, vegan and free from gluten and lactose.

Suitable for: Specific use & frequent snackers

Chio Oven Chips Sea Salt - 125 g

Why this suits the profile: If you’re mindful about the cooking method, you can compare oven-baked crisps with fried varieties. This 125g bag has a simple sea salt flavour, perfect for a drinks party or everyday snacking.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The cooking method and nutritional values are clearly stated: 435 kcal and 9.2g fat per 100g. The product information also lists milk, sesame, soya, barley and wheat as allergens.

Key benefit & highlights

Oven-baked; sea salt flavour; 125g net weight; according to the product information, no artificial flavour enhancers.

Suitable for: Groups and parties

Pringles Chips Sour Cream & Onion 12 x 40 g

Why this suits the profile: The 40g portions are handy for handing out at a party, in the office or during a games night. The tube shape protects the crisps during storage and transport.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The multipack divides the total into individual portions. Please note: the product information lists milk and gluten-containing cereals as allergens.

Key benefit & highlights

12 portions of 40g; resealable tube per portion; ideal for serving and taking on the go.

Ordering crisps online: practical checks before you buy

Compare these points before you check out:

1. Flavour: choose ready salted, sea salt crisps, barbecue, spicy crisps or a seasoned variety.
2. Weight: divide the total weight by the price to compare packs fairly.
3. Allergens: check for milk, gluten, soya, mustard and possible traces.
4. Storage: store an unopened bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal the pack well after opening to keep the crunchy texture.
5. Best before: check the date on the pack; it can vary by delivery.

Frequently asked questions about buying crisps

Which crisps are suitable for a party?

For party crisps, several smaller portions or bags of 125 to 200g are practical. This way you can offer different flavours, such as ready salted crisps, ridged crisps and barbecue crisps. Check allergens in advance if you’re buying for a mixed group.

Are oven-baked crisps always lower in fat?

No. Check the nutrition table per 100g. Chio Oven Chips Sea Salt states 9.2g fat per 100g, but other oven-baked crisps may have different values. The cooking method alone doesn’t give the full picture.

How do you store opened crisps?

Store opened crisps sealed in a dry place, away from heat and moisture. Sealing the pack well helps maintain the crunchy texture. A multipack with small portions can be handy when you don’t want to open a large bag each time.