Buying crisps: how to choose potato crisps, corn chips and multipacks without making a mistake

Buying crisps seems simple enough – until you open a bag that’s smaller than you expected, a flavour turns out much spicier than it looked, or you find several bags of the same variety. Online, you’ll often see appealing packaging and tempting flavour names, but not always the information that really matters for your choice.

So watch out for these three common pitfalls:

1. Misjudging the quantity. A 150g or 200g pack looks generous, but according to the product information it often contains around five to seven servings of 30g. For a party, one bag can quickly run out.
2. Confusing flavour and intensity. “Chilli”, “jalapeño”, “hot” and “spicy” don’t all deliver the same taste experience. A chilli and lime snack is very different from paprika crisps or cheese-flavoured corn chips.
3. Skipping allergens and ingredients. International snacks can contain milk, soya, wheat, gluten or mustard. Always check the current label on the packaging, especially if you’re looking for vegan crisps or need to consider allergies.

What to look for when buying crisps

1. First, choose the type of snack

Potato crisps are usually made from potatoes or potato powder and are available in ready salted, paprika, barbecue, sour cream & onion or special flavour varieties. Corn chips often have a firmer texture and are frequently combined with cheese, chilli or lime seasoning.

There are also international snacks with a different shape or base. According to the product description, Takis Blue Heat are rolled tortilla chips made from corn with chilli and lime flavour. Taro chips and Japanese potato snacks offer a different texture to traditional crisps.

Pay attention to the source of special claims. If a product is described as vegan, this refers to the product information provided; if in doubt, check the ingredients list and allergen declaration on the packaging.

2. Compare weight, portions and when you’ll eat them

For one person, a 50g to 100g bag can be practical. For a film night or when you have guests, packs of 150g to 200g or a crisp multipack make more sense. Small bags from a mixed box are handy when you want to divide portions, fill lunchboxes or offer different flavours.

Don’t just look at the number of bags. A multipack might contain bags of 22g or 27.5g, while a single bag holds 200g. Work out the total amount per gram when comparing prices.

For crisps for parties, variety is often more important than one big bag. A mix with paprika, ready salted, cheese and a spicy option gives guests more choice. For on the go, compact packs or a resealable tube are practical.

3. Check nutritional information, allergens and storage

Nutritional information is usually given per 100g. Use this to compare products fairly, but don’t forget the serving size. In the product information for Lay’s Patatje Joppie, for example, it states 0.61g of salt per 100g, while some other varieties list more salt.

Also check:

• Allergens: including milk, soya, mustard, wheat and other gluten-containing cereals.
• Ingredients: for example, palm oil, sunflower oil, flavour enhancers and spice mixes.
• Dietary requirements: always look at the full ingredients and allergen information for vegan crisps.
• Best before date: the current date is on the packaging and can vary per delivery.
• Storage: keep crisps cool and dry, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Seal an opened bag well to keep them crunchy for longer.

A lower Nutri-Score or a claim like “less salt” doesn’t automatically make a product suitable for everyone. Use such information as one point of comparison alongside flavour, quantity and ingredients.

Our recommendations by buyer profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Lay's Patatje Joppie Potato Chips - 200 g

Why this fits the profile: A familiar potato snack with 200g contents for home, a film night or when you have guests.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The weight and stated portion breakdown make it easier to estimate the quantity in advance.

Key benefit & plus points

200g contents; according to the product information, no artificial colours, preservatives or added flavour enhancers; contains mustard.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality

Pringles Italian Style Pesto 165g

Why this fits the profile: The stackable shape and resealable tube are practical for serving and storing.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging protects the uniform crisps better against breakage than a soft bag during transport.

Key benefit & plus points

165g contents; stackable crisps; tube is resealable; contains milk and wheat.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users

Takis Blue Heat Corn Chips - 100 g

Why this fits the profile: For lovers of distinctive international snacks with chilli and lime flavour.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description clearly mentions chilli and lime, so you can judge the flavour direction in advance.

Key benefit & plus points

100g contents; rolled corn snack; product information states vegan; contains soya and may contain traces of gluten, milk, nuts, sesame and mustard.

Suitable for: Families and party organisers

Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box Multipack Crisps 20 Pack

Why this fits the profile: A mixed box with 20 pieces for groups who want to offer multiple flavours and small portions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists the flavours and weights per bag, so you can check the box’s contents.

Key benefit & plus points

20 individual bags; assortment of potato crisps and corn chips; contains milk and soya according to the stated allergen information.

Frequently asked questions about buying crisps

Which crisps are suitable for a party?

Choose a combination of individual bags and small portions. A multipack like the Lay’s Cheetos Doritos Mega Box offers several flavours, while a tube of Pringles or a 200g bag can easily be served in a bowl. Check the number of pieces and the contents per bag in advance.

What should I look for with spicy crisps?

Look at the full flavour description and ingredients list. Chilli, jalapeño, salsa and lime can give different flavour profiles. Some products also mention that the flavour may be less suitable for children. So keep spicy crisps separate when not everyone wants the same level of heat.

How should I store crisps after opening?

Keep the packaging cool, dry and out of direct sunlight. Seal a bag as tightly as possible and eat the crisps preferably soon after opening. A resealable Pringles tube is practical for several snacking sessions; with soft bags, a good clip helps keep air and moisture out.