People who exercise and want a savoury snack
After an intense workout, you’ll want to know how much protein a bag actually provides and how that fits in with what else you eat.
Who might want a savoury post-workout boost?
Snackers on the go
You’re looking for a compact, savoury snack and comparing the protein per portion with how much you want to take with you and eat.
Anyone who needs to check ingredients
If you have an allergy or dietary requirements, check the ingredients and any warnings about traces of allergens for each flavour.
What should you look for when choosing?
Decide whether your priority is extra protein or simply a savoury snack. If you’re aiming to increase your protein intake, compare the portion you’ll eat, not just the amount per 100 g.
Protein crisps
Choose them when: You want a portable, savoury snack that also provides protein.
The trade-off: A small bag provides a limited amount of protein overall and won’t replace a complete post-workout meal.
Regular crisps
Choose them when: Taste and the occasion matter more than extra protein.
The trade-off: According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Lay's Naturel and Pringles Original contain 6 and 6.2 g of protein per 100 g respectively. Don’t choose them to meet a protein target.
Regular protein-rich foods
Choose them when: You want more than a small bag of crisps, or you already get enough protein from everyday foods.
The trade-off: Quark, yoghurt and tofu don’t have the same crunchy crisp format. However, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists foods like these as ways to get protein from everyday meals.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Protein per portion | Compare the protein per bag or portion you’ll eat with the amount per 100 g. | After exercising, I want to know how much protein my portion provides before choosing crisps as a snack. For around 50% of consumers, this protein content would be the main reason to buy. |
| Ingredients and allergens | For each flavour, check the ingredients and both the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements. | If I need to avoid an allergen, suitability comes before flavour; for around 30% of consumers, this check would come first. |
| Pack size and snacking occasion | Check the pack weight, number of portions and availability when you’re buying. | When I’m out and about, I want a savoury snack that’s easy to take with me, even if extra protein isn’t my main priority. Convenience and pack size would be the main reason for around 20% of consumers. |
Common buying mistakes
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Mistaking a protein claim for a complete post-workout portion
A high protein content per 100 g doesn’t tell you how much you’ll get from a small bag. Albert Heijn lists 7 g of protein per 25 g portion for AH Proteine crisps paprika; Jumbo lists 7.1 g per 30 g bag for The Organic Crave Paprika & Onion.
Compare the amount you’ll eat with other foods that are practical for your snack or mealtime.
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Comparing protein content alone
Salt levels can also vary between flavours: Albert Heijn lists 0.88 g of salt per 100 g for AH Proteine crisps paprika and 2.5 g per 100 g for Body & Fit Smart Protein Chips paprika.
Compare protein, salt, fat, energy and portion size on the same basis, for example per 100 g and per bag.
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Assuming vegan or gluten-free means allergen-free
A dietary claim doesn’t rule out warnings about other allergens. For the protein crisps it looked at, Albert Heijn mentions possible traces of ingredients including milk, sesame and soya.
If you have an allergy, check the current ingredients and allergen information for the exact flavour you’re buying.
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Choosing regular crisps to meet a specific protein target
Albert Heijn lists 6 g of protein per 100 g for Lay's Naturel and 6.2 g per 100 g for Pringles Original. So the familiar crisp format alone doesn’t mean they’re a high-protein snack.
First decide whether you’re after a regular snack or one that contributes protein. If it’s the latter, check the protein per portion.
Brands and product ranges to consider
Albert Heijn
The AH Proteine crisps in paprika and sweet chilli reviewed here are lentil snacks in 70 g packs.
- Albert Heijn lists 28 g of protein and 13 g of fibre per 100 g for the paprika flavour, and 26 g of protein per 100 g for sweet chilli.
- The flavours reviewed also carry warnings about possible traces of allergens. Check the pack for the flavour you choose.
Body & Fit
The Smart Protein Chips paprika reviewed here are a snack made with soya and potato.
- Albert Heijn lists 29 g of protein per 100 g for this flavour, with soya protein as an ingredient.
- Albert Heijn marked this flavour as discontinued. Check availability with your retailer.
The Organic Crave
The Protein Chips Paprika & Onion reviewed here are lentil crisps in a 30 g bag.
- Jumbo lists 24 g of protein per 100 g and 7.1 g per bag for this flavour.
- Jumbo reported that this flavour was no longer available online. Check current availability.
A savoury snack option at Joybuy
These lentil wafers are a crunchy alternative if you’re looking for a savoury snack; they aren’t crisps. Check the nutritional information if the protein content is a deciding factor for your post-workout snack.
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Leev Organic Rosemary Lentil Wafers 54 g
A good option if you’re after a savoury lentil snack and wafers suit your snacking occasion better than crisps.
Pack size: 54 g. Check the nutritional information for the amount you eat and, if you have an allergy, read the current ingredients and allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘high protein’ tell me how much protein is in a bag?
No. You’ll need to check the protein content per portion you eat. The amount per 100 g is useful for comparing products, but a bag or portion may weigh less.
Do I need protein crisps after a regular workout?
Not necessarily. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, most people who exercise get enough protein from a varied everyday diet. If you fancy a savoury snack, you can take the protein per portion into account without treating the bag as a complete meal.
Should I check for allergens in protein crisps?
Yes, check the information for the flavour you choose. Albert Heijn lists soya as an ingredient in Body & Fit Smart Protein Chips paprika and possible traces of ingredients including milk, sesame and soya in the AH Proteine crisps it reviewed. Always check the current packaging.
Are protein crisps the same as a complete post-workout meal?
No. A small bag is a snack with a limited amount of protein per portion. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also points out that endurance sports require enough carbohydrates as well as protein, so don’t judge a snack on just one nutritional value.