Choosing potato snacks: how to compare crisps, fries sticks and surprising flavours

Fancy some crunchy potato snacks for a film night, drinks with friends or a snack on the go? There’s plenty to choose from, from classic potato crisps and fries sticks to spicy crisps and Asian snacks in flavours such as honey butter, black pepper and buldak. That can make it tricky to know exactly what you’re buying.

Look out for these three common pitfalls:

• A big bag isn’t automatically better value. A 150 g pack may contain several portions, while small bags are more convenient if you want to keep portions separate.
• An eye-catching flavour name doesn’t tell you everything about the ingredients. “Cheddar”, “honey” or “truffle” may refer to a flavouring rather than a generous amount of the named ingredient.
• “Baked”, “light” or “intense” aren’t enough to compare products. Always check the nutritional information, preparation method, allergens and storage advice on the label.

What should you look for in potato snacks?

1. Compare weight, portions and when you’ll eat them

A larger bag is handy for a party or drinks with friends, but small individual packs are better suited to lunchboxes, work or snacks on the go. Consider the shape, too:

• Potato crisps: thin or extra-thick slices, often ideal for sharing.
• Potato sticks and fries sticks: easy to portion and often less fragile in a sealed pack.
• Puffed or twisted snacks: offer a different texture and are popular with anyone looking for something other than ordinary crisps.
• Seasoned potato slices: a good choice for fans of spicy crisps and bold seasonings.

Always check the net weight and, if stated, the number of portions. This gives you a fairer comparison than pack size alone.

2. Read the ingredients and allergen information

The ingredients list matters more than the front of the pack. Check for:

• the potato base used, such as potatoes, potato powder or potato starch;
• oil or fat, for example sunflower oil, rapeseed oil or palm oil;
• flavourings, such as cheese powder, chilli, soya, garlic or sweeteners;
• allergens, which must be shown in bold on the label under European labelling rules.

For example, Lay’s Sensations Thai Sweet Chili lists wheat and soya as allergens. Pringles Sour Cream & Onion contains gluten and milk, among other ingredients, and may contain soya. The product information for Samyang Buldak Potato Chip lists wheat, sesame and soya. Check the current packaging with every order, as product ingredients can change.

3. Check the nutritional information and storage instructions

Use the nutrition table to compare products in the same category. Pay particular attention to energy, fat, saturates, sugars and salt per 100 g. A spicy or sweet flavour doesn’t tell you anything about these values on its own.

Once opened, crisps and potato sticks quickly lose their crunch. Keep opened packs tightly sealed in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Individual bags make this easier: you only open the amount you need.

Products delivered chilled or frozen have different requirements. Diamant Fries & Snacks Solid, for example, is a plant-based frying fat for frozen chips and snacks. According to the product information, it must remain frozen until use when supplied as a frozen product. Always follow the instructions on the packaging and the advice on when to replace the frying fat.

Which potato snack suits your needs?

Suited to: Budget-conscious beginners

g'woon Natural Fries Sticks - 150g

Why it suits this profile: The plain flavour is an easy introduction for anyone wanting to try classic potato sticks. The 150 g pack is ideal for sharing or serving with drinks.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients list is short: potatoes, sunflower oil and salt. You can see exactly what you’re buying, without a complex flavour mix.

Key benefits & highlights

150 g, plain flavour, made with sunflower oil and, according to the product information, suitable for vegetarians.

Suited to: Shoppers looking for top quality

Lay's Sensations Mature Cheddar & Chili - 150 g

Why it suits this profile: According to the product description, these extra-thick crisps combine mature cheddar flavour with chilli and warming spices. They’re a great fit for drinks with a bold-flavoured snack.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The flavour profile and allergens are clearly listed. You can take the milk content into account and compare the flavour with plain or sweet varieties.

Key benefits & highlights

150 g, extra-thick potato crisps, Nutri-Score C according to the product information, and made in the Netherlands.

Suited to: Specific needs & keen snackers

SAMYANG Buldak Potato Chip 55g

Why it suits this profile: These potato crisps are made for fans of a bold, spicy flavour. The 55 g bag is a good way to try them before buying a larger quantity.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists chilli, habanero, red chilli and black pepper. Wheat, sesame and soya are also listed as allergens.

Key benefits & highlights

55 g, bold seasoning and South Korean origin according to the product details. Ready to eat straight from the pack.

Suited to: Snacks on the go

Haitai Baked Potato Stick 27g

Why it suits this profile: The small pack fits easily in a bag, desk drawer or lunchbox. The product description says it’s a savoury baked potato stick.

How this product avoids the pitfall

At 27 g, it’s a clearly defined portion. That means you won’t be left with a large opened bag losing its crunch after a short break.

Key benefits & highlights

27 g per pack, ready to eat and, according to the product information, suitable for taking on the go.

Frequently asked questions about potato snacks

Which potato snacks are handy for taking on the go?

Small packs, such as 27, 40, 55 or 60 g bags, are practical because they’re easy to take with you and open in one go. Check that the pack is properly sealed and store snacks somewhere dry to keep them crunchy.

How should I store crisps and potato sticks once opened?

Keep the pack tightly sealed in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight, heat and moisture. Small individual bags limit the time a product is left open. Check the specific storage advice on each snack’s packaging.

What should I look for when buying spicy crisps or Asian snacks?

Start by checking the ingredients and allergen information. For spicy crisps, look out for chilli, habanero, pepper and flavour enhancers. Asian snacks may also contain soya, sesame, wheat, peanuts or sulphites. Check the net weight and nutritional information per 100 g, too, so you can make a fair comparison between different sweet and savoury snacks.