Walkers who fancy a savoury snack break
If you enjoy something crunchy during a leisurely walk, flavoured crisps can complement your usual food and drink. They’re no substitute for water.
Who might enjoy flavoured crisps?
Walkers who like to plan their portions
A small pack or pre-portioned serving means you won’t have to carry a large, open bag in your rucksack. Pringles says its Original crisps are available in 40 g, 70 g and 165 g packs; check the size of the flavour you’re actually choosing.
Shoppers who compare labels
If ingredients, allergens or nutritional values influence your choice, check the information for the exact flavour and pack. The brand name alone isn’t enough to assess these details, especially with flavoured varieties.
What should you look for in crisps to take on a walk?
First decide which flavour and how much you want to take. Then compare the packaging and read the nutritional information and ingredients for your chosen variety.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this most important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour | Choose the flavour you fancy and check the ingredients in mixed seasonings. | I mainly want a savoury snack break that suits my taste while I’m out walking. For around 31% of consumers, flavour is the most important factor in this choice. |
| Packaging and portion size | Compare the net weight and type of packaging; if you don’t want to take the whole bag, portion it out in advance. | I want my snack to fit in my rucksack, without having to carry a large, open bag back with me. Packaging and portion size come first for around 31% of consumers. |
| Nutritional value | Compare fat, salt and energy per 100 g and for the amount you’re taking. | I want to know how my portion fits in with everything else I eat and drink on the walk. Around 23% of consumers prioritise nutritional value. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the pack of the exact variety you’re choosing. | I need to check before setting off whether a particular flavour suits my dietary requirements. Ingredients and allergens are the first thing around 15% of consumers look for. |
Common mistakes when choosing crisps for a walk
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Taking crisps instead of a drink
Crisps don’t provide fluids. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre (Voedingscentrum) stresses that drinking is important during exercise and sport, particularly when your walk is longer or more strenuous.
Take a drink with you and think of crisps only as a savoury addition to food that suits your walk.
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Choosing by flavour name alone
Ingredients can vary between flavoured varieties. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be listed on food labels.
Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the pack of the variety you’re buying, even if you already know the brand.
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Taking a large bag without planning your portions
If a bag contains several portions, you’ll have to carry the opened pack with you if you don’t finish it while you’re out.
Portion out the crisps before you leave, or choose a pack that suits the number of people walking.
Pre-portioning means you’ll need a separate container or bag to carry your serving.
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Using a claim about fat to judge the whole snack
Fat content alone doesn’t tell you how much salt a snack contains or what the nutritional value of your portion is.
Compare the full nutritional information per 100 g and for the portion you’re taking, rather than relying on a single claim on the front of the bag.
Brands and own-label options to consider
Lay's
Lay's offers standard crisps, MAX, Sensations and Oven Baked, among other ranges. It’s a useful brand to consider if you want to compare different product types and flavours.
- There are several crisp ranges to compare.
- Check fat, salt, ingredients and portion size for each variety; a feature of one product doesn’t apply to the whole range.
Pringles
Pringles sells stackable crisps in a tube. For Original, Pringles lists pack sizes of 40 g, 70 g and 165 g.
- You can choose from several listed pack sizes for Original.
- A tube keeps its shape in your rucksack. Also check the ingredients for the specific flavour; information about Original doesn’t automatically apply to other varieties.
Smiths
Smiths is worth considering if you’re looking at paprika-flavoured snacks in a different shape as well as potato crisps, such as Wokkels or Bugles.
- Shaped snacks offer a different type of product from classic potato crisps.
- Compare the ingredients and nutritional information for the specific product; don’t assume shaped snacks are interchangeable with standard crisps.
Albert Heijn
AH Ribbelchips paprika is an own-label option if you’re looking for paprika flavour and ridged crisps.
- Albert Heijn lists a 25 g serving for this variety, which can help you plan how much to take.
- Check the current pack for ingredients, allergens and nutritional information; product details can change.
Jumbo
At Jumbo, you can compare paprika crisps in different shapes and pack sizes, including own-label varieties.
- Shape and bag size are separate factors to consider.
- Check the current packaging and information for each product you choose; the range may vary.
Lidl / Snack Day
Lidl lists Snack Day Paprika crisps in a 250 g bag as an own-label option.
- The listed bag size helps you work out in advance how much you want to portion out for a walk.
- Lidl says this product is sold in store. Check the pack for the latest ingredients, allergens and nutritional information.
Flavoured crisps for walks at Joybuy
These products offer a range of paprika flavours, pack sizes and snack shapes. For a walk, focus on how much you want to take and check the label for the variety you choose.
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Pringles Red Pepper Flavoured Potato Chips, 12 × 40 g
The 40 g packs are handy if you want to take a set amount of Red Pepper crisps on a walk.
The tubes have a rigid shape, so bear that in mind when packing. If you have dietary requirements, check the current ingredients on the packaging.
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Lay's Sensations Red Sweet Paprika, 150 g
This bag is a good option if you want to take Red Sweet Paprika crisps and decide how much to bring before you set off.
The pack contains 150 g; portion it out in advance if you don’t want to open the whole bag during your walk.
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Croky paprika crisps, 200 g
The 200 g bag is an option if you want to share your paprika crisps or set aside a smaller amount before you leave.
Check the pack for the latest nutritional information and ingredients if these affect your choice.
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Lay's Oven Baked Paprika, 150 g
This oven-baked paprika variety is worth considering if you want to compare it with other paprika crisps.
The bag contains 150 g. Compare the full nutritional information per 100 g and for your own portion; the cooking method alone doesn’t tell you how the products compare.
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Lay's Wokkels Paprika, 100 g
Wokkels are a paprika-flavoured snack with a different shape from classic potato crisps, making them a good choice if you fancy something different during a break.
The bag contains 100 g; decide in advance how much you want to take and check the current ingredients on the pack.
Frequently asked questions about crisps on a walk
Are flavoured crisps enough food and drink for a long walk?
No. Crisps don’t replace drinks and aren’t a complete plan for a long, strenuous outing. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre (Voedingscentrum) stresses the importance of fluids and suitable food during exercise, so take a drink and other food that’s right for your walk.
How do I decide how many crisps to take?
Choose an amount to suit your walk and the number of people you’re sharing with. Pick a small pack or portion out a larger bag before you leave. Check the net weight rather than judging by the size of the bag alone.
Should I check allergens again when I choose a different flavour of crisps?
Yes. If allergens or other ingredients are important to you, check each variety individually. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be listed on the label; check the current packaging rather than relying on a flavour you bought before.
Are oven-baked paprika crisps automatically a better choice?
No. The cooking method alone doesn’t tell you the overall nutritional value. Compare the specific products per 100 g and per portion, focusing on what matters to you, such as fat and salt, and read the ingredients list too.