Walkers who check the protein per bag
You’re looking for a savoury snack and want to know how much protein is actually in the portion you take with you.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Walkers who choose crisps mainly for their flavour
You want something crunchy with a familiar flavour to enjoy on the go. Extra protein isn’t your main priority.
Walkers who check salt and allergens
You check the nutritional information and ingredients on the current packaging before packing a snack.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide what you want from your snack: extra protein, great flavour or ingredients that suit your dietary needs. Then compare the amount you’ll actually take with you.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Protein per portion | Compare protein per 100 g and per bag; check how many grams you’ll actually take with you. | I want a savoury snack with a clear protein amount for the bag I’m taking. For around 50% of consumers, the protein content comes first. |
| Flavour and portion size | Choose a flavour and pack size to suit your walk, without treating regular crisps as protein crisps. | A familiar, crunchy snack matters more to me than extra protein. Flavour and a suitable portion are the main priorities for around 30% of consumers. |
| Salt and ingredients | Check the salt per portion and read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging. | I want to check in advance whether the snack contains ingredients I need to avoid and how much salt is in my portion. Around 20% of consumers put these checks first. |
Common mistakes
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Looking only at the protein content
A higher protein content doesn’t tell you everything about a snack’s nutritional profile. Body & Fit also lists 2.0 g of salt per 100 g for Smart Protein Chips Barbecue; the variety contains soya and may contain gluten.
Compare the full nutritional information and check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging.
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Comparing portions of different weights directly
A 23 g bag and a 30 g portion don’t contain the same amount of product. So the per-portion figures answer a different question from the figures per 100 g.
Use the per-100 g figures to compare equal weights, and the per-portion figures to see what you’ll actually be taking with you.
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Assuming allergens from the snack’s name
The Body & Fit Barbecue variety reviewed contains soya and may contain gluten. Pringles lists wheat flour in Original and also notes that it may contain milk and soya.
If you have an allergy or intolerance, always check the allergen information on the current packaging. Don’t rely on the term protein crisps or on a previous purchase.
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Treating old product information as definitive
Albert Heijn notes that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information may change.
Check the latest product information and the label on the variety you choose just before buying.
Brands to consider
Body & Fit
Smart Protein Chips Barbecue is a soya- and potato-based protein crisp variety, sold in a 23 g bag.
- Body & Fit lists 7.4 g of protein and 0.45 g of salt per bag.
- The variety contains soya and may contain gluten; check the current packaging if this is relevant to you.
Albert Heijn
AH Proteïne Crisps are listed in varieties including paprika and sweet chilli.
- These varieties give you a useful point of comparison if you’re weighing up protein crisps against regular crisps.
- Albert Heijn warns that product information may change; check the nutritional information and allergens for the current variety.
Lay's
Lay's Naturel is a regular potato crisp for anyone looking for a familiar crisp flavour.
- SPAR Nederland lists 6.2 g of protein per 100 g for Lay's Naturel.
- For the same variety, SPAR Nederland lists 29 g of fat and 0.85 g of salt per 100 g; remember to compare the portion you eat, too.
Pringles
Pringles Original is an example of formed crisps for when flavour matters more than a higher protein content.
- Pringles lists 6.2 g of protein per 100 g and 1.9 g per 30 g portion for Original.
- Pringles lists wheat flour among the ingredients and notes that the product may contain milk and soya.
Smiths
Smiths Sticks Paprika is a regular savoury stick snack, not a protein crisp variety.
- Action Nederland lists 6.2 g of protein per 100 g for Smiths Sticks Paprika.
- Action Nederland also lists 1.3 g of salt per 100 g; check how much you’re taking with you.
Crunchy snacks on Joybuy
If you’re after a crunchy snack for a walk, you’ll find okra and broccoli crisps alongside puffs and crispy seaweed here. They’re all different types of snacks, so first choose what you fancy, then compare the nutritional information per portion.
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Okra Chips 25 g
An option if you’d like to take okra crisps along as a crunchy snack on your walk.
If you’re keeping an eye on your protein intake, compare the nutritional information per bag and check the ingredients on the packaging.
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Broccoli Chips 20 g
An option if you’re looking for broccoli crisps as a crunchy snack on the go.
Read the nutritional information per pack and check the current ingredients and allergens.
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Van Holtens Hot Mama Hot Pickle Puffs 90 g
These puffs are a good choice if you fancy a snack with a spicy pickle flavour on your walk, rather than regular crisps.
Check the nutritional information per portion and read the salt content, ingredients and allergens on the packaging.
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Bibigo Seaweed Seasoned Crispy 20 g
A crispy seaweed snack for anyone who wants to take something different from crisps on the go.
Check the nutritional information per pack and read the ingredients and allergens on the label.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need protein crisps after a walk?
No, protein crisps aren’t essential after a walk. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, most people who exercise and follow the Wheel of Five get enough nutrients; so consider a snack as part of your overall diet.
How do you compare regular crisps with protein crisps?
First compare the same nutritional values per 100 g, then check what’s in the portion you take with you. Body & Fit lists 7.4 g of protein per 23 g bag of Smart Protein Chips Barbecue; Pringles lists 1.9 g per 30 g portion of Original. Factor salt, ingredients and allergens into your choice, too.
Should you check for allergens in protein crisps?
Yes, check the allergen information for the specific variety. Body & Fit Smart Protein Chips Barbecue contains soya and may contain gluten; if you have an allergy or intolerance, always check the current packaging.
How should you factor in the salt in crisps on a walk?
Check how much salt is in the portion you eat and consider it alongside what else you eat that day. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises adults to have no more than 6 g of salt a day; a protein claim on the packaging doesn’t change the salt content of a snack.