Afternoon snacker keeping an eye on fat
You’re looking for crisps to enjoy in the afternoon and want to know what a lower-fat claim is being compared with, rather than relying on the word ‘light’ alone.
Who is this guide for?
Comparing portions and nutritional values
As well as fat, you look at energy, saturated fat and salt per 100 g, and consider how much you’re likely to eat.
Checking the ingredients
Your choice depends on the ingredients or allergens. That’s why you check the information for the specific flavour and pack.
What should you look for when buying?
Start by checking what the fat claim is compared with. Then read the nutritional information per 100 g and decide on your portion.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Fat reduction | Check what the claim is compared with, and read the fat and saturated fat values per 100 g. | If I’m mainly looking to choose crisps with less fat, I want to know exactly what the claim means for this product. Around 33% of consumers prioritise a verifiable fat reduction. |
| Portion, energy and salt | Compare energy and salt per 100 g, then decide how many grams you want to eat. | For my afternoon snack, how much I take from the bag matters too; a fat claim alone doesn’t help me choose. Around 42% of consumers place the greatest importance on portion size, energy and salt. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen information for the flavour you’ve chosen. | If you’re considering lentil crisps or need to avoid certain ingredients, you’ll want to know what’s in that particular variety. Ingredients and allergens are the first consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Looking only at the ‘lower fat’ claim
A fat comparison doesn’t tell you how much salt, energy or saturated fat the crisps contain.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g with that of a similar product, then decide on your portion.
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Treating Nutri-Score as an overall verdict
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, Nutri-Score helps you compare products of the same type; it doesn’t automatically make a snack healthy.
Use the score as an additional point of comparison, and check the nutritional information and ingredients too.
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Assuming every flavour has the same allergens
Ingredients and seasoning mixes can vary between flavours. So the allergen information for one variety won’t necessarily apply to another.
Check the current packaging for the exact flavour you want to buy.
Brands to consider
Lay’s
Lay’s Oven Baked Original is an example of oven-baked potato crisps for anyone looking for a plain variety.
- According to Lay’s, Oven Baked crisps contain 50% less fat than regular potato crisps. Jumbo lists 13 g of fat per 100 g for Oven Baked Original.
- That nutritional value applies to the Original variety mentioned, not necessarily to other flavours or product ranges.
Chio
Chio Oven Chips includes a sea salt variety for anyone looking for oven-baked potato crisps.
- Joybuy lists a product-specific claim for Chio Oven Chips Sea Salt: 60% less fat than regular potato crisps.
- Check the salt and allergen information separately; the fat claim doesn’t tell you anything about either.
Albert Heijn
AH Ridged Crisps Original Lower Fat is an own-brand option if you’re specifically looking for ridged crisps.
- Albert Heijn sells the Original variety under the name ‘lower fat’.
- To compare them with other crisps, check the current nutritional information on the pack, including fat, salt and energy per 100 g.
BioToday
BioToday Lentil Crisps Sea Salt are an alternative for anyone who also wants to consider the ingredients.
- Albert Heijn lists 40% lentils in this variety, along with the product-specific claim ‘30% less fat than potato crisps’.
- Compare lentil crisps and potato crisps for energy and salt per 100 g too; the fat claim alone doesn’t settle the comparison.
Oven-baked crisps on Joybuy
These are flavours from the Lay’s Oven range for anyone considering oven-baked potato crisps as an afternoon snack. Compare the nutritional information and ingredients for your chosen flavour before making a decision.
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Lay’s Oven Baked Mediterranean Herbs – 150 g
For anyone looking for a variety with Mediterranean herbs to enjoy as an afternoon snack.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and check the ingredients, especially if milk is something you need to consider.
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Lay’s Oven Baked Barbecue – 150 g
For anyone who enjoys barbecue flavour and wants to compare it with other crisps.
As well as fat, check energy and salt per 100 g. If you have an allergy, check the current ingredients list, paying particular attention to soya.
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Lay’s Oven Baked Paprika – 150 g
For anyone looking for paprika crisps in this oven-baked range.
Decide on your portion after comparing the nutritional information per 100 g. Check the current allergen information if milk is relevant to you.
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Lay’s Oven Baked Natural – 150 g
For anyone who prefers a plain-style variety to a stronger seasoning.
Compare fat, energy and salt per 100 g, and if you have an allergy, read the information on the current packaging.
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Lay’s Oven Cheese Onion – 150 g
For anyone looking for a savoury cheese and onion flavour for an afternoon snack.
Use the nutritional information per 100 g to assess your own portion, and check the current allergen information if milk is relevant to you.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Nutri-Score of A or B automatically mean crisps are healthy?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, Nutri-Score is designed to compare products of the same type, not to determine on its own whether a snack is healthy. Also check the nutritional information and the portion you plan to eat.
Where can I find allergen information for crisps?
Check the ingredients list on the current packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that 14 allergens must be listed on food labels. Check the ingredients and allergens listed for each flavour.
Does lower fat also mean less salt?
No, a fat claim on its own tells you nothing about the amount of salt. Compare the salt content of the specific crisps separately, per 100 g.
How should I store an opened bag of crisps?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack and seal the bag tightly after opening. Joybuy advises storing Lay’s Oven Baked Natural in a cool, dry place.