Buying crisps may seem straightforward, but the range varies considerably in flavour, size, ingredients and convenience. Are you looking for potato crisps for a film night, snack crisps for a journey or a crisps multipack for a party? An eye-catching label can easily lead you in the wrong direction.
Pay particular attention to these three common pitfalls:
A single-serve pack may look small, while its nutritional value per 100 grams is similar to that of other crisps. So check:
An individual 40-gram bag helps you keep track of how much you are eating. A 160- to 165-gram tube is ideal when you want to share or serve the crisps in a bowl. Product nutritional values may vary by flavour and batch, so use the packaging as the most up-to-date source.
Milk ingredients are common in cheese crisps and sour cream flavours. According to the supplied product information, Pringles Texas Barbeque contains wheat and milk, among other ingredients, and may contain soya. Pringles Sour Cream & Onion contains milk and gluten from wheat. Lay’s Cheese Onion lists milk as an allergen.
It is also important to check international crisps carefully. Koikeya Karamucho states that it may contain traces of soya, wheat and milk. According to the product information, Oishi Crispy Patata contains wheat, milk, soya and a fish product. If you have allergies or intolerances, it is sensible to check the Dutch packaging and allergen information before eating the product.
For a single snack occasion, bags of around 60 grams are practical. The Yan Jin Pu Zi O-Potato varieties come in 62-gram packs, making them suitable for individual snacking, a lunchbox or taking on the go.
For guests, tubes of 160 to 200 grams are convenient for sharing. A crisps multipack with 40-gram bags is better suited to a children’s party, office, picnic or several snack occasions. As well as the total contents, check the number of individual packs and whether the packaging can be resealed.
The recommendations below are based on objective product information such as contents, packaging, flavour profile, nutritional information and allergens. Taste is, of course, a personal preference.
Why it suits this profile: A manageable 62-gram portion with a familiar tomato flavour is a good choice when you want to try different potato crisps without immediately buying a large multipack.
The portion size is clearly stated. “Baked” is not used here as a health claim: check the stated 502 kcal and 24 g of fat per 100 g.
62 g net contents, tomato powder for flavour and a resealable bag according to the product information.
Why it suits this profile: The distinctive shape and resealable tube are ideal for anyone who values a consistent crunch, easy serving and convenient storage after opening.
The resealable packaging helps keep the contents fresh after serving part of the pack. However, always check the date, packaging and allergen information yourself: the product contains milk and gluten.
165 g of contents, a resealable tube and a distinctive sour cream and onion flavour.
Why it suits this profile: Twelve individual 40-gram bags are practical for parties, lunchboxes, stocking up and occasions when spicy crisps need to be handed out in individual portions.
The multipack prevents one large bag from being opened repeatedly. The packaging states 1.5 g of salt per 100 g; if you have allergies, always check the current ingredients list.
12 x 40 g portions, a spicy chilli flavour and a convenient format for taking with you or sharing.
Why it suits this profile: The mix includes paprika-flavoured potato crisps, salted crisps and cheesy corn snacks. This gives guests a choice of different flavours without having to open several large bags.
The small packs make the number of portions clear. However, check the allergens: milk is listed, and gluten and soya may be present.
15 small bags, several types of snacks and easy storage in a kitchen cupboard.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Choose a combination of large sharing packs and smaller portions. A 165-gram Pringles tube is easy to serve in a bowl. A multipack with 40-gram bags or a Lay’s Fun Mix Box gives you more control over portions and flavours.
Not necessarily. According to the product information, some crisps are made using baking technology, but the nutritional values remain the key factor. Compare energy, fat and salt per 100 grams, and check the portion size too. Do not use terms such as “lighter” or “less oil” as a substitute for the full nutritional table.
Store crisps according to the label in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and from heat and moisture. Seal a bag securely or use the resealable tube where provided. Check the packaging for damage and take note of the stated best-before date.