High-protein paprika crisps might work as a savoury post-workout snack, but they shouldn’t be your main source of fuel just before or during a long run. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre stresses that endurance athletes also need enough carbohydrates, and advises against large portions and foods high in fat, protein or fibre just before exercise. So, check when you plan to eat them and compare the nutritional information per bag before factoring in a protein claim.
You’re looking for a snack with protein, but don’t want to mistake it for a meal that also provides carbohydrates and fluids. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights the importance of this broader nutritional intake for endurance sports.
You want to avoid a snack sitting heavily before a run. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, foods high in fat, protein or fibre can stay in your stomach for longer.
You check the portion you actually eat, the salt content and the allergens. This is relevant for paprika snacks containing soya, such as the WeCare variety described by Jumbo.
If you’re considering paprika crisps around marathon training, start by thinking about when you’ll eat them. Then check the protein per portion and the current label.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Timing and how well you tolerate them | Decide whether you want to eat the snack before, during or after your run. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against having a large portion or foods high in fat, protein or fibre just before exercise. | If you eat just before a long run, you won’t want a heavy snack to disrupt your training. For around 42% of consumers, timing and suitable training fuel come first. |
| Protein per portion | Compare the amount of protein per bag with the amount per 100 g. Jumbo listed 23 g per 100 g for WeCare Paprika Flavour Chips, but 5,8 g per 25 g bag. | After training, a savoury snack may appeal without replacing a meal. Protein per portion is the first thing around 33% of consumers consider. |
| Salt, allergens and availability | Check the current packaging for salt per portion and allergen information, and make sure the product is available before you buy. Jumbo listed soya and 0,62 g of salt per 25 g bag for the WeCare snack. | If you need to avoid soya or want to monitor your salt intake, check the label before considering the protein claim. This is the most important check for around 25% of consumers. |
High-protein crisps don’t automatically provide the carbohydrates and fluids that are also important during endurance training. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also advises against foods high in protein, fat or fibre just before exercise.
Assess any post-training snack separately from what you plan to eat and drink before and during a long run.
That figure can give a different impression from the amount in a bag: Jumbo listed 23 g of protein per 100 g for WeCare Paprika Flavour Chips, and 5,8 g per 25 g bag.
Compare the nutritional values per 100 g and per portion, and consider how much you actually plan to eat.
Jumbo no longer listed the WeCare paprika snack in its online range, while Albert Heijn marked Body & Fit Smart Protein Chips Paprika as discontinued. The label values for these products don’t tell you anything about a different variety that’s currently available.
Before buying a product, check both its availability and the nutritional information on the current packaging.
These brands offer a range of paprika snacks. Always compare the specific variety: a brand name or product category alone tells you little about the protein per portion.
Albert Heijn lists AH Proteine crisps paprika, a 70 g pack, in its protein snacks category.
Jumbo described WeCare Paprika Flavour Chips as a paprika snack made with potato and soya, in a 25 g bag.
Albert Heijn listed the paprika variety of Body & Fit Smart Protein Chips as a snack made with soya and potato.
Lay's Oven Baked Paprika is an oven-baked variety of paprika crisps, not a replacement for a meal around training.
Albert Heijn listed Proper Paprika lentil chips as paprika crisps made with lentils.
Not as your main training fuel. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre stresses the importance of getting enough carbohydrates for endurance sports and mentions sports bars and gels as possible options during prolonged, intense exercise. Try out your eating and drinking plan during training.
They’re not an obvious go-to snack just before a training session. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against having a large portion at that point and recommends avoiding foods high in fat, protein or fibre, as they can stay in your stomach for longer.
Check the salt per portion and per 100 g so you can compare packs of different sizes. Jumbo listed 0,62 g of salt per 25 g bag for WeCare Paprika Flavour Chips. Also consider what else you eat that day.
Check the allergen information on the specific pack you’re buying. Jumbo listed soya in WeCare Paprika Flavour Chips, while Albert Heijn’s listing for Body & Fit Smart Protein Chips Paprika mentioned soya and possible traces of gluten. Don’t assume the same information applies to other varieties.
