Joybuy Insights

Buying snacks: how to choose savoury snacks without making a mistake

Shopping for snacks online for a drinks party, lunchbox, film night or on the go? You’ll quickly come across terms like “baked”, “plant-based”, “organic” or “high in protein”. These words don’t always tell you enough about the ingredients, portion size or practical shelf life.

What’s more, the packaging can give a misleading impression. A small bag might look like good value, but sometimes contains less than you’d expect. And a snack with a vegetable or legume name can still be relatively high in fat, salt or carbohydrates. With the following checks, you can compare savoury snacks, crisps, potato snacks and alternatives in a level-headed way.

Three common pitfalls when buying snacks

1. “Baked” is mistaken for a nutritional advantage

Baked crisps are often promoted as not being fried. That describes the cooking method, but it doesn’t automatically make a product suitable for every dietary choice. Always look at the nutritional values per 100 grams and per pack.

For example, the Yan Jin Pu Zi O-Potao Baked Potato Crisps Tomato Flavour Snack lists 24 grams of fat and 502 kcal per 100 grams. The 62-gram pack does help keep the portion manageable. With the Original Flavour, it’s 32 grams of fat and 538 kcal per 100 grams. So the difference between variants can be significant, even within the same product range.

2. A small pack looks cheap but has a higher price per kilo

A bag of 25, 27 or 42 grams is handy for on the go, but always compare the price per 100 grams. For a party or drinks gathering, larger packs are often more practical. Do bear in mind that a big bag isn’t automatically a better choice: once opened, crunchy products can lose their texture more quickly.

3. “Vegetable”, “gluten-free” or “plant-based” calls for an ingredient check

A product name doesn’t tell you everything. Check:

  • the first ingredients on the label;
  • allergens such as gluten, peanuts, milk, soya and sesame;
  • the amount of salt, fat, sugar, protein and fibre;
  • the storage and cooking instructions.

According to the product information, the Okra Chips consist of 98% okra and 2% rice bran oil, and are listed as gluten-free. The Be&Cheery snack is described as plant-based, but does contain wheat gluten and soya. So “plant-based” doesn’t automatically mean gluten-free.

Which details should you compare?

Nutritional values per 100 grams and per portion

The value per 100 grams makes different packs comparable. The portion value shows what you’re actually eating. Pay particular attention to salt, fat, saturated fat, sugars and fibre. For snacks on the go, an individual size is practical, while for a drinks party you’ll also want to look at the number of portions per pack.

Examples from the range:

  • Leev BIO Lentil Waffles: 362 kcal, 1 gram fat, 27.3 grams protein and 5.4 grams fibre per 100 grams.
  • G'woon Multigrain Triangles: 355 kcal, 9.2 grams fat and 9.4 grams fibre per 100 grams.
  • Yan Jin Pu Zi Tomato Flavour: 502 kcal and 24 grams fat per 100 grams.
  • G'woon Natural Fries Sticks: 520 kcal and 30 grams fat per 100 grams.

These figures aren’t a quality ranking. They simply help you choose a product that matches your own preferences.

Ingredients and allergens

Ingredients are listed in descending order of quantity. If potato, lentil flour, maize or wheat comes first, that usually forms the base of the snack. Always check the actual packaging too, because product compositions can change.

For example:

  • Leev BIO Lentil Waffles consist of 99.5% lentil flour and sea salt, according to the product information. They are listed as gluten-free, but may contain traces of soya.
  • Mora O&A Frikandellen contain, among other things, mechanically separated chicken, pork and wheat. They must be stored frozen.
  • Remia Italian Crouton Mix contains wheat and may contain traces of peanuts and nuts.
  • Aviko Supercrunch Originals Dutch Fries does not list any of the 14 main EU allergens in the product information.

If you have an allergy or intolerance, don’t rely solely on the website text – also check the label on the pack you receive.

Storage and preparation

Make a distinction between shelf-stable Asian snacks, dry crisps, chilled products and frozen products. Frikandellen, chips and potato products such as rösti and croquettes generally need to stay frozen until cooking. With frozen products, pay attention to the temperature on the packaging and do not refreeze thawed products.

For chips, the cooking method is also important. The Aviko Supercrunch Originals are suitable for a deep fryer or air fryer. Aviko Friet Van ’t Huis Oma’s Smulfriet can be cooked in a deep fryer, oven or air fryer, according to the product information. Always follow the instructions on the pack for time and temperature.

Our recommendations by use case

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Yan Jin Pu Zi O-Potao Baked Potato Crisps Tomato Flavour Snack 62g

Yan Jin Pu Zi O-Potao Baked Potato Crisps Tomato Flavour Snack 62g

Why this fits the profile: The 62-gram bag is a manageable size for one snack moment, a lunchbox or on the go.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The portion size is clearly stated. The product information also gives fat, salt and energy per 100 grams.

Key benefit & highlights

Baked potato crisps with tomato flavour; 62 grams per bag; ready to eat straight away.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
Leev BIO Lentil Waffles 100 g

Leev BIO Lentil Waffles - 100 g

Why this fits the profile: An option for those who value organic legume snacks and a short ingredients list.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The base consists of lentil flour and sea salt, according to the product information. Do check the note about possible traces of soya.

Key benefit & highlights

Organic; gluten-free according to the product information; 27.3 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Suitable for: Specific use & heavy users
Aviko Supercrunch Originals Dutch Fries 750 g

Aviko Supercrunch Originals Dutch Fries - 750 g

Why this fits the profile: Suitable for households that cook chips regularly and need a large frozen pack.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The cooking options are clearly stated: deep fryer or air fryer. Keep the product frozen until use.

Key benefit & highlights

750 grams; extra crispy coating according to the product description; suitable for deep fryer and air fryer.

Suitable for: Party organisers
g'woon Multigrain Triangles 180 g

g'woon Multigrain Triangles - 180g

Why this fits the profile: The 180-gram pack is useful for sharing at a drinks party or as an addition to other nibbles.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The nutritional information lists, among other things, 9.4 grams of fibre and 0.4 grams of sodium per 100 grams. Allergens are clearly indicated.

Key benefit & highlights

180 grams; mix of grains and seeds; 15.5 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about buying snacks

Which snacks are handy for on the go?

Small, resealable or individually wrapped products are practical. Think of baked potato crisps at 62 grams, Haitai Baked Potato Stick at 27 grams, Oishi Bread Pan Buttered Toasted at 42 grams or Leev lentil waffles. Check beforehand whether a product can be stored dry and whether the pack seals well after opening.

Are baked crisps automatically a better choice?

No. “Baked” refers to the cooking method. You also need to compare the nutritional values, ingredients list, portion size and amount of salt. According to the product information, the Yan Jin Pu Zi variants contain different amounts of fat per 100 grams, so comparing remains worthwhile.

How should I store chips and potato products?

Keep frozen products such as chips, rösti, croquettes and frikandellen frozen according to the temperature on the packaging. Only defrost what you need and follow the cooking instructions. Store dry crisps and other shelf-stable snacks in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. After opening, a well-sealed pack helps keep the crunchy texture for longer.