Tortilla chips can make a small, crunchy addition after exercise, but plain varieties aren’t automatically low in calories: according to Albert Heijn, the products compared here contain 470–474 kcal per 100 g. So compare the nutritional information per 100 g and decide how much to serve yourself. If you’re eating after a workout mainly to support recovery, don’t let chips take the place of a proper meal containing protein and carbohydrates, as discussed by the Voedingscentrum.
If you fancy something savoury after a workout, you can compare similar chips per 100 g and decide in advance how much to put in your bowl. The Voedingscentrum uses a 13 g portion for a handful of plain tortilla chips; a larger portion provides proportionally more energy.
If you still need to eat after exercising, the question isn’t just which chips to choose, but also how they fit alongside your meal. The Voedingscentrum discusses eating foods containing both protein and carbohydrates after exercise.
If you prefer a particular flavour or have an allergy, the exact variety matters. The plain and sweet chilli products listed by Albert Heijn differ in salt content. If you have an allergy, also check the allergen information on the packet you buy.
First decide whether you want chips as a small addition or still need a meal after exercising. Then compare the nutritional information per 100 g and choose how much to serve yourself.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Calories and portion size | Compare the energy per 100 g, then decide how much you want to eat. Don’t compare products solely by the portion shown on the packet. | If I mainly fancy something crunchy after exercising, I want to know how many chips I’m actually serving myself. Around 50% of consumers prioritise portion and calorie control. |
| Eating after a workout | Decide whether you’ll still be having a proper meal and check the protein and carbohydrate content per 100 g. The Voedingscentrum discusses both nutrients in relation to eating after exercise. | After my workout, I want to decide what else I’m going to eat before having chips as a snack. For around 33% of consumers, the post-workout meal is the main consideration. |
| Flavour, salt and allergens | Compare the salt and sugar content per 100 g of the exact varieties you’re considering. If you have an allergy, check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packet. | A flavour I like isn’t enough if I’m also watching my salt intake or need to avoid certain ingredients. Checking the label is the deciding factor for around 17% of consumers. |
The Voedingscentrum lists 62 kcal for a 13 g handful of plain tortilla chips. According to Albert Heijn’s product listings, the plain varieties compared here contain 470–474 kcal per 100 g, so the amount you put in your bowl makes a difference.
Compare products per 100 g and serve yourself the portion you want to eat in advance.
According to Albert Heijn, AH Tortilla chips naturel and AH Tortilla chips sweet chili both contain 470 kcal per 100 g. Sweet chilli contains 1.2 g of salt and 2.3 g of added sugars per 100 g, compared with 0.9 g of salt in the plain variety.
Compare the nutritional information for the exact flavours rather than relying on the flavour name.
For eating after exercise, the Voedingscentrum recommends a proper meal and foods containing both protein and carbohydrates. The Doritos Naturel, AH Naturel and Santa Maria Original products listed by Albert Heijn contain 6.3–6.6 g of protein per 100 g.
If you still want to eat after your workout, decide what your meal will be first, then have tortilla chips as an extra if you like.
A plain variety’s name doesn’t tell you which potential allergens are listed on the packet. For example, the Joybuy listing for Doritos Dippers Naturel mentions the possible presence of cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat; Santa Maria Original, as listed by Albert Heijn, warns of possible soya.
If you have an allergy, check the information on the current packaging for the exact variety you’re buying.
The AH plain and sweet chilli varieties listed make it possible to compare an unseasoned flavour with a seasoned one.
The Doritos Naturel listed by Albert Heijn is a specific plain variety you can compare for energy and salt. Other Doritos varieties may have different values.
Santa Maria Nacho Chips Original is a separate variety to consider if you want to take ingredients and allergen information into account.
Compare these plain, salted and sweet chilli varieties if you want to have a measured portion of chips after exercise. Don’t choose on flavour name alone: check the nutritional information and allergens on the packaging for the exact variety.
No image available
A plain variety for anyone who wants a small portion of chips as an extra. The packet contains 185 g; decide on your own portion and check the allergen information on the packet.
No image available
For anyone who wants a small portion of nacho chips after exercise. The packet contains 185 g; read the nutritional information per 100 g and check the current packaging if you have an allergy.
No image available
A seasoned variety for anyone who puts flavour first and wants chips as an extra. The product title lists 44 g, but the description gives a different packet size, so check the net weight before buying.
No image available
For anyone looking for plain nacho chips as an extra and wanting to serve their own portion. The packet contains 475 g; assess the nutritional information per 100 g rather than treating the whole packet as one portion.
No image available
A salted variety for anyone who wants to have a measured portion alongside a meal. The packet contains 475 g; compare the salt content and energy per 100 g with the other varieties.
A small handful contains fewer calories than a large portion, but that doesn’t make the product itself low in calories. The Voedingscentrum lists 62 kcal for 13 g of plain tortilla chips; according to Albert Heijn, the product varieties compared here contain 470–474 kcal per 100 g. So consider both the values per 100 g and how much you actually eat.
If you still need a meal after your workout, don’t assume tortilla chips are a suitable replacement. The Voedingscentrum discusses a proper meal and foods containing protein and carbohydrates after exercise; decide first how chips fit into that.
No, you can’t tell from the flavour name alone. Among the AH varieties listed by Albert Heijn, the plain variety contains 0.9 g of salt per 100 g, while sweet chilli contains 1.2 g. Sweet chilli also lists 2.3 g of added sugars per 100 g. Always compare the labels of the specific products you’re considering.
Read the allergen information on the current packaging for the exact variety. The Joybuy listing for Doritos Dippers Naturel mentions the possible presence of cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat, while Santa Maria Nacho Chips Original, as listed by Albert Heijn, warns of possible traces of soya.
