Families planning for several people
For a shared bowl, dip or nacho platter, it’s worth thinking about how many chips will actually be eaten. Check the bag size and decide in advance what you’ll do with any leftovers.
Who is this relevant to?
Parents putting lunch together
If children are eating too, you can serve chips as a small extra rather than making them the main part of the meal. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends including vegetables, fruit and wholegrain foods in a child’s lunch.
Households that need to check ingredients
Milk, soya and warnings about cereals containing gluten vary between the varieties mentioned. Always check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack you’re buying.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether the chips are for a shared platter or a small side. Then compare the size you need and check the ingredients in your chosen flavour.
| What to consider | What to check | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and leftovers | Match the net weight to the number of people eating and whether the chips are for a dip, nacho platter or small side. | I want to put enough chips on the table for everyone to share, without opening a bag that leaves lots over. This is the main consideration for around 50% of consumers. |
| The rest of the lunch | Decide in advance how many chips to serve and what else to include in the lunch; check the nutritional information per 100 g if you wish. | If children are eating too, I want to leave room for the other parts of their lunch. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this balance. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list, allergen information and any warnings for the exact flavour. | If someone at the table needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what’s listed on this particular bag. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
-
Choosing a large bag without planning the portions
A sharing bag is only practical if its contents suit the number of people eating and the dish you’re planning. Otherwise, you could be left with chips to spare.
Decide in advance whether you’re making a platter for several people or serving just a small amount alongside lunch.
-
Serving tortilla chips as a complete lunch for children
That means chips take the place of other parts of the meal. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends vegetables, fruit and wholegrain foods, among other things, for a child’s lunch.
Put the lunch together first, then decide whether to serve chips with it and how many.
-
Assuming plain chips come without an allergen warning
Jumbo lists milk in Doritos Nacho Cheese and possible traces of ingredients including soya and wheat in a Doritos Naturel variety. Ingredients therefore vary by product.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack you’ve chosen every time you buy.
-
Assuming a product page means the item is in stock
A size shown online might not be available when you come to buy it. The 455 g bag of Doritos Naturel shown by Jumbo was no longer part of its online range on the page we checked.
Check what’s currently available, and read the packaging when you have the product in front of you.
Brands to consider
Doritos
Jumbo lists Doritos tortilla chips in several flavours and sizes, including individual bags and a multipack.
- The different pack options let you choose between sharing and individual portions.
- Ingredients and allergens vary by variety: the Nacho Cheese mentioned contains milk, while the Naturel variety mentioned may contain ingredients including soya and wheat.
Santa Maria
Jumbo describes Santa Maria Nacho Tortilla Chips 475 g as round, sturdy corn chips for dipping.
- The size and shape described make them a good fit for a shared dip platter.
- Check that the quantity suits your group, and read the allergen information on the pack you choose.
AH Biologisch
Albert Heijn lists a 150 g bag of AH Biologisch Tortilla chips naturel, labelled organic, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free.
- The smaller size is an alternative if you don’t need a large sharing bag.
- This particular product page also says the product may contain soya. Check the current packaging; these labels don’t automatically apply to other varieties.
Sun Snacks
ALDI lists 300 g Sun Snacks Tortillachips in its crisps range.
- The stated pack size sits between the 150 g bag mentioned and the larger sharing bags.
- If you’re choosing based on ingredients, allergens or nutritional value, check the information on the packaging.
Tortilla chips for different portions
This selection from Joybuy includes a larger bag for sharing and smaller bags for when you need less. Choose your preferred portion and flavour first, then check the ingredients and allergens on the exact pack.
Image unavailable
Santa Maria Nacho Chips Original 475 g
The 475 g bag is a good option if you’re looking for chips for several people or a shared dip platter. Choose a quantity to suit your group, and check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging.
Image unavailable
Doritos Nacho Cheese 272 g
At 272 g, this is a smaller sharing bag than the 475 g pack mentioned. The product information for this Nacho Cheese variety lists milk; check the current packaging for details of any other allergens too.
Image unavailable
Doritos Dippers Naturel 185 g
The 185 g bag is better suited to a small portion to share than a large lunch platter. Think about how many people will be eating, and check the packaging if you have dietary requirements.
Image unavailable
Santa Maria Original Nacho Chips 185 g
This 185 g size is a good option if you want to serve a smaller amount of nacho chips. Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you choose before sharing them with others.
Image unavailable
Doritos Pure Paprika Tortilla Chips 170 g
The 170 g bag gives you a smaller amount with a paprika flavour if you’re not planning a large sharing platter. Check that the flavour suits everyone eating, and read the allergen information on the pack.
Frequently asked questions
Can tortilla chips be the main part of a school holiday lunch for children?
It’s better to serve tortilla chips as an extra rather than making them the main part of a child’s lunch. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends including vegetables, fruit and wholegrain foods, among other things, so decide what else to serve first.
When is a large bag of tortilla chips useful?
A large bag is useful if the quantity suits the number of people eating or a shared dip or nacho platter. Compare the net weight with the portions you’re planning; a bigger bag won’t necessarily prevent leftovers.
Should I check the allergens again if I’ve bought the same chips before?
Yes. Check the allergen information on the current packaging for the exact variety every time you buy. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains allergen labelling, so don’t rely solely on a pack you bought previously or the flavour name.
How should I serve chips from a large bag with a children’s lunch?
Dish out the amount you’ve planned and save the rest of the bag for another occasion. This lets you match the portion to the other parts of the lunch, rather than letting the size of the opened bag decide how much to serve.