Paprika Crisps in Treat Bags: When Does Protein Matter?

Who is this choice relevant to?

Parents who check protein content

You’re looking for a paprika snack for a treat that has demonstrably more protein than regular potato crisps, without assuming that a child needs a special recovery snack after exercise.

Parents handing out treats

You want to prepare small portions for a class or party, while taking the school or after-school club’s rules into account in advance.

Parents who need to check allergens

You need to check which ingredients or possible traces may be relevant to the children. The paprika flavour or a label on the front of the pack isn’t enough to tell you.

What should you consider when choosing?

First decide whether you’re mainly looking for a higher protein content, easy-to-hand-out portions or a treat without crisps. Then check the packaging of the option you choose.

Higher-protein paprika crisps

When: you consciously want to choose a paprika snack with more protein than regular crisps.

Consider: AH Proteine crisps paprika come in a 70 g bag that you’ll need to divide up yourself. The packaging also mentions possible traces of allergens.

Regular paprika crisps in individual bags

When: individually wrapped bags are more important than a higher protein content.

Consider: according to Albert Heijn, each bag in the Lay's Paprika 20-pack weighs 40 g. Decide whether that amount is right for your treat.

A treat without crisps

When: you don’t need to choose a paprika flavour and are mainly looking for a small treat that fits the group’s rules.

Consider: even if you put a treat together yourself, you should ask about allergies and other dietary restrictions in advance.

Point to consider	What to check when buying	Who does this matter to?
Protein content	Compare the protein per 100 g with the amount in the portion you’ll actually hand out.	I want to choose a savoury treat where protein content matters more to me than it does with regular paprika crisps. Around 31% of consumers put this need first.
Portion and packaging	Check the bag weight and stated portion size. Decide whether you want to divide the portions yourself.	For a class, I want to hand out a suitable amount to each child without much preparation. For around 25% of consumers, the convenience of these portions is the deciding factor.
Allergens	Read the ingredients, allergens and possible traces listed on the packaging of the exact product.	If several children are having the same treat, I want to know first whether the snack is suitable for them. Avoiding relevant allergens is the top priority for around 25% of consumers.
Purpose of the treat	Consider whether an extra eating occasion is needed and what rules the school or after-school club has.	After ordinary exercise, I don’t want to treat a snack as essential recovery food. Around 19% of consumers give this consideration the most weight.

Common mistakes

Assuming more protein means you need sports nutrition

A higher protein content doesn’t automatically make crisps necessary after ordinary exercise. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says children don’t always need to eat during or after exercise.

Compare protein content as a product feature, but don’t choose a treat solely because it promises recovery.
Overlooking allergens in a protein snack

According to Albert Heijn, AH Proteine crisps paprika may contain traces of milk, sesame seeds, soya and lactose. This could be a deciding factor for a child with a relevant allergy.

Ask about allergies in advance, and check the packaging of the exact flavour and product you’ve chosen just before buying.
Assuming a large bag contains ready-to-hand-out portions

The bag of AH Proteine crisps paprika contains 70 g and gives a portion size of 25 g. An individual 40 g bag from the Lay's Paprika 20-pack is easier to hand out, but each child gets a different amount.

First decide how you want to hand out the treat, then compare the nutritional information per 100 g and per planned portion.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

AH Proteine crisps paprika are worth considering if you want to compare paprika crisps with a higher stated protein content than regular Lay's Paprika.

The product information lists 28 g of protein and 13 g of fibre per 100 g, with a portion size of 25 g.
The 70 g bag isn’t an individual treat bag. Also check the statement about possible traces of milk, sesame seeds, soya and lactose.

Lay's

Lay's Paprika is a regular paprika crisps option. The 20-pack is worth considering if you want to hand out individual bags.

According to Albert Heijn, the 20-pack contains individual 40 g bags, each labelled as one portion.
The product information for regular Lay's Paprika lists 6 g of protein per 100 g. So don’t choose this option expecting the same protein content as AH Proteine crisps paprika.

Proper

Proper Paprika lentil chips are lentil crisps with paprika flavour, for anyone considering an alternative to potato crisps.

Albert Heijn’s product information lists 10 g of protein per 100 g.
The label lists 2,71 g of salt per 100 g and possible soya. If you’re considering this option, compare the full nutritional and allergen information.

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Frequently asked questions

Does a child need high-protein crisps after ordinary exercise?

No, not automatically. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says children don’t always need to eat during or after exercise. If a child is hungry, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre suggests vegetables or fruit, or a wholemeal sandwich with a filling if they’re hungrier.

What does the ‘high protein’ claim on a pack mean?

Under EU rules for the ‘high protein’ nutrition claim, at least 20% of a food’s energy value must come from protein, as set out in Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. So the number of grams of protein per 100 g alone doesn’t determine whether a product can carry the claim. Nor does the claim mean that a child needs the snack.

What portion is suitable for a treat bag?

Choose a portion that suits the children and the rules for the treat. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends small portions for treats. Albert Heijn gives a portion size of 25 g for AH Proteine crisps paprika and 40 g for a bag from the Lay's Paprika 20-pack. A stated portion size isn’t a recommendation for how much you should hand out.

Should I check with the school or after-school club before bringing in a treat?

Ask in advance what rules apply to treats and whether you need to take allergies or other dietary restrictions into account. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends checking this before putting together a treat for several children.

Are lentil-based paprika crisps automatically suitable for people with allergies?

No. According to Albert Heijn, AH Proteine crisps paprika may contain traces of milk, sesame seeds, soya and lactose. Ask which allergens are relevant to the children, and check the allergen information on the current packaging of the exact product.