If someone taking part in the Easter egg hunt has a food allergy, only choose paprika crisps after checking the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ warning on the specific bag. Gluten-free or vegan does not mean free from other allergens. If a product is suitable for the group, compare the amount you plan to serve and the nutritional information per portion or per 100 g.
For this participant, the label on the exact bag matters: the ingredients, highlighted allergens and warnings about possible cross-contamination must be suitable for their allergy. According to Ondernemersplein, allergens on the EU list must be declared on the label of pre-packed foods.
A claim for one dietary requirement does not automatically tell you anything about another. Albert Heijn describes Schär Curvies paprika as gluten-free and lactose-free, but also states that the product may contain traces of milk.
If you’re handing out crisps to a group, you can compare the pack size with the amount planned per person. For salt and fat, compare the same quantity of product: nutritional information per 100 g and per portion should not be treated as directly comparable without converting the figures.
First check that the specific bag is suitable for the participants’ allergies and dietary requirements. Then compare the serving size and nutritional values.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Most relevant for |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens | Check the ingredients, highlighted allergens and relevant ‘may contain’ warnings on the physical bag. | If a participant has a food allergy, I want to know whether this particular bag is suitable for them. For around 50% of consumers, checking allergens would be their top priority when buying. |
| Dietary requirements | Check that the exact variety carries the claim you need, such as gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan. | If I’m looking for crisps to meet a particular dietary requirement, without a reported food allergy, I want to be able to find a suitable claim. Around 30% of consumers would put this kind of dietary requirement first. |
| Portions and nutritional values | Compare the planned portion with the nutritional information, including salt and fat, using the same quantity as a basis. | If I’m handing out crisps to a group, I want to decide in advance how much everyone will get. Portion size and nutritional values would be the main consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
Gluten-free, lactose-free and vegan describe different characteristics. For example, Albert Heijn states that Schär Curvies paprika is gluten-free and lactose-free, while also warning that it may contain traces of milk.
Make a note of the restriction that matters to each participant, then check the label on the exact pack.
An allergen does not have to be an added ingredient for a warning about its possible presence to matter to the person you’re buying for.
If there’s a warning about the allergen in question, don’t choose the product based on the ingredients list alone. Look for a product whose full label is suitable for the participant.
Pack size alone tells you nothing about the salt content of that portion. Jumbo states that Lay's Wokkels Paprika contains 0.7 g of salt per 30 g bag.
Once you’ve checked the allergens, work out how much you actually want to serve and compare the nutritional information using the same quantity as a basis.
These examples apply to the varieties mentioned, not to every paprika crisp made by each brand. Always check the pack you’re handing out when you buy.
AH Chips paprika 250 g is an example of a standard paprika-flavoured potato crisp with specific dietary claims.
Jumbo Paprika Chips 250 g is an example of a larger bag to share with a group.
Schär Curvies paprika is a shaped paprika-flavoured snack with clear dietary claims.
Lay's Wokkels Paprika 30 g is an example of a small, individually packed bag.
Smiths Sticks Paprika is a shaped snack with paprika flavour, rather than the same kind of product as standard paprika-flavoured potato crisps.
These larger bags of paprika crisps are options if you want to measure out portions yourself for the Easter egg hunt. Check the current packaging for any relevant allergy or dietary requirement; another variety from the same brand may have a different recipe.
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If you want to hand out paprika crisps and need to take a gluten restriction into account, check the gluten-free claim and any relevant allergen warnings on the bag.
Pack size: 200 g. Use the current packaging information to decide on the portion to serve.
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If you’re serving a group, you can measure out portions from this bag in advance. If anyone has a dietary requirement or allergy, check the ingredients and warnings for this specific variety.
Pack size: 300 g.
No. Gluten-free says nothing about other allergens. Albert Heijn describes Schär Curvies paprika as gluten-free, but also warns that it may contain traces of milk. So check all relevant information on the packaging.
Yes. In the Netherlands, allergens must be listed on the label of pre-packed foods. Ondernemersplein refers to the 14 allergens on the EU list; also check for any warnings relevant to the participant.
Use an online listing to shortlist products, but check the physical packaging before handing them out. Albert Heijn notes that ingredients and allergen information, among other details, can change.
When handing out the crisps, use the information on the current bag as your guide. If it’s unclear whether they’re suitable for someone with a relevant allergy, don’t give them to that participant.
Follow the storage instructions on the specific pack and seal any opened bag securely. Keep varieties for different dietary requirements clearly separated and retain their packaging, so participants can check the ingredients.
