Cyclists looking for a lower-fat snack
You want to enjoy crisps now and then, but are looking for an option with a substantiated lower-fat claim. When you eat them and how much you have are still part of the decision.
Who is this relevant to?
Cyclists planning food and drink for a long ride
On a long, intense ride, you want to know what you’ll eat and drink while cycling. The amount of fat in a bag of crisps doesn’t answer that question on its own.
Shoppers comparing portions and labels
As well as fat, you look at salt, carbohydrates, ingredients and how much you’ll actually eat. Values per 100 g make products easier to compare; the portion shows what your snack adds up to.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’re choosing crisps as an everyday snack or planning food to eat during a ride. Then compare the nutritional information for the exact crisp variety, using the same basis each time.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat and portion size | Check what the ‘lower fat’ claim is comparing the product with. Look at the fat per 100 g and work out how much you’ll eat. | I want to enjoy crisps as a measured snack, rather than relying on the claim on the front of the bag. Around 42% of consumers give this snack choice the highest priority. |
| Carbohydrates and drinks during the ride | Match your food and drink to the duration and intensity of your ride. Check the carbohydrates per portion if you want to take a snack with you. | On a long, intense ride, I want to plan my food and drink rather than rely on a fat claim. For around 33% of consumers, planning for the ride comes first. |
| Salt and the label | Compare salt per 100 g and per portion. Check the ingredients for the exact flavour on the current packaging. | If I’m eating several portions or need to check the ingredients, I want to know what’s in that specific variety. Checking the label is the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
According to Albert Heijn, the 50% less fat claim for Lay's Oven Baked Naturel is compared with regular potato crisps; it doesn’t mean the crisps are low in fat. Jumbo lists 13 g fat, 75 g carbohydrates and 1.5 g salt per 100 g for Chio Popchips Sour Cream & Onion. For a 30 g portion, Jumbo lists 22 g carbohydrates and 0.44 g salt. When comparing products, always use the nutritional information for the flavour and packaging you’re choosing.
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘lower fat’ means suitable for eating during a ride
A relative fat claim doesn’t tell you how many carbohydrates or how much fluid you’ll get during a long, intense ride. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre treats eating and drinking around exercise as something to plan, rather than a decision based on one product claim.
Work out what you need during the ride before deciding whether crisps also fit in as a snack.
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Comparing only the amount of fat
Salt and carbohydrate levels vary between products, and the amount you eat determines how much you consume. For example, Jumbo lists 1.5 g salt per 100 g for Chio Popchips Sour Cream & Onion, and 0.44 g per 30 g portion.
Compare crisps per 100 g first, then work out the figures for the portion you plan to eat.
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Having a large portion just before setting off
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against having a large portion or foods high in fat, protein or fibre just before exercise, as they can stay in your stomach for a long time and cause discomfort.
Keep any snack small if you’re eating shortly before cycling, and see how your chosen snack time works for you on a regular training day.
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Assuming another flavour or market has the same product
Nutritional information applies to a specific variety. A product label for another flavour or for a product from a different country may not match the bag you’re buying.
When you buy, check the ingredients and nutritional information on the packaging for that exact variety.
Brands compared
Lay's
Lay's Oven Baked is a range of oven-baked potato crisps. Albert Heijn describes the Naturel variety as having 50% less fat than regular potato crisps.
- Jumbo lists several Oven Baked flavours in its lower-fat crisps category.
- The relative fat claim doesn’t tell you what portion is right for you or how much salt is in your chosen flavour.
Chio
Chio makes products including Oven Chips and Popchips; these are different ranges. Jumbo provides nutritional values per 100 g and per 30 g portion for Popchips Sour Cream & Onion.
- The listed values per portion help you assess a specific snack occasion.
- Jumbo lists 1.5 g salt per 100 g for this Popchips flavour. A portion of crisps isn’t a substitute for planning food and drink on a long, intense ride.
Pringles
Pringles can be included as a brand for comparison, but a label for Pringles Original from another market doesn’t describe a lower-fat variety sold in the Netherlands.
- Assess any variety using the Dutch label for that specific product, not the nutritional values of a product from another country.
Crisp options at Joybuy
These Lay's varieties are oven-baked crisps for anyone looking for a snack to enjoy around a bike ride. Choose by flavour and portion size, and use the nutritional information on the current packaging if you want to compare fat, carbohydrates or salt.
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Lay's Oven Baked Mediterranean Herbs, 150 g
A Mediterranean herb flavour for a measured snack away from an intense ride. The bag contains 150 g; check the packaging for the nutritional values for the amount you eat.
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Lay's Oven Baked Barbecue, 150 g
A barbecue flavour for anyone choosing crisps as a separate snack. The bag contains 150 g; if the ingredients matter to your choice, check the label for this flavour.
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Lay's Oven Baked Paprika, 150 g
A paprika flavour for a snack away from the ride. The bag contains 150 g; compare the nutritional information for this flavour with other varieties per 100 g and per portion eaten.
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Lay's Oven Baked Natural, 150 g
A plain variety for anyone who wants to enjoy a measured portion of potato crisps. The bag contains 150 g. Albert Heijn describes the Oven Baked Naturel variety as having 50% less fat than regular potato crisps; this is a relative comparison, not a ‘low fat’ claim.
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Lay's Oven Cheese Onion, 150 g
A cheese and onion flavour for a snack away from an intense ride. The bag contains 150 g; check the ingredients and decide on your portion before comparing the nutritional values for your snack.
Frequently asked questions
Are lower-fat crisps suitable just before cycling?
A large portion just before an intense ride isn’t a good choice. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against having a large portion or foods high in fat, protein or fibre shortly before exercise, as they can stay in your stomach for a long time. If you do choose a snack, keep the portion small and think about when you eat it.
Can I take lower-fat crisps to eat on a long ride?
Crisps can be one part of what you eat during a ride, but they’re not a complete plan for carbohydrates and drinks. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights carbohydrates and fluids as important considerations during prolonged, intense exercise. Check what a portion you eat provides, and plan your drinks separately.
Does ‘50% less fat’ also mean ‘low fat’?
No. ‘50% less fat’ compares a product with a reference product; on its own, it doesn’t mean the product is low in fat. For Lay's Oven Baked Naturel, Albert Heijn makes the comparison with regular potato crisps. Check the nutrition table for the exact variety to find out how much fat it contains.
Why should I read the packaging for the flavour I’ve chosen?
The ingredients and nutritional values that matter to your choice apply to the exact variety you’re buying. So check the portion size, nutritional information and allergen information on that packaging, especially when comparing different flavours.