Fancy some cheese crisps for a film night, drinks party or get-together? The range stretches from potato crisps and corn chips to cheese nacho chips, cheese biscuits and spicy varieties. But a flashy packet doesn't tell you much about the flavour, portion size or whether it's suitable for sharing.
If you buy with a bit of know-how, you can avoid a few common mistakes. Pay particular attention to the type of snack, the amount per pack and the ingredients. That way, it's easier to choose between, say, Pringles cheese, Doritos Nacho Cheese, Lay's cheese crisps and tortilla chips with cheese.
A 125 to 170 gram pack might look generous, but the nutritional information often lists portions of around 30 grams. With Doritos Nacho Cheese at 170 grams, the product info suggests roughly five to six portions. The 272 gram bag contains about nine to ten portions. So always check the net weight and the stated number of portions.
For a small gathering, individual portions are handy. For a party, a larger bag can be more economical and practical, especially if you're putting out several flavours.
The cheese flavour can come from cheese powder, milk ingredients, flavourings or a combination of these. The taste therefore varies by snack type. Potato crisps are generally thin and light, whereas tortilla chips with cheese are often sturdier and coarser. A corn snack like Bugles or Cheetos has a different texture again.
Terms like "intense flavour" or "rich cheese taste" are marketing descriptions. It's better to base your choice on the listed ingredients, the snack type and the flavour combination. With cheese and onion crisps, for example, onion, garlic and cheese powder all play a clear role together.
Many cheese crisps contain milk or lactose. Some varieties also contain wheat, gluten or soya. Always check the actual packaging, especially if you have an allergy or intolerance. The online product information is a guide, but the packaging you receive is what counts.
Nutritional values also vary. In the available product information, the energy per 100 grams ranges from around 404 kcal for Sultana Crunchers Cheese Onion to 529 kcal for Lay's Bugles Nacho Cheese. That doesn't automatically make a snack suitable or unsuitable, but it does help you compare portions and purchase quantities.
First, choose the shape that suits the occasion:
For dipping, sturdy tortilla chips are usually more practical than thin potato crisps. Also check whether the shape holds the dip well.
A resealable tube, like the one Pringles come in, can be handy when you don't want to serve everything at once. A bag, on the other hand, is easy to divide between several bowls. For home use, you can match the size to the number of people eating:
Bear in mind that a product name sometimes covers several pack sizes. So always check the weight and exact contents before you order.
If you want a mild cheese, look at classic cheese flavours. For more of a kick, spicy cheese crisps, chilli-cheese or queso varieties are logical options. Pringles Hot Flamin' Cheese combines cheese with chilli and spices. Takis Queso Volcano is described as having a spicy cheese flavour and contains, among other things, cornmeal, a spice mix and cheese powder.
For a softer cheeseboard, cheese and onion, mozzarella and pepper, or nacho cheese often work better. With a heavily spiced snack, also watch the salt content. In the nutritional information provided, this ranges, for example, from 0.7 grams per 100 grams for Shiyanshi Thick Cheese Corn Chips to 2.9 grams for Lay's Mama Mia's Paprika Cheese Chips.
Why this fits the profile: A recognisable tortilla chip for anyone who wants a versatile cheese snack for home or a small gathering without too much comparing.
The weight is clearly stated and the product information lists 72% corn and around 165 grams of contents. This lets you check the size and base ingredient.
165 grams, 5.7 grams of fibre per 100 grams according to the product information, and suitable for combining with dip.
Why this fits the profile: The tube and uniform shape suit snack moments where you want to serve the crisps gradually.
The resealable packaging helps you close the contents after opening. Do check the actual packaging and best-before date on delivery.
165 grams, cheese as the stated flavour direction, and a resealable tube.
Why this fits the profile: The larger size is designed for sharing at a party, games night or gathering with several guests.
The roughly nine to ten portions make the contents more predictable than a bag without a portion guide.
272 grams, around 30 grams per stated portion, and suitable for salsa, guacamole or cheese dip for nachos.
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.
For a drinks party, you can combine different textures: a classic potato crisp, sturdy tortilla chips and a shaped corn snack. Serve the dip separately so the crisps stay crunchy. Jimmy's Nacho To Go Cheese is a ready-to-eat cheese dip at 200 grams. Banderos Cheese Dip comes in a 300 gram pack and its product description mentions chilli and jalapeño, among other things.
Always check the storage advice and allergens on dips. Use a clean spoon and seal the packaging well after opening.
Sturdy tortilla chips are generally practical for nachos because they hold toppings and dips better. g'woon Tortilla Chips Nacho Cheese and Doritos Nacho Cheese are examples of corn chips with a cheese profile. The choice also depends on the seasoning and portion size you prefer.
Store crisps according to the packaging in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight and away from heat and moisture. Seal a bag as tightly as possible. A resealable tube, like the one Pringles come in, is handy if you're not using the contents all at once. Throw away any packaging that is damaged, bloated or visibly opened.
Many products in this category contain milk, lactose, whey or cheese powder. This applies to various Pringles, Doritos, Lay's and Cheetos varieties, among others. Always check the current allergen information on the packaging. If you have an allergy, you cannot rely solely on the product name.