Choose tortilla chips to meet a specific free-from need by checking the label for the exact flavour, rather than relying on claims such as ‘maize’ or ‘gluten-free’. Check the ingredients, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ warnings; gluten-free does not automatically mean soya-free. If you’re eating shortly before exercise, also consider the portion size and fat content: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, large portions and high-fat foods can stay in your stomach for longer.
You want to check before buying whether your allergen is listed in the ingredients or on a warning on the packaging. A gluten-free claim says nothing about other allergens; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens must be listed on labels.
You’re looking for a snack that suits the time you have left before exercising. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against large portions and foods high in fat, protein or fibre just before exercise, as they can stay in your stomach for longer.
Check the gluten-free claim, ingredients and other allergen information for each variety. Also compare the current packaging with the retailer’s product information, especially if you choose a different flavour.
First, decide which substance you want to avoid. Then consider how long it is until your workout and compare the nutritional information for the portion you plan to eat.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten or another allergen | Check the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ warning on the packaging for the exact flavour. | If I need to avoid gluten or another specific allergen, I want to know what’s on my bag; this is the priority for around 50% of consumers. |
| Time until exercise | Check the portion size and fat content. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends eating a regular meal around 2 to 3 hours before exercise. | If I’m going to exercise shortly after eating, I don’t want a large, heavy snack; for around 30% of consumers, when they eat is the main consideration. |
| Portion size and nutritional information | Compare fat and salt per 100 g and per portion; factor in any dip separately. | I want to know what my snack portion contains, rather than just looking at the front of the bag; around 20% of consumers prioritise portion size and nutritional information. |
A gluten-free claim doesn’t rule out other allergens. Jumbo lists Santa Maria Tortilla Chips Salted as gluten-free, but also displays a warning that the product may contain soya.
Check the current packaging for the ingredients and warnings relating to the specific substance you want to avoid.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, large portions and high-fat foods can stay in your stomach for longer. This is worth considering if you’re going to exercise shortly after eating.
Consider how long it is until your workout and decide in advance how much you want to eat.
Plain, cheese and seasoned varieties can differ in their ingredients, allergens and nutritional information. A claim for one variety doesn’t automatically apply to the rest of the range.
Always check the exact flavour and pack size you’re buying.
Not every retailer provides full nutritional information online. Lidl, for example, says it doesn’t have an online list of ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for food products.
Check the packaging when you buy, or ask the retailer for information about the exact product.
Jumbo lists Santa Maria Tortilla Chips Salted 185 g as gluten-free.
Doritos Netherlands offers tortilla chips in several flavours and describes its Plain variety as roasted maize tortilla chips.
ALDI lists SUN SNACKS tortilla chips in Plain, Cheese and Sweet Chilli flavours.
Lidl sells tortilla chips, including a Sweet Paprika variety.
Mission provides information about the ingredients in its maize products for the US market.
No. ‘Gluten-free’ says nothing about other allergens. For example, Jumbo lists Santa Maria Tortilla Chips Salted as gluten-free, but also displays the warning ‘May contain: soya’. So check the current packaging for the specific allergen you want to avoid.
Pay particular attention to how long it is until your workout and to the portion size. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends eating a regular meal around 2 to 3 hours beforehand and advises against large portions and foods high in fat, protein or fibre just before exercise.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, sports bars and gels aren’t needed for exercise lasting less than an hour. So don’t choose tortilla chips on the assumption that every workout calls for a sports snack; consider when you’re eating and how much you plan to have.
Not in a complete online list for food products: Lidl says it doesn’t provide one. Check the packaging in store or ask Lidl for information about the exact product before choosing.
