Who is this choice relevant to?

Parents handing out treats to a whole class

You’re looking for a small treat that’s easy to hand out, and want to know the school or after-school club’s policy first. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also advises checking whether any children avoid certain products because of an allergy or religious beliefs.

Parents comparing nutritional values

You’re considering crisps for their protein content, but want to know how much protein and salt there is in a whole bag. This helps you assess the portion you’re choosing, rather than relying on the claim on the front of the pack.

Parents looking for a soya- or lentil-based option

You check the ingredients for the exact flavour, rather than assuming that a plant-based product is free from milk, soya or other allergens.

What should you check before buying?

Start by checking the arrangements for the group. Then compare the nutritional information and see whether the portion size and flavour are suitable for handing out.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
School policy and allergies Ask what the school or after-school club allows, and check the allergens on the packaging for each flavour you choose. If I’m handing out treats to a whole class, I want to know whether every child can have one. For around 42% of consumers, suitability for the group is the most important consideration.
Protein and salt per bag Compare the nutritional values for a full portion and check which ingredients provide the protein. If I’m choosing these crisps for their protein, I also want to know how much salt is in the same bag. For around 33% of consumers, comparing nutritional values comes first.
Portion size and availability Check the contents of each bag and whether the exact flavour and pack size are available before buying for the group. When filling party bags, I want to be able to hand out suitable individual portions. For around 25% of consumers, this is the most important practical consideration.

Common mistakes

  • Taking a protein claim as an overall verdict on the snack

    Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the claim ‘high in protein’ requires at least 20% of the energy value to come from protein. On its own, this says nothing about portion size, salt content, allergens or the school’s treat policy.

    Compare the nutritional information per bag and check the ingredients and allergens before choosing a flavour.

  • Assuming ‘made with lentils’ means it’s suitable for people with allergies

    The main ingredient in a crisp doesn’t tell you what other ingredients or allergens the variety contains. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains which allergens must be listed on the label.

    If there are known allergies, ask parents or carers what’s suitable and check the packaging for each flavour separately.

  • Relying on an old product page when buying for a class

    Product pages checked for Albert Heijn and Jumbo said that certain varieties of The Organic Crave were no longer available. A flavour or ingredients list you looked at earlier may not match the pack you eventually buy.

    Before buying, check that the exact variety is available and read the label again when it arrives.

  • Presenting a children’s party treat as recovery food

    A protein claim on crisps doesn’t show that a child needs food for recovery after a party.

    Assess the crisps as an optional savoury treat, taking portion size, the label and suitability for the group into account.

Brands compared

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists AH Proteïne Crisps in paprika and sweet chilli flavours among its protein snacks.

  • An option to look at if you shop at Albert Heijn.
  • Check the nutritional values, ingredients and allergens on the pack you buy; product information can change.

Body&Fit

Body&Fit offers Smart Protein Chips in individual 23 g bags and lists several flavours.

  • The set portion size makes it easy to compare the nutritional values per bag.
  • According to Van Dijk Groothandel, the ingredients for the paprika flavour reviewed list soya protein. Also check each flavour for possible gluten warnings.

The Organic Crave

The Organic Crave is an option to compare for red lentil-based crisps, including varieties reviewed in 30 g bags.

  • For its Paprika & Onion variety, Jumbo listed 7,1 g of protein and 0,57 g of salt per 30 g bag.
  • The Albert Heijn and Jumbo pages reviewed marked certain varieties as no longer available. Check both current availability and the allergens for the exact flavour.

Related products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are crisps with a protein claim automatically suitable as a children’s party treat?

No. Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the claim ‘high in protein’ relates to the proportion of energy that comes from protein, not whether the product is suitable as a treat. Also check the portion size, salt, allergens and the school or after-school club’s arrangements.

What should I check on the packaging before handing out treats to a class?

Read the ingredients and listed allergens for the exact flavour and pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that 14 allergens must be listed. If there are known allergies, ask parents or carers in advance what’s suitable for their child.

Are protein-rich crisps needed for recovery after a children’s party?

A protein claim doesn’t show that someone has an individual need for food for recovery. Don’t choose a treat based on a sports-related message; instead, check whether the portion size and label are suitable for the group.

Can I rely on an online product page for allergen information?

Use a product page to help narrow down your options, but check the packaging of the product you’ll actually hand out. Ingredients and allergen information can vary or change between varieties.

Should I check with the school or after-school club first to see whether crisps are allowed as a treat?

Ask in advance what treat policy applies. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that schools and after-school clubs may have rules about what children can hand out.