Joybuy Insights

Chips and crisps: how to choose the right potato snack

Looking to buy chips and crisps online, but not sure whether to choose frozen chips, air fryer chips, crinkle-cut crisps or something different, such as potato sticks? The main differences are in how they’re prepared, their size, flavour and packaging. And eye-catching packaging doesn’t always mean a product is right for your household.

Check the product details rather than relying on claims such as “extra crispy” or “premium”. Below, you’ll find the key things to look out for, plus popular options for different occasions.

Common pitfalls when buying chips and crisps

1. Focusing on “crispy” without checking how to cook them

Not all potato chips are suitable for every cooking method. Some frozen chips are made for deep-frying, while others are specifically designed for the air fryer. Using the wrong cooking method can affect their colour, texture and cooking time.

Always check:

  • whether the product is suitable for the oven, deep-fat fryer or air fryer;
  • whether the chips should be cooked from frozen;
  • whether the product has a coating or has been pre-cooked;
  • the temperature and cooking time shown on the packaging.

2. Buying a large bag for an occasional treat

A 2.5 kg bag can be a practical choice for a family or anyone who eats chips regularly, but less convenient if you only cook them now and then. Smaller portions are easier to manage for snacks on the go or lunchboxes.

The same applies to crisps. A 250 g bag is ideal for a film night or having friends round, while multipacks with 40 g portions are handy for sharing, taking on the go or packing in a lunchbox.

3. Mistaking flavour claims for ingredient information

“Sweet and spicy”, “honey butter” or “jasmine” describes the flavour, but doesn’t automatically tell you what’s in the product. When buying international snacks, always check:

  • allergens such as milk and soya, and any possible contact with gluten;
  • salt, sugar and fat per 100 g;
  • the country of origin;
  • storage instructions;
  • the ingredients list on the current packaging.

According to the brands’ own product information, ingredients and nutritional values can vary between products. So always check the packaging for the latest details.

Key details to check when buying potato chips and crisps

Cooking method and size

For air fryer chips, an even cut and a suitable coating can be useful. Thin chips usually cook faster than thicker ones, but they can also dry out more quickly if you cook them for too long. Crinkle-cut chips have more surface area and are often chosen for their texture and ability to hold sauce.

When choosing regular potato chips, check:

  • weight per bag, for example 750 g, 1 kg or 2.5 kg;
  • cut, such as thin, regular or curly;
  • cooking method;
  • ingredients, such as potatoes, sunflower oil, rice flour or modified potato starch.

Always follow the cooking instructions on the packaging. Air fryers vary in capacity and power, so avoid overfilling the basket if you want your chips to cook evenly.

Texture and coating

A coating can help create a crispy outside, according to the product description. This is particularly useful if you want crispy chips from your air fryer. Check that the coating contains ingredients that suit your preferences, such as rice flour, starch or herbs.

The shape of crisps and potato sticks makes a big difference to how they taste and feel:

  • crinkle-cut crisps have a ridged surface;
  • potato sticks are thin, crunchy snack strips;
  • thicker crisps are often ideal for dips and sharing platters;
  • individually wrapped portions are handy for sharing and taking with you.

Flavour, portion size and storage

Classic ready salted crisps are a versatile choice. If you fancy something different, try seasoned crisps, sweet and spicy flavours, honey butter, black pepper or jasmine tea. If you’re curious about an unusual flavour, a small pack is a sensible choice to start with.

Store frozen products at the temperature shown on the packaging. According to the product information, defrosted chips should not be refrozen. Store crisps and potato sticks in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal opened bags tightly to keep them crunchy for longer.

Our recommendations for different occasions

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Aviko Pommes Frites - 1 kg

Aviko Pommes Frites - 1 kg

Why it suits this shopper: A versatile 1 kg bag for meals, loaded fries or chips with sauce. The product description says it’s suitable for both deep-fat fryers and air fryers.

How this product helps you avoid a common pitfall

The medium-sized bag means you don’t have to buy a large pack before you know how much you’ll use.

Key benefits and features

1 kg; according to the product information, the ingredients are potatoes and sunflower oil.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Aviko Super Crunch Airfryer Thin Fries - 750 g

Aviko Super Crunch Airfryer Thin Fries - 750 g

Why it suits this shopper: Made for air fryer users who want thin chips with a crispy texture.

How this product helps you avoid a common pitfall

The product information specifically mentions air fryer cooking and a coating, so there’s no need to guess whether regular chips will work in a different appliance.

Key benefits and features

750 g; thin cut; the product description says they’re suitable for extra-crispy cooking in the air fryer.

Suitable for: Regular and specific-use shoppers
g'woon Crispy Fries - 2500g

g'woon Crispy Fries - 2500g

Why it suits this shopper: A large pack for households, parties or anyone who serves frozen chips regularly.

How this product helps you avoid a common pitfall

The 2.5 kg pack is a purposeful choice for regular use, instead of having to reorder a small bag again and again.

Key benefits and features

2.5 kg; pre-fried and frozen; according to the product information, 97% potatoes and 3% sunflower oil.

Suitable for: Flavour explorers and party-goers
Pringles Hot & Spicy Crunchy Chips - 12 x 40 g

Pringles Hot & Spicy Crunchy Chips - 12 x 40 g

Why it suits this shopper: Handy for parties, lunchboxes and snacks on the go, with twelve individual portions and a spicy seasoning.

How this product helps you avoid a common pitfall

The portion size is clear, so you don’t have to open a large bag for a single snack.

Key benefits and features

12 bags of 40 g; ready to eat; the product description lists a flavour profile of chilli and savoury herbs.

Looking for more options?

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

Other flavours to try

For a sharing platter or film night, try these alternatives to classic crisps:

  • g'woon Ribbed Chips Natural - 250g for natural-flavoured crinkle-cut crisps;
  • Oishi Crispy Potato Chips Sweet Spicy Flavour 85g for a sweet and spicy flavour;
  • CRISUP Potato Sticks English Version (Honey Butter) 40g for a sweet and salty honey butter combination;
  • Cha Yan Yue Se Jasmine Crisp Fries 80G for potato sticks with jasmine tea flavour;
  • CRISUP Potato Sticks English Version (Black Truffle Flavour) 40g for a savoury truffle flavour.

It’s a good idea to check the allergen information and current packaging before buying these products. With snacks from other countries in particular, milk, soya or possible traces of gluten may be relevant.

Frequently asked questions about chips and crisps

Which chips are suitable for the air fryer?

Choose a product that clearly says it’s suitable for air frying, such as Aviko Supercrunch Airfryer Pommes Frites or g'woon Air Fryer French Fries. Follow the temperature, cooking time and recommended quantity on the packaging. Your air fryer’s capacity determines how many chips you can cook at once.

How do you get crispy chips from an air fryer?

Cook frozen chips according to the instructions, spread them out in the basket and shake them halfway through if the packaging recommends it. A product with a coating or a specific air fryer label may be a good choice if you’re after crispy chips. The result also depends on your air fryer model and how much you put in the basket.

How should you store chips and crisps after buying them?

Keep frozen chips frozen and follow the storage temperature on the packaging. Don’t refreeze them after they’ve thawed. Store crisps and potato sticks in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Seal opened packs tightly, and check the use-by or best-before information on the packaging when you buy them.