If you want the snack itself to provide a relatively high amount of protein, look at protein crisps and bear in mind that they aren’t traditional tortilla chips: according to Albert Heijn, AH Proteïne crisps paprika contains 28 g of protein per 100 g. If what you really want is corn chips for dipping or sharing, choose tortilla chips based on their flavour, ingredients and portion size. The variants from Doritos, Jumbo and Santa Maria listed by Jumbo contain 6.2 to 7.8 g of protein per 100 g.
If you fancy a crunchy snack after exercise, compare how much protein you’ll actually get in a portion. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that most people who exercise don’t need special protein products if they eat a varied diet.
For salsa, guacamole or nachos, you may be looking mainly for the flavour and shape of corn tortilla chips. Lentil- or soya-based protein crisps are a different kind of snack, even if their protein content appeals to you.
A small bag of protein crisps and a larger bag of tortilla chips won’t necessarily serve the same purpose. Check the net weight and stated portion size before putting something out for a group to share.
Choose these when: the snack’s protein content is your priority and you’re happy with a base other than corn.
The trade-off: according to Albert Heijn, AH Proteïne crisps paprika is a lentil snack, not a tortilla chip for a bowl of nachos.
Choose these when: you want corn chips for dipping or sharing.
The trade-off: the variants Doritos Lime, Jumbo Paprika and Santa Maria Giant Salsa listed by Jumbo provide 6.2 to 7.8 g of protein per 100 g. Don’t judge your protein intake on the chips alone.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Protein content | Compare protein and energy per 100 g, and check how much a portion contains. For a claim such as ‘high in protein’, at least 20% of the energy must come from protein, according to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. | If I want this particular snack to count towards my protein target, I want to know what a portion provides. Around 36% of consumers put protein content first. |
| Tortilla chips and dip | Check whether you’re choosing corn tortilla chips or crisps made from a different base, and whether the flavour and shape work with your dip. | For a bowl of salsa, I care more about having a familiar corn chip than the protein content. Around 29% of consumers put that tortilla-and-dip experience first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the latest packaging for ingredients, allergens and ‘may contain’ warnings. You may also want to compare salt per 100 g. | If I need to avoid an ingredient, the label determines which snack I can choose. Around 21% of consumers give this check top priority. |
| Portion size and sharing | Compare the net weight and stated portion size with the number of people eating. | I want to put enough chips on the table without mistaking an individual snack for a sharing bag. For around 14% of consumers, having enough to share comes first. |
Having a few grams of protein per 100 g isn’t enough on its own to make that nutrition claim. Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 requires at least 20% of the energy to come from protein.
Compare protein and energy in the same nutrition table. Choose based on protein content if that’s what matters most to you, or on the tortilla experience if you mainly want something to dip.
According to the listed product details, AH Proteïne crisps paprika contains 70 g, compared with 170 g for Jumbo Tortilla Chips Paprika. That difference matters when several people are sharing one bag.
Check the net weight and stated portion size before choosing between an individual snack and a bowl to share.
A different base from corn can also mean different ingredients. Albert Heijn’s information lists possible traces of milk, sesame, soya and lactose in AH Proteïne crisps paprika. Soya is listed as an ingredient in Body & Fit Smart Protein Chips paprika.
When buying, read the label for the variant you’ve chosen, including any ‘may contain’ warnings.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre considers protein intake as part of your overall diet and says that most people who exercise don’t need special protein products if they eat a varied diet.
So consider the snack alongside what else you eat, rather than treating tortilla chips or protein crisps on their own as a recovery product.
AH Proteïne crisps paprika is a lentil snack for anyone comparing the protein content of snacks, rather than a traditional tortilla chip.
Smart Protein Chips paprika is a soya- and potato-based snack, not a corn tortilla chip.
Doritos Lime Tortilla Chips is a corn chip for anyone looking mainly for flavour and something to dip during a TV night.
Jumbo Tortilla Chips Paprika is a corn tortilla chip to share as a TV snack.
Santa Maria Giant Tortilla Chips Salsa is a larger corn chip for anyone looking for a chip that’s easy to dip.
For a ‘high in protein’ nutrition claim, at least 20% of a product’s energy value must come from protein, according to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. So the number of grams of protein per 100 g alone won’t tell you whether the product meets this requirement.
Don’t rely on the regular tortilla chips assessed here if you want the snack itself to provide a relatively high amount of protein: the variants Doritos Lime, Jumbo Paprika and Santa Maria Giant Salsa listed by Jumbo contain 6.2 to 7.8 g per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also stresses that most people who exercise don’t need special protein products if they eat a varied diet.
Yes. You can choose tortilla chips for their flavour and for dipping, and consider your protein intake as part of your overall diet. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists yoghurt, tofu and beans among everyday foods that provide protein. Choose what works for you and take any relevant ingredients into account.
It depends on the variant you choose. Albert Heijn lists possible traces of milk, sesame, soya and lactose in AH Proteïne crisps paprika, while Body & Fit Smart Protein Chips paprika contains soya and may contain traces of gluten. Always check the label on the pack you’re buying.
