Parents keeping an eye on fat content
You want to hand out a savoury treat and are comparing lower-fat crisps. Also check the nutritional information per 100 g: less fat does not automatically mean a similar reduction in calories.
Who are these options relevant to?
Parents bringing treats for a group
You need to consider portion sizes, the school or after-school club’s rules, and any allergies or dietary requirements. Ask in advance what applies to the group and read the label for your chosen flavour.
Parents looking for a plain flavour
You’re looking for a flavour with a straightforward ingredient list. Albert Heijn describes AH Ribbelchips Naturel Minder Vet as vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free; don’t assume these claims apply to other flavours.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, check whether crisps fit the rules for the treat. Then compare the nutritional information and check the ingredients and allergens for each flavour.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fat and nutritional information | Compare fat and calories per 100 g. If the product claims to contain less fat, check what it is being compared with. | If I’m specifically looking for lower-fat crisps, I want to know what the reduction means for the flavour I’ve chosen. For around 42% of consumers, reducing fat is their main purchasing concern. |
| Sharing with the group | Ask about the treat policy and decide on a small portion for each child in advance. | For a treat at school or an after-school club, I want to be able to hand out something that fits the rules. Suitability for the group is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Ask which allergies or dietary requirements are relevant and read the current label, including any ‘may contain’ statements. | If children with specific dietary needs are joining in, I want to be able to check the exact flavour. Around 25% of consumers give ingredients and allergens top priority in this situation. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘lower fat’ means ‘healthy’
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre does not include either regular or light crisps in its Wheel of Five. A lower fat content also doesn’t tell you on its own how many calories a portion contains.
Use the fat claim to compare crisp varieties. If you’re aiming for a healthier treat, consider fruit or a small cup of plain popcorn, for example, and keep the portion small.
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Comparing fat content alone
According to Jumbo’s product information, Chio Oven Chips Paprika Flavour contains 9.2 g of fat and 1.6 g of salt per 100 g. Albert Heijn lists Lay's Oven Baked Naturel as containing 13 g of fat and 0.85 g of salt per 100 g.
Compare fat, calories and salt on the same basis, such as per 100 g, before choosing a variety.
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Assuming the allergens in one flavour apply to the whole brand
Albert Heijn describes AH Ribbelchips Naturel Minder Vet as lactose-free, whereas AH Ribbelchips Sour Cream & Onion Minder Vet contains milk and lactose.
Ask about allergies in advance and check the current packaging for the exact flavour you plan to hand out.
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Choosing a bag before deciding on portion sizes
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends small portions for children’s party treats and says you should check the venue’s rules. The portion size shown on a packet of crisps is not a recommendation for a party treat.
Check with the school or after-school club, count the children and then work out how much you need.
If you buy more than you need for the agreed portions, you may be left with crisps to spare.
Brands to consider
Lay's
Lay's Oven Baked is a range of oven-baked crisps. According to Lay's, the range contains 50% less fat than regular potato crisps.
- Albert Heijn lists Oven Baked Naturel as containing 13 g of fat and 0.85 g of salt per 100 g.
- The lower-fat claim doesn’t tell you whether the treat is nutritious overall; also check the flavour you’ve chosen and the portion size.
Albert Heijn
AH Ribbelchips Minder Vet is available in several flavours. Albert Heijn compares the fat reduction in the plain variety with AH Ribbelchips Naturel.
- Albert Heijn states that the plain variety contains 35% less fat than the reference variety named, and describes it as vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free.
- According to Albert Heijn, the sour cream & onion variety contains milk and lactose. So check the product details and allergens for each flavour.
Chio
Chio Oven Chips is a range of oven-baked snacks. According to Jumbo, the Paprika Flavour variety contains 60% less fat than regular potato crisps.
- Jumbo lists Chio Oven Chips Paprika Flavour as containing 9.2 g of fat per 100 g.
- According to Jumbo, the same paprika variety contains 1.6 g of salt per 100 g and has relevant allergen information. Check the label before sharing it with the group.
Crisp options on Joybuy
These oven-baked flavours are options if you’re looking for lower-fat crisps for a small children’s party treat. Choose a flavour only after checking the treat policy, deciding on portion sizes and asking about any allergies.
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Chio Oven Chips Sea Salt, 125 g
An option to consider if you’re looking for a small portion of the Sea Salt variety to hand out. Check the nutritional information and allergens on the current packaging before choosing this flavour for the group.
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Lay's Oven Baked Mediterranean Herbs, 150 g
For anyone comparing a herby flavour for the treat. Choose a portion size to suit the group and check the nutritional information and allergens for this flavour on the packaging.
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Lay's Oven Baked Barbecue, 150 g
A barbecue-flavoured option if that taste suits the group. Read the label for this variety before handing it out and allow a small portion for each child.
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Lay's Oven Baked Paprika, 150 g
For anyone considering a paprika flavour for the treat. Check the nutritional information and allergens for this exact variety; don’t assume they’re the same as those for another Lay's flavour.
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Lay's Oven Cheese Onion, 150 g
A cheese and onion variety to consider if that flavour suits the group. Read the ingredients and allergens on the current packaging, and keep portions small when handing them out.
Frequently asked questions
Are lower-fat crisps a healthier treat for children?
Not necessarily: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, neither regular nor light crisps are included in the Wheel of Five. If you hand out crisps, keep portions small. If you’re looking for a healthier treat, consider a different kind of treat.
Should I choose the crisps with the least fat?
Not if that means overlooking other important factors. For the exact flavours you’re considering, compare fat, calories and salt per 100 g, and also check the flavour and allergens for the group.
How do I check for allergens before handing out crisps?
First ask which allergies in the group are relevant, then read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging for the flavour you’ve chosen. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens which must be declared have to be clearly listed on the label; don’t rely on information for another flavour.
Can I hand out crisps at school or an after-school club?
Ask the school or after-school club about its treat policy in advance; the rules at that venue determine what’s suitable. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also recommends small portions and checking for allergies beforehand.