Who is this relevant to?

Those looking to cut down on fat

You want to keep eating tortilla chips, but prioritise a demonstrably reduced fat content. Compare the claim and nutritional values: ‘reduced fat’ and ‘low fat’ do not mean the same thing. For a reduced fat content, the Nederlands Bakkerij Centrum recommends comparing the product with similar ones.

Portion-conscious office snackers

You want to snack on a limited amount during the working day, so you pay attention to how much you eat and the energy content of that portion. A term such as ‘light’ does not, by itself, tell you how many calories your portion contains. Voedingscentrum explains how to assess a ‘light’ claim.

People stocking the office snack tin

You’re buying for several colleagues and want to match the amount opened to how quickly it will be eaten, with ingredient and allergen information close at hand. The Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit sets out the information requirements for food businesses, including catering providers.

What should you look for when buying?

First, check that any fat-reduction claim is substantiated by comparison with similar tortilla chips. Then look at the energy per portion, the packaging and the information your colleagues need.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Substantiated fat reduction Compare the claim with similar products and check the nutritional values. The Nederlands Bakkerij Centrum specifies a reduction of at least 30% for a reduced fat content; the European Commission defines ‘low fat’ for solid foods as no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g. If my main aim is to eat less fat, I look for a substantiated comparison and check the product variant. Around 33% of consumers prioritise a demonstrable fat reduction.
Energy per portion Compare the energy content for the same amount and decide how much you want to eat. A smaller portion does not change the nutritional values per 100 g. If I want to limit how much I snack, I look at the energy content of the portion I actually eat. Around 25% of consumers give portion energy the highest priority.
Packaging and storage Choose a pack size that suits how quickly it will be eaten, and check whether the bag can be resealed after opening. Voedingscentrum gives general storage advice of 2–5 days in the kitchen cupboard for opened crisps. If colleagues snack at different times, I want the amount opened to match how quickly the tin will be emptied. Around 25% of consumers mainly consider storage and sharing.
Ingredients and allergens Keep the current label with the crisps. According to the Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit, food businesses must inform customers about allergens present in products they offer. If I’m buying for colleagues, I want them to be able to check the ingredients and allergens. Around 17% of consumers put this information ahead of other buying priorities.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming ‘reduced fat’ means ‘low fat’

    The terms describe different things: ‘low fat’ refers to an absolute amount of fat, while ‘reduced fat’ compares the product with similar ones. ‘Light’ can also refer to fat, sugar or energy.

    Check which nutritional value has been reduced and compare fat and energy for the same amount. For the ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods, the European Commission specifies no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g.

  • Choosing a large bag without considering how quickly it will be eaten

    A 300 g bag isn’t automatically practical for an office snack tin that’s emptied slowly. Voedingscentrum gives general storage advice of 2–5 days in the kitchen cupboard for opened crisps.

    Choose a pack size that suits how much you expect to eat, and don’t open more than you’re likely to use in time.

  • Throwing away the original packaging

    If crisps are loose in a tin, colleagues can no longer check the ingredients and allergens on the original label. Formal catering businesses have information requirements to meet.

    Keep the current label with the tin and make sure different products are easy to identify.

  • Treating an overseas product listing as a recommendation for the Netherlands

    PepsiCo’s US listing for Doritos Reduced Fat does not confirm that the same variant or comparison applies in the Netherlands.

    Check the exact Dutch product variant and the evidence behind the claim before considering it a lower-fat option.

Brands to consider

Doritos

According to Doritos Netherlands, its Dutch range includes Original, Nacho Cheese and Sweet Chilli Pepper.

  • The range of flavours mentioned gives you options to consider if you’re looking for a particular taste.
  • PepsiCo’s US listing for Doritos Reduced Fat does not prove that a Dutch variant carries the same claim.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists AH Organic Natural Tortilla Chips in a 150 g pack.

  • The pack size mentioned may be useful if you want to put out a smaller amount.
  • ‘Organic’ and ‘natural’ do not, on their own, substantiate a reduced fat content.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists 300 g bags of Original Tortilla Chips and says they should be stored in a cool, dry place.

  • The pack size gives you a specific option for sharing with a group.
  • The product description does not prove a fat reduction; make sure a large bag will be eaten soon enough after opening.

Lidl

Lidl lists sweet paprika tortilla chips in a 60 g pack.

  • The smaller pack size mentioned may suit you if you don’t want to put out much at once.
  • The product page says ‘In store only’; this does not confirm local availability or a fat reduction.

Aldi

ALDI lists SUN SNACKS Tortilla Chips in a 300 g pack.

  • The pack size mentioned may be useful for sharing.
  • A large pack does not prove a reduced fat content, and you’ll need a suitable way to store it after opening.

Mission

Mission Foods Europe describes tortilla chips in round and triangular shapes, with a range of flavours.

  • The shapes and flavours mentioned give you product features to compare.
  • Information about the European product range does not confirm a specific Dutch variant with a reduced fat content.

Tortilla chips at Joybuy

These Joybuy products are suited to sharing or choosing an amount for the office snack tin. They are not confirmed options with demonstrably less fat; check the product variant and claim for that.

Doritos Dippers Original, 185 g

Doritos Dippers Original - 185 g

The product description suggests sharing and serving with dips.

The pack contains 185 g; it’s best to reseal it carefully after opening.

View at Joybuy
Doritos Nacho Cheese Tortilla Crisps, 170 g

Doritos Nacho Cheese Tortilla Crisps - 170 g

The product description says the pack contains 5–6 portions, with an average portion of 30 g.

It’s best to reseal the pack carefully after opening.

View at Joybuy
Doritos Sweet Chilli Pepper Tortilla Chips, 44 g

Doritos Sweet Chilli Pepper Tortilla Chips - 44 g

The 44 g pack may suit you if you want to put out a smaller amount at once.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘low fat’ mean the same as ‘reduced fat’?

No. The European Commission defines ‘low fat’ for solid foods as no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g. ‘Reduced fat content’ compares a product with similar ones; the Nederlands Bakkerij Centrum specifies a reduction of at least 30%. So a product with a reduced fat content does not necessarily meet the ‘low fat’ threshold.

How long can you keep crisps in an opened office snack tin?

Voedingscentrum gives general storage advice of 2–5 days in the kitchen cupboard for opened crisps. Also follow the instructions on your product’s packaging. For example, Jumbo says to store its Original Tortilla Chips in a cool, dry place; open a new bag in line with how quickly the crisps are being eaten.

What allergen information should be available when serving crisps to colleagues?

If you’re a caterer or another food business offering unpackaged products, the Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit says you must provide information about allergens present. The NVWA sets out requirements for providing information in writing and verbally. It has not been established whether an informal snack shared among colleagues falls under those business rules, so make sure the original label is available in any case.