For a toddler’s everyday snack, there’s no need to seek out protein-rich tortilla chips specifically: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends foods from the Wheel of Five, such as fruit, vegetables or wholemeal bread. If you want to give your toddler crisps occasionally, keep the portion small and compare the nutritional information and allergens on the label. And remember: a high-protein tortilla wrap is not a tortilla crisp.
You may be wondering whether a higher protein content makes tortilla crisps suitable for a regular snack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends foods from the Wheel of Five for babies and toddlers between meals.
You’re looking for something crunchy for an occasional treat and want to assess the portion size and nutritional information, without using the protein figure as your only reason for choosing it.
You want to know which allergens are listed on the current label and whether the snack fits the arrangements at the childcare setting or school. Tortilla crisps and tortilla wraps don’t necessarily have the same ingredients.
First decide whether you’re looking for an everyday snack or an occasional treat. Then compare the right type of product and the nutritional information on the packaging.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday snack | For a regular snack, first choose from the foods the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends for babies and toddlers, such as fruit, vegetables or wholemeal bread. | If I give my child a snack every day, I don’t want a protein claim to determine where it fits in their diet. Around 56% of consumers prioritise finding a suitable everyday snack. |
| Occasional treat of crisps | Compare the protein and salt per 100 g, and consider how much you’ll actually serve. According to the product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo, both of their plain crisps contain 0.9 g of salt per 100 g. | For an occasional treat, I want to be able to offer a small portion without losing sight of its nutritional value. Around 33% of consumers prioritise choosing crisps for an occasional treat. |
| Protein claim and product type | Check whether it’s crunchy crisps or a soft meal wrap. Don’t treat a claim about sport or recovery as a reason to choose crisps for a toddler. | When I’m looking for protein, I want to avoid buying a wrap when I mean crisps. The protein claim is the main reason for comparing products for around 11% of consumers. |
Albert Heijn and Jumbo list salt as well as protein for their plain crisps. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s advice on everyday snacks for babies and toddlers doesn’t change just because of one nutritional value.
First decide what kind of snack occasion you’re buying for, and don’t use the protein figure as your only reason for choosing a product.
Jumbo High Proteïne Tortilla is a soft meal wrap, not a crunchy tortilla crisp. Its stated protein content therefore describes a different type of product.
Check the product type on the packaging before comparing nutritional values.
Albert Heijn’s product page describes its Tortilla Chips Naturel as gluten-free, while the Doritos Cool American product reviewed contains milk and the Jumbo High Proteïne wrap contains wheat and gluten.
Check the current ingredients and allergen information when you buy, including details of possible traces. If you’re packing a snack for childcare or school, ask what arrangements they have in place.
AH Tortilla Chips Naturel are plain corn crisps to eat on their own or with a dip.
Jumbo sells both Tortilla Chips Naturel and a separate High Proteïne Tortilla wrap.
Cool American is a variety of tortilla crisp with added flavourings.
Mission describes Protein Tortilla Chips Jalapeño internationally as a separate crisp product.
No, they shouldn’t be the go-to choice for an everyday snack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends foods from the Wheel of Five for babies and toddlers, such as fruit, vegetables or wholemeal bread. A protein claim doesn’t change where crisps fit in their diet.
No, it depends on the product. Albert Heijn describes its Tortilla Chips Naturel as gluten-free on the product page. Jumbo High Proteïne Tortilla contains wheat and gluten, but it’s a wrap, not a crisp. Check the current packaging of the product you’re buying.
First check the snack and allergen policies at the childcare setting or school. Also read the current product label: the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be clearly listed on the label of prepacked foods.
No. A tortilla wrap is a soft part of a meal, while a tortilla crisp is a crunchy snack. Jumbo lists 19.0 g of protein per 100 g for its High Proteïne Tortilla wrap. Don’t use that figure as the nutritional value for crisps.
