Choose tortilla chips by checking the nutrition table for the exact variant: compare fat and energy per 100 g, then calculate the amount for the portion you plan to eat. Less fat and fewer calories are different goals; according to the Voedingscentrum, the calorie difference between regular and light crisps is small.
You want to keep buying tortilla chips, but you also want to consider their fat content. Compare the exact variant, and don’t treat a relative reduction as the same as the specific ‘low fat’ claim. The European Commission sets out the conditions for using that claim.
You want to assess the energy in the portion you plan to eat, rather than relying on the word ‘light’. The Voedingscentrum describes the calorie difference between regular and light crisps as small.
You want to choose a pack that suits the number of snack occasions you expect to have after opening it. The Voedingscentrum’s general advice for storing opened crisps is 2–5 days in a kitchen cupboard; also follow the instructions on the packaging.
Compare the exact flavour variant on the same basis: fat per 100 g and energy per 100 g answer different questions.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content of the variant | Read the claim and compare the fat content in grams per 100 g. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for the ‘low fat’ claim. | If you mainly want to consider fat content, check the exact flavour and packaging. Around 46% of consumers put reducing fat first. |
| Energy in your portion | Compare kcal per 100 g, then calculate the amount for the portion you plan to eat. The European Union states that nutrition information is given per 100 g or per 100 ml. | If you mainly want to know how much energy your planned snack portion contains, check the portion size too. Around 36% of consumers put energy first. |
| Packaging and how quickly you’ll use it | Choose a pack size that suits how much you expect to eat, and check the storage advice for after opening. The Voedingscentrum gives general advice to store opened crisps in a kitchen cupboard for 2–5 days. | If you want to avoid leftovers, choose a pack that suits the snack occasions you expect to have. Around 18% of consumers prioritise a pack size that matches how quickly they’ll use it. |
A lower amount of fat doesn’t automatically mean an equally large reduction in energy. The Voedingscentrum describes the calorie difference between regular and light crisps as small.
Compare fat and kcal separately, and calculate the amount for the portion you plan to eat.
‘Low fat’ is a specific nutrition claim. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a limit of 3 g of fat per 100 g.
Check whether the exact variant meets this condition, and don’t automatically treat a different preference for less fat as the same claim.
A shop category for lower-fat crisps may include products other than tortilla chips.
Check the product type first, then compare the nutrition information for the exact variant.
The pack may contain more than you expect to eat during your planned snack occasions. The Voedingscentrum gives general advice to store opened crisps in a kitchen cupboard for 2–5 days.
Choose a bag size that suits how much you expect to eat, and follow the storage advice on the packaging.
Doritos positions its Original variant as a choice for dips and loaded nachos.
Albert Heijn sells AH Original Tortilla Chips as its own-brand product.
Jumbo lists Tortilla Original 170 g and also has a separate category for lower-fat crisps.
Lidl lists Sweet Paprika Tortilla Chips as a flavour variant.
Aldi lists SUN SNACKS Blue Corn Tortilla Chips.
Mission Foods Europe describes a range of tortilla chips in round and triangular shapes, with different flavours and pack formats for retail and food service.
For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for the ‘low fat’ claim. This is the condition for that specific claim, not automatically the benchmark for everyone who wants to eat less fat.
No. According to the European Union, nutrition values are averages based on analysis or calculations. Use them to compare products on the same basis, not as a separate laboratory result for your bag.
Not necessarily: also compare the energy in kcal per 100 g and calculate the amount for your portion. The Voedingscentrum describes the calorie difference between regular and light crisps as small.
Check the allergen information for the exact flavour variant and the packaging you receive. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires allergens to be clearly listed on the label; choosing based on fat content doesn’t replace this check.
The Voedingscentrum’s general advice is 2–5 days in a kitchen cupboard. Also check the storage advice on the packaging of the specific tortilla chips.
