When choosing protein crisps for a car journey, consider how much you actually plan to eat, not just the protein per 100 g. According to Albert Heijn’s product listings, a full 70 g bag of AH Proteïne Crisps Paprika or Sweet Chili provides 19.6 g or 18.2 g of protein respectively; Body & Fit lists 7.4 g per smaller 23 g bag. A larger bag also provides more salt and energy, and according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, most people who do sport do not need special protein products.
After a workout, you’ll want to know how much protein the bag you take with you actually provides. Also consider what else you eat during the day: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, most people who do sport do not need special protein products.
You want to choose a bag that suits the occasion, without automatically treating a multi-portion pack as one serving. So compare the pack weight with the number of servings shown.
As well as protein, you check the ingredients and allergens on the current packaging. This is particularly important if, for example, you need to watch out for soya, milk or gluten.
First decide how many crisps you want to take with you and eat. Then compare the nutritional information for that amount and check the ingredients on the packaging.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Protein per pack | Compare the protein per 100 g with the weight of the bag. Only count the whole bag if you plan to eat it all. | After a workout, I want to know how much protein my snack adds, without treating it as a complete meal. For around 40% of consumers, protein content is the top priority. |
| Portion, energy and salt | Check the number of servings and compare the energy and salt for the amount you plan to eat. | For a long drive, I’d rather choose deliberately between one small bag and a larger bag that I can eat from more than once. Around 30% of consumers say portion size is their main priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the current ingredients list and allergen information, even if a product is labelled vegan or gluten-free. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, the packaging must suit my needs; the words ‘protein crisps’ don’t tell me that. This is the main concern for around 30% of consumers. |
A protein claim on a bag of crisps tells you nothing about your overall diet. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that most people who do sport do not need special protein products.
Think of crisps as a savoury snack and consider their protein content alongside what else you eat.
A small bag may list a high amount of protein per 100 g, but provide less per pack than a larger bag. The larger bag also provides more energy and salt if you eat it all.
Compare the nutritional values for the portion you actually plan to eat. Albert Heijn lists 28 g of protein per 100 g for AH Proteïne Crisps Paprika, which works out at 19.6 g per 70 g bag; Body & Fit lists 7.4 g per 23 g bag.
Even a snack with a clear protein claim can contribute salt. Based on the figure per 100 g listed by Albert Heijn, a full bag of AH Proteïne Crisps Paprika contains around 0.62 g of salt.
Check the salt content for the amount you eat, rather than comparing only the figure per 100 g.
SWOV lists eating and drinking as activities that can distract road users. Reaching for a packet also takes attention away from the road.
Get your snacks ready before you set off and eat during a break, or ask a passenger to hand you the packet.
AH Proteïne Crisps are lentil crisps sold in 70 g bags, including Paprika and Sweet Chili flavours.
Smart Protein Chips are crisps made with soya and potato, sold in a 23 g bag.
Protein Chips Salt & Pepper are organic crisps made with red lentils, listed in a 30 g bag.
Lay’s offers standard potato crisps, multipacks and Oven Baked varieties.
Pringles Original comes as stackable crisps in a tube; the brand page lists 40 g, 70 g and 165 g sizes.
No, protein crisps aren’t necessary for getting protein after a workout. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, most people who do sport already get enough protein from a varied diet. So choose a snack in the context of what else you eat, not just because of a claim on the packaging.
Of the packs mentioned, AH Proteïne Crisps Paprika provides the most protein per full bag, according to Albert Heijn’s product listing: 19.6 g in 70 g. AH Sweet Chili provides 18.2 g per 70 g bag, compared with 7.4 g per 23 g bag of Body & Fit Smart Protein Chips and 7 g per 30 g bag of The Organic Crave Salt & Pepper. Also consider whether you plan to eat the whole pack.
Read the current ingredients list and allergen information for the exact flavour and pack. Body & Fit Smart Protein Chips contain soya and may contain gluten; the The Organic Crave crisps mentioned may contain traces of soya and milk. A vegan or gluten-free label doesn’t replace checking for other allergens.
It’s best to eat during a break, so opening a bag and reaching for crisps doesn’t distract you from the road. SWOV lists eating and drinking as possible distractions in traffic; you could also ask a passenger to hand you your snacks.
Seal an opened bag securely or put the crisps in an airtight container. Albert Heijn recommends storing its Proteïne Crisps in a cool, dark and dry place and transferring them to a sealed container after opening. Also check the storage and use-by information on the pack you buy.
