When comparing crisps for a car journey, start by checking the calories per 100 g, then decide how much you’ll actually take for one snack break. Product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo lists 428 and 435 kcal per 100 g for the oven-baked varieties discussed here. A claim that a product contains less fat doesn’t, by itself, tell you how many calories you’ll eat. Also check the portion size, salt content and ingredients for the flavour you choose.
You want to take crisps with you, so you compare their nutritional values per 100 g. Then consider how much of the pack you plan to eat during the journey: a lower figure per 100 g doesn’t tell you how many calories your portion contains.
You don’t want to rely on a large sharing bag for a single snack break. A smaller pack or a portion measured out in advance makes it clear how many crisps you’re taking.
As well as calories, you compare salt levels and check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact flavour you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority notes that allergens must be clearly listed on the labels of prepacked foods.
Compare products using the same quantity of 100 g, then use the label to work out the calories in your own portion.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Calories per snack break | Compare calories per 100 g, then calculate them for the amount you plan to eat. | I want to take crisps with me and estimate the calories in my planned portion. Around 50% of consumers would choose this as their main consideration. |
| Portion and pack size | Check the net weight and number of portions; decide whether you can measure out an amount in advance. | For one stop on the way, I don’t want to automatically take a whole sharing bag. Around 30% of consumers would put portion control first. |
| Salt and allergens | Read the salt content per 100 g and check the up-to-date ingredients and allergen information for the flavour you’ve chosen. | Even if I’m watching my calorie intake, the flavour I choose needs to meet my requirements for salt or ingredients. Around 20% of consumers would give these label checks the most weight. |
A claim about fat doesn’t replace the energy value. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Lay's Oven Baked Naturel contains 428 kcal per 100 g, AH Ribbelchips naturel minder vet contains 461 kcal per 100 g, and Lay's Light Naturel contains 490 kcal per 100 g.
Compare calories per 100 g, and also check the salt and ingredients for the variety you want to buy.
The 150 g bag of Lay's Oven Baked Naturel listed by Albert Heijn contains five 30 g portions. The serving size shown on the label doesn’t determine how much you eat from the bag.
Before you set off, measure out the amount you want into a separate container, or choose a pack that suits your planned snack break.
A 25 g portion and a 30 g portion contain different amounts of crisps. That means you can’t compare the calories per stated portion directly.
Compare products per 100 g first, then work out the calories for the same quantity of each product.
Ingredients and allergens can vary between varieties. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority stresses that allergens must be clearly listed on the labels of prepacked foods.
When you buy crisps, read the pack for the exact flavour you’re taking with you, especially if you need to avoid certain ingredients.
For anyone who wants to compare regular potato crisps with an oven-baked variety.
A supermarket own-brand option to consider if you’re looking for ridged crisps with reduced fat.
An oven-baked variety for anyone who wants to compare salt per 100 g as well as calories.
For anyone considering a smaller pack to control how much they take with them.
These oven-baked crisps are a good fit if you’re comparing calories per 100 g and planning a portion for the journey in advance.
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For anyone who wants to plan a portion of crisps for a car journey and compare the energy value.
Jumbo lists 435 kcal and 1.5 g of salt per 100 g for this variety, and 131 kcal per 30 g portion. Check the current ingredients and allergen information on the pack.
First compare the calories per 100 g, then work out how much you plan to eat during the journey. Portion sizes on labels can differ: Albert Heijn lists 128 kcal per 30 g for Lay's Oven Baked Naturel, while Jumbo lists 131 kcal per 30 g for Chio Oven Chips Sea Salt.
Not necessarily: check the energy value of the specific product. According to Albert Heijn, Lay's Oven Baked Naturel contains 428 kcal per 100 g and Lay's Light Naturel contains 490 kcal per 100 g, even though both are sold with a claim about reduced fat.
Compare the salt per 100 g, then calculate it for your planned portion. Jumbo lists 1.5 g of salt per 100 g for Chio Oven Chips Sea Salt; Albert Heijn lists 0.85 g per 100 g for Lay's Oven Baked Naturel.
Read the current packaging for the exact flavour you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergens must be clearly listed on the labels of prepacked foods; don’t rely on the ingredients listed for another flavour.
Ideally, take only the amount you plan to eat, and follow the storage instructions on the pack for the rest. Jumbo’s product information recommends resealing Chio Oven Chips Sea Salt after opening and storing them in a cool, dry place.
