Anyone hosting a get-together with several guests
You want to estimate how many crisps you’ll need. So compare the contents of each pack rather than just counting the bags or tubes.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Buyers with a particular flavour or shape in mind
You might be looking for ridged crisps, Lay’s potato crisps or the stackable shape of Pringles. In that case, your preference may matter more than the amount in each pack.
Buyers who consider nutritional information or allergens
You want to check the nutritional values and ingredients for the exact variety. The current packaging is especially important if you have a food allergy, as flavours can vary within the same brand.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the quantity and how you plan to serve the crisps. Then compare your preferred flavour and the information on the label.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Contents per pack | Compare the net weight of bags and tubes, then work out how many packs you’ll need. | I want to serve enough crisps for everyone without misjudging the quantity based on the number of packs. For around 25% of consumers, the total contents come first. |
| Sharing with guests | Consider whether one large pack, several tubes or individual bags would work best for serving. | If guests want to pick up their own bag, the format matters more to me than the total quantity alone. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this convenience when serving. |
| Flavour and shape | Check the exact flavour and whether the crisps are standard, ridged, oven-baked or shaped. | I want to choose a variety that suits my guests’ particular preferences. For around 25% of consumers, flavour or shape matters most. |
| Nutritional information and allergens | Compare nutritional values per 100 g and read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I don’t want to rely on the brand name alone. For around 25% of consumers, label information is the top priority. |
Common mistakes when choosing
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Judging a nutritional claim without checking the label
A claim about reduced fat doesn’t tell you what other ingredients the crisps contain or how their other nutritional values compare. Serving sizes can also differ between packs.
Compare fat, saturated fat, salt and energy per 100 g, then read the ingredients list. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre uses values per 100 g as the basis for comparing labels.
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Assuming similar crisps contain the same allergens
Ingredients vary by product and flavour. For Pringles Original, Jumbo lists wheat and says the product may contain milk and soya.
If you have a food allergy, check the allergen information on the current packaging for the exact flavour and pack size.
Brands worth comparing
Albert Heijn
The own-brand range is an option if you’re looking for standard potato crisps in a bag. Albert Heijn lists AH Chips naturel as containing 250 g.
- The ready salted variety reviewed is labelled vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free on the product page.
- These labels apply to this specific variety. Albert Heijn recommends checking the current packaging, as product information can change.
Jumbo
The own-brand range is worth considering if you’re choosing between standard and ridged ready salted crisps. The Jumbo Ribbelchips Naturel reviewed contains 250 g.
- For this ridged variety, Jumbo lists potatoes, sunflower oil and salt as ingredients.
- Check the ingredients again if you choose a different flavour or type.
Lidl Snack Day
Snack Day is an own-brand option to look out for when you visit Lidl. Lidl lists Snack Day Naturel chips, 250 g, as an in-store-only product.
- The ready salted variety offers a specific bag size to compare with other packs.
- Check the label in store for the nutritional information and ingredients of the pack you’re buying.
Lay's
Lay’s is worth considering if guests have a particular standard potato crisp in mind, or would prefer Oven Baked Naturel.
- Albert Heijn lists Lay’s Oven Baked Naturel as containing 13 g of fat per 100 g. Compare the other nutritional values and ingredients on the label too.
- Treat standard Lay’s Naturel and Oven Baked Naturel as different products. Information for one variety doesn’t automatically apply to the other.
Pringles
Pringles Original suits anyone who prefers shaped, stackable crisps in a tube.
- The tube offers a different format from a typical bag of crisps.
- Jumbo lists wheat flour for Pringles Original and says the product may contain milk and soya. If you have an allergy, check the exact packaging.
Crisps in tubes and individual bags on Joybuy
These two pack formats suit different ways of serving: three tubes of Pringles Original or a Lay’s box with individual bags. Before choosing, check the total contents and product information for the exact pack.
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Pringles Original Crisps, 3 × 165 g
For a get-together where you want to serve stackable crisps in separate tubes. The pack contains three tubes of 165 g each. If you have an allergy, check the information on the exact packaging.
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Lay’s Family Box, 15 bags
For a get-together where guests can help themselves to individual bags. The box contains 15 bags of assorted crisps. Check the net weight and ingredients for each variety on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare nutritional values when pack sizes differ?
Compare nutritional values per 100 g, even if packs list different serving sizes. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends this as a basis for comparison because manufacturers set their own serving sizes.
What should I check if a guest has a food allergy?
Before offering the crisps to your guest, read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging for the exact variety. For example, Jumbo lists wheat for Pringles Original and says it may contain milk and soya. Don’t rely on the brand name alone.
What does the ‘reduced fat’ claim mean for Lay’s Oven Baked Naturel?
The claim refers to fat compared with standard potato crisps, not to all nutritional values or ingredients. Albert Heijn lists Lay’s Oven Baked Naturel as containing 13 g of fat per 100 g. Check the rest of the nutritional information on the packaging too.
How should I store an opened bag of crisps?
Seal the pack well after use and store the crisps in a cool, dry place. Albert Heijn gives this storage advice for AH Chips naturel. For other varieties, check the instructions on the pack.