Who is this comparison for?

Protein-focused snackers

You’re looking for something savoury and crunchy, and want to know how much protein a portion provides without losing sight of the calories and salt.

Calorie-conscious crisp lovers

You want to keep eating potato crisps, but compare varieties for energy and fat before deciding how much to have.

Label readers with dietary or allergy requirements

As well as nutritional values, you need to consider the ingredients, allergens and any warnings about the possible presence of allergens.

What should you consider when choosing?

Protein crisps

When: you want protein content to be your main consideration when choosing crisps.

The trade-off: Albert Heijn lists 28 and 26 g of protein per 100 g for its paprika and sweet chilli varieties, respectively, but they also contain 398 and 404 kcal per 100 g.

Oven-baked potato crisps

When: you mainly want to compare fat and calories with regular potato crisps.

The trade-off: According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Lay's Oven Baked Original contains 5.1 g of protein per 100 g, less than the protein crisps mentioned above.

A measured portion of regular crisps

When: you mainly want your usual crisps and prefer to decide how much to have.

The trade-off: a smaller portion limits how much you eat, but doesn’t change the nutritional values per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 215 kcal and 2.5 g of protein for an average 40 g bowl of crisps.

Compare products per 100 g first, then check the portion you actually plan to eat. This makes it easier to see differences between pack sizes.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Protein Compare protein and kcal per 100 g, then check the values per portion. When choosing crisps with my protein intake in mind, I want to know how much protein I’ll get alongside the calories. Around 45% of consumers prioritise this protein consideration.
Calories and fat Compare kcal and fat per 100 g for specific varieties, and decide on your portion in advance. I want to keep eating crisps, but pay attention to energy and fat within the category. This is the main consideration for around 33% of consumers.
Salt and ingredients Check the salt content, ingredients and allergen information for the variety you’ve chosen. If I have an allergy or another ingredient requirement, I need to check the label before choosing; salt may also be the deciding factor for me. These considerations come first for around 22% of consumers.

What should you watch out for?

  • Going by the word ‘protein’ alone

    More protein doesn’t, by itself, mean fewer calories. Albert Heijn lists 398 kcal per 100 g for its paprika Protein Crisps and 404 kcal per 100 g for the sweet chilli variety.

    As well as protein, check the kcal, salt and portion size in the nutrition information.

  • Assuming less fat means more protein

    Albert Heijn lists 428 kcal, 13 g of fat and 5.1 g of protein per 100 g for Lay's Oven Baked Original. Jumbo lists 517 kcal and 30 g of fat per 100 g for Lay's Original. The lower fat and calorie content doesn’t make the oven-baked variety a high-protein choice.

    Decide whether you mainly want to compare fat and calories, or are looking for more protein in your snack.

  • Checking salt and allergens only after buying

    Ingredients and warnings can vary by product and flavour. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergens that must be declared by law need to be clearly shown on the label.

    Before buying, check the current ingredients list, allergen information and salt content for the specific variety.

  • Using Nutri-Score as an overall verdict

    The Government of the Netherlands recommends using Nutri-Score to compare products of the same type. The score doesn’t determine whether a crisp fits your planned portion or protein goal.

    Compare crisps with crisps, and also check the nutritional values and ingredients.

Brands and product ranges compared

Albert Heijn

AH Lentil Protein Crisps are a relevant option for anyone comparing the protein content of savoury snacks.

  • Albert Heijn lists 28 g of protein per 100 g for the paprika variety and 26 g for sweet chilli.
  • The same product information lists 398 and 404 kcal per 100 g, respectively. If you have allergies, also check the ingredients and warnings on the pack you choose.

Lay's

The Original and Oven Baked Original varieties reviewed here show why it’s useful to compare two specific crisp products side by side.

  • Albert Heijn lists 428 kcal and 13 g of fat per 100 g for Lay's Oven Baked Original; Jumbo lists 517 kcal and 30 g of fat per 100 g for Lay's Original.
  • According to Albert Heijn, Lay's Oven Baked Original provides 5.1 g of protein per 100 g. Don’t assume these nutrition values also apply to other flavours without checking the label.

Pringles

Pringles Original is a useful reference when comparing a regular savoury snack with protein crisps.

  • Albert Heijn provides a nutrition table for Original, so you can compare the variety per 100 g.
  • The table lists 528 kcal, 31 g of fat and 6.2 g of protein per 100 g; its protein content is lower than that of the AH Protein Crisps mentioned above.

Smiths

Smiths Sticks Paprika is a potato and corn snack that was reviewed, not another name for protein crisps.

  • Jumbo lists 491 kcal and 6.2 g of protein per 100 g for this specific variety.
  • Jumbo also lists 1.3 g of salt per 100 g; bear this in mind when comparing portions.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s own-brand crisp range includes Original and paprika varieties for anyone comparing regular crisps.

  • Jumbo’s range page shows a selection of pack sizes and types of crisps.
  • For a nutritional comparison, use the information for the specific variety you’re considering.

Lidl Snack Day

Snack Day includes Original and paprika crisps in Lidl’s regular snack range.

  • Lidl shows both varieties on its Snack Day page.
  • Check the nutrition information on the pack for the flavour you’re considering; the range name doesn’t tell you how much protein or how many calories it contains.

Oven-baked crisps on Joybuy

This oven-baked barbecue variety is most relevant if you want to compare crisps with regular varieties by portion size and nutritional value. Check the protein content separately if that’s your main goal.

Lay's Oven Baked Barbecue crisps, 150 g bag

Lay's Oven Baked Barbecue 150 g

An oven-baked crisp variety for anyone looking at fat, calories and portion size within the category.

150 g bag. Compare the nutrition information for this barbecue flavour per 100 g and per planned portion; don’t automatically use the values for Oven Baked Original.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Are protein crisps automatically low in calories?

No. Albert Heijn lists 398 kcal per 100 g for its paprika Protein Crisps and 404 kcal for sweet chilli, alongside 28 and 26 g of protein respectively. So remember to check the portion you plan to eat as well.

When should I choose oven-baked crisps instead of protein crisps?

Compare oven-baked potato crisps if your main goal is to have less fat and fewer calories than in a specific regular variety; choose protein crisps if protein content matters most. Product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo shows that Lay's Oven Baked Original contains less fat and fewer kcal per 100 g than Lay's Original, while the AH Protein Crisps mentioned above contain more protein than the oven-baked Original variety.

What should I check if I have a food allergy?

Read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact flavour and pack before choosing crisps. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains which allergens must be declared; a protein or calorie table is no substitute for this information.

Can I use Nutri-Score to choose crisps?

Yes, as a guide for comparing similar products side by side. The Government of the Netherlands recommends comparing products of the same type; also check the kcal, protein, salt and your portion size.

How should I store an opened bag of crisps?

Store opened crisps in a cool, dry, dark place and seal the bag well, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Also follow the instructions on the product packaging.