Potato crisps may seem like an easy choice, but in practice, bags and multipacks can vary considerably in flavour, size, ingredients and allergen information. If you only look at the front of the packet, you could end up with too few crisps for a get-together, a flavour that disappoints or a product that doesn’t suit your dietary needs.
When buying crisps, look out for these three common pitfalls:
Small bags are easy to manage when you’re out and about, at school or on a work break. For example, the 30 g Lay's India's Magic Masala contains 161 kcal and 0.57 g of salt per pack, according to the product information provided. A smaller pack makes it easier to open a set amount for each occasion.
For a get-together with several people, larger bags or a crisps multipack make more sense. A 250 g pack, such as g'woon Ribbed Chips Natural, is designed for sharing. A multipack of small bags gives you more control over portions and makes it easier to serve several flavours side by side.
Ready salted crisps generally have a short ingredients list. g'woon Ribbed Chips Natural, for example, lists potatoes, sunflower oil and salt. This makes it easy to compare with other ready salted varieties.
For paprika crisps, spicy crisps and international flavours, the seasoning mix often contains several ingredients, such as sugar, spices, onion powder, garlic, flavourings and acidity regulators. The word “spicy” also doesn’t tell you exactly how strong the seasoning is. If you’re looking for a bold flavour, check the full flavour description and ingredients list.
Always compare nutritional values per 100 g, not just per bag. This helps you avoid assuming that a small pack is automatically the lighter option. Pay particular attention to energy, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates and salt.
Also check the allergen information:
Recipes and packaging can change, so always use the label on the pack you receive as your final check, especially if you have an allergy or intolerance.
Why it suits this profile: The large bag is a straightforward choice for a film night or small get-together, without needing to mix and match several flavours.
The ingredients list is short and the 250 g pack size is clearly stated, making it suitable for sharing.
Ridged crisps, a ready salted flavour and a 250 g pack. According to the product information, it contains none of the 14 major EU allergens.
Why it suits this profile: The combination of sea salt and cider vinegar is ideal for a get-together where you’re after a bold, savoury flavour.
The flavour and cooking method are clearly described. Barley is also listed as an allergen, so you can check in advance whether this product is suitable for you.
150 g, sea salt and cider vinegar, with a stated nutritional value of 461 kcal per 100 g.
Why it suits this profile: The individually packed portions are handy for events, lunchboxes, days out or groups where everyone gets their own serving.
The multipack means you won’t have one large pack left open for long. Do check the listed milk and wheat allergens.
12 portions of 40 g, with a resealable tube for each pack, according to the product description.
Why it suits this profile: This individual bag, seasoned with cumin, coriander, chilli, onion and garlic, is ideal if you’d like to try something different without buying a large quantity.
The pack is small and the spices are listed in detail. The product information also says no MSG has been added; check the current label for the full ingredients list.
30 g, vegetarian according to the product information, with a bold Indian-inspired spice profile.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety requirements.
If you’re after classic flavours, choose ready salted, paprika or ridged crisps. For a get-together with a range of tastes to cater for, the Lay's Doritos Chill Box multipack chips 12 pieces is a practical choice, with Lay's Max Paprika, Lay's Max Naturel, Doritos Nacho Cheese and Sensations Real Sweet Chilli among the flavours included.
For sweet and spicy flavours, Lay's Sensations Thai Sweet Chili and Doritos BITS Honey BBQ are worth comparing. If you’d like to try international crisps, you could also look at Pringles Szechuan Spice Stick, Calbee Honey Butter or Lay's Mexican Tomato Chicken. With these products, pay particular attention to the country of origin, the language on the label and the allergen information.
As a practical guide, allow around 30 to 50 g per person if you’re serving other snacks too. You may need more for a film night with snacks as the only food. Small bags are handy for portion control; a 150 to 250 g bag is more economical when everyone is sharing.
Store crisps in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal an opened bag as well as you can, or choose a resealable pack. Moisture is the main reason crisps lose their crunch. Check the packaging for damage before opening the product too.
It depends on the brand, size and packaging. A seasoned variety usually has a more elaborate spice mix, but the price is affected mainly by the brand, weight, multipack size and country of origin. So compare the price per 100 g rather than just the total price.