Crisps are a savoury snack to enjoy alongside your usual meals, not a standalone recovery option after an intense workout. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 2.6 g of protein per 40 g of plain crisps and highlights the importance of getting enough protein after intense exercise. If you want to choose crisps, compare like-for-like options per 100 g, consider the portion you plan to eat and use Nutri-Score only to compare products within the same category.
Who is this choice relevant to?
People who prioritise a meal after exercise
After an intense workout, you may want to know how crisps fit in alongside your usual meals. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights the importance of getting enough protein after intense exercise; according to the Centre, plain crisps provide 2.6 g of protein per 40 g bowl.
Snack buyers weighing up pack sizes and portions
You’ve already sorted out your meal and want a savoury snack in a quantity that suits the occasion. Check the pack size and decide how much you actually want to eat.
Snack buyers comparing ingredients and nutrition
You want to compare the nutritional values, ingredients or allergens of different crisps. Compare like-for-like products per 100 g and check the current packaging for your chosen flavour. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a favourable Nutri-Score does not automatically make a product healthy.
What should you look for in crisps after exercise?
First decide what role your usual post-workout meal plays. Then compare crisps as a separate snack based on portion size and ingredients.
| What to consider |
What should you check? |
Who is this important for? |
| Protein and your meal |
Check the amount of protein per portion, and don’t treat crisps as a replacement for your usual meal after intense exercise. |
If I’ve exercised intensely, I don’t want a bag of crisps to replace my meal. Around 50% of consumers prioritise the role of food after exercise. |
| Pack size and portion |
Compare the pack size with the amount you want to eat as an extra snack. |
I’ve already planned my meal; for a savoury snack, I want to choose a pack that suits the portion I have in mind. For around 30% of consumers, portion size matters most. |
| Ingredients and labelling |
Compare like-for-like crisps per 100 g, looking at factors such as fat, saturated fat and salt. Also check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you choose. |
When choosing between different crisps, I want to know what’s in that particular flavour. Ingredients are the main consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
Common misconceptions
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Thinking of crisps as a meal replacement
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 2.6 g of protein per 40 g of plain crisps and highlights the importance of getting enough protein after intense exercise. A bowl of crisps therefore doesn’t serve the same purpose as a regular meal.
Think of crisps as a possible extra snack, and consider your meal separately.
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Taking Nutri-Score as recovery advice
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, Nutri-Score helps you compare products within the same category. It doesn’t tell you whether crisps are suitable as a post-workout meal.
Compare scores only between similar products, and also check the nutritional information per 100 g.
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Relying on a familiar flavour without checking the label
Ingredients and allergens can vary between products. If you have an allergy or intolerance, it’s important to check the information on the packaging of the product you choose.
Before eating, check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging of that exact flavour.
Brands to compare
Lay's
Lay's offers a range that includes classic potato crisps, ridged crisps and Oven Baked. This gives you different options to compare within the same brand.
- The range lets you choose between classic and oven-baked crisps.
- Check the nutritional information on the packaging of your chosen flavour. The name Oven Baked alone doesn’t tell you how crisps fit into your post-workout routine.
Pringles
According to Pringles, Original is available in can sizes including 40 g, 70 g and 165 g. This makes pack size a clear point of difference when choosing.
- Pringles provides nutritional information for Original per 30 g portion.
- According to Pringles, this portion contains 1.9 g of protein. Don’t assume the information for Original applies to another flavour.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers AH Chips naturel as its own-brand product, alongside other crisps in its range.
- An own-brand option gives you another product to compare for pack size and nutritional information.
- Albert Heijn recommends checking the packaging, as product information can change.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers own-brand crisps, including plain and ridged varieties, alongside branded options.
- The range includes different types and pack sizes for you to compare.
- Compare nutritional values only between the specific products you’re considering, ideally per 100 g.
Lidl Snack Day
Snack Day is Lidl’s own snack range and includes plain crisps.
- The range’s plain crisps offer an own-brand option to compare with similar products.
- Check the packaging of the product in question for its ingredients, allergens and nutritional information.
Crisps as an extra snack on Joybuy
These crisps are intended as an extra snack when you’ve already sorted out your usual post-workout meal. Compare the pack sizes and check the nutritional information for the product you choose.
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Lay's Oven Baked Natural, 150 g
An oven-baked option to consider as an extra savoury snack.
150 g pack. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g on the packaging for this product.
View on Joybuy
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Pringles Red Pepper Flavoured Potato Chips, 12 x 40 g
The individual cans may suit a snack portion you’ve decided on in advance.
Pack of 12 x 40 g cans. Check the packaging for the ingredients and allergens in this flavour.
View on Joybuy
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Chio Oven Chips Sea Salt, 125 g
An oven-baked crisp with sea salt for an extra snack.
125 g pack. Read the ingredients and allergens on the packaging carefully, especially if you have an allergy.
View on Joybuy
Frequently asked questions
Can crisps replace a meal after exercise?
No. Don’t treat crisps as a standalone meal after intense exercise. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 2.6 g of protein per 40 g of plain crisps and highlights the importance of getting enough protein after an intense workout.
How do I compare own-brand crisps with branded ones?
Start by comparing like-for-like crisps per 100 g, for example by looking at fat, saturated fat, salt and protein. Also consider the pack size and the portion you want to eat; the stated portion size can vary from product to product.
What does Nutri-Score tell me about crisps?
Nutri-Score helps you compare products within the same category; it doesn’t tell you whether crisps are suitable as a post-workout meal. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, an A or B doesn’t automatically mean a product is healthy.
Should I check the allergens again when choosing a different flavour of crisps?
Yes. If you have an allergy or intolerance, check the ingredients and allergens for the exact flavour you choose. Information can vary between products, so always read the current packaging.