Party hosts with a specific allergy question
If, for example, a guest needs to avoid milk, soya or gluten, you’ll need to check the ingredients and warnings on the bag you buy. A general ‘free from’ label isn’t specific enough.
Who is this choice important for?
Anyone looking for a gluten-free or plant-based snack
A clear gluten-free or vegan label can help you narrow down your search. Also check which other allergens are relevant to your guests.
Hosts planning a larger birthday party
You’ll want to put out enough crisps, but choose the pack size only after checking that the specific products meet your guests’ dietary needs.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, ask guests about the specific allergen or dietary requirement. Use their answers to choose products, then work out how many suitable bags you’ll need.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| A specific allergen | Check the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ statement on the exact bag. | If a guest needs to avoid a particular allergen, I also want to know whether it is listed as potentially present. For around 42% of consumers, checking for a specific allergen is the top priority. |
| Gluten-free | Look for a clear gluten-free label and check separately for any other relevant allergens. | If a guest eats gluten-free, I want to choose a clearly labelled product without overlooking other dietary requirements. For around 25% of consumers, choosing gluten-free is the first concern. |
| Plant-based eating | Check for a vegan label; if there is a separate allergy concern, read the allergen warnings too. | If I’m buying for a vegan guest, I want to offer a snack without animal ingredients. A plant-based choice is the main priority for around 17% of consumers. |
| How much you’ll need for the party | Compare the weights of suitable packs and decide how many bags you want to serve. | Once everyone’s dietary needs are covered, I want to make sure there are enough suitable crisps to share. For around 16% of consumers, the quantity needed is the main concern. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘paprika’ or ‘vegan’ means ‘free from allergens’
The flavour name tells you nothing about allergens. Jumbo lists milk in its 250 g Paprika Crisps; Albert Heijn says its vegan Proper Paprika lentil crisps may contain soya.
Ask which allergen needs to be avoided, then check both the ingredients and warnings on the packaging for every option.
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Relying on a previous purchase
Ingredients and allergy information can change. That’s why Albert Heijn advises checking the packaging, even if you’ve looked at the product online.
Check the packaging of the exact variety every time you buy it, even if you’ve bought that flavour before.
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Choosing the pack size before checking dietary needs
A larger bag won’t be suitable for every guest: according to Jumbo, its 250 g Paprika Crisps contain milk.
First choose products that meet your guests’ known needs, then compare pack weights.
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Assuming online product information is complete
Lidl Netherlands says it does not provide a general online list of ingredients, allergens and nutritional values for its food products.
If you’re buying in store, read the label on the specific product before choosing it for a guest with dietary requirements.
Brands and shops to consider
Schär
Albert Heijn labels Schär Curvies Paprika as gluten-free, lactose-free and wheat-free.
- The clear gluten-free label is a useful starting point if a guest avoids gluten.
- The product is also labelled as potentially containing milk, so the gluten-free label doesn’t replace a check for milk.
Proper
Albert Heijn describes Proper Paprika lentil crisps as a vegan paprika snack made with lentils.
- The vegan label can help you choose a snack for someone following a plant-based diet.
- According to the product information, this variety may contain soya.
Lay's
The listed ingredients differ between Lay's Paprika and Lay's Oven Baked Paprika.
- The ingredients list for regular Lay's Paprika at Albert Heijn does not include milk as an ingredient.
- Jumbo lists whey permeate, which contains milk, in Lay's Oven Baked Paprika. Check the exact variety and current packaging.
Jumbo
Jumbo provides online product information for its 250 g Paprika Crisps.
- The listed weight and allergen information can help you make an initial selection for the party.
- According to Jumbo, this own-brand variety contains milk.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn provides product information for a range of products, including regular Lay's Paprika, gluten-free Schär Curvies Paprika and vegan Proper Paprika lentil crisps.
- The individual product pages make it easier to compare options for different dietary needs.
- Albert Heijn notes that ingredients and allergy information can change, so check the packaging you buy.
Paprika crisps to choose from
These paprika crisps come in different pack sizes. Use them as a starting point for your party shop, and always check the labels, ingredients and warnings on the bag you buy if you’re catering for a specific dietary requirement.
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Croky paprika crisps, 200 g
A bag of paprika crisps to consider if you’re looking for a gluten-free option; check the gluten-free label and any other relevant allergens on the packaging. Weight: 200 g.
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Lay's Paprika Crisps, 300 g
A larger bag of regular paprika crisps for a birthday party; check the exact packaging to see whether it meets any dietary requirements. Weight: 300 g.
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Epixs Wave Paprika Crisps, 185 g
A paprika snack to share; if someone has dietary requirements, check the ingredients and any warnings on the bag. Weight: 185 g.
Frequently asked questions
Are gluten-free paprika crisps also free from other allergens?
No. A gluten-free label refers to gluten, not all other allergens. Albert Heijn labels Schär Curvies Paprika as gluten-free, but also says that the product may contain milk.
Can I rely on an online product page if someone has an allergy?
Use the product page to help you narrow down your options in advance, but also read the packaging on the bag you buy. Albert Heijn warns that ingredients and allergy information can change.
What does ‘may contain’ mean on a bag of crisps?
It’s a warning that an allergen may be present due to cross-contamination. If the warning relates to a guest’s allergen, treat it as relevant when choosing and don’t rely on the ingredients list alone.
Are vegan paprika crisps suitable for someone with a soya allergy?
Not necessarily. Albert Heijn labels Proper Paprika lentil crisps as vegan, but also says that the product may contain soya. Check the warnings on the exact packaging.
How can I serve different paprika crisps at the party?
Keep the packaging available so guests can read the ingredients and warnings. Use separate bowls for different options, and avoid moving crisps or serving utensils between them.