Tortilla chips aren’t an obvious choice for a regular nursery lunch: the varieties discussed here contain 470–475 kcal per 100 g. Consider them only as a small, occasional extra if the nursery’s food policy allows it, and check the portion size and allergens on the pack you choose. For everyday snacks, vegetables, fruit and wholemeal bread are a better fit with the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s advice for young children.
You’re looking for a small savoury extra, without making crisps a regular part of lunch. For toddlers and pre-school children, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends snacks from the Dutch Wheel of Five, such as fruit, vegetables and wholemeal bread.
You need to compare the allergen information on the pack you choose with the children’s dietary requirements. According to product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo, plain and paprika varieties differ in this respect.
You want to know how many crisps will actually be served. The Albert Heijn, Doritos and Jumbo varieties discussed here contain 470–475 kcal per 100 g; you’ll need to calculate the energy content for a smaller portion.
First check whether crisps fit the nursery’s food policy. Then compare the allergen information on the pack and decide how much you plan to serve.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Place in the lunch menu | Ask whether the nursery allows crisps, and don’t use them as a regular lunch staple. For young children, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends snacks from the Dutch Wheel of Five. | If I’m buying for a regular snack time, I want to know whether crisps are suitable without replacing a usual part of lunch. This is the main consideration for around 42% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Check the ingredients, allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the current pack, and compare them with the group’s requirements. | If there are allergy requirements, I want to avoid choosing a variety that conflicts with what a child can eat. Allergens are the main purchasing concern for around 33% of consumers. |
| Calories and portion size | Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and calculate it for the amount you’ll actually serve. Check the salt content too. | If I’m considering crisps as a small extra, I want to be able to weigh out the amount in advance. Portion control is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
A small pack doesn’t tell you anything about the nutritional value per 100 g. The Albert Heijn, Doritos and Jumbo products discussed here contain 470–475 kcal per 100 g.
Check the nutritional information and weigh out the amount you want to serve, rather than serving straight from an opened pack.
Albert Heijn labels its Tortilla chips naturel as gluten-free. According to Jumbo, Doritos Naturel may contain gluten, wheat and soya, among other allergens, while Jumbo Tortilla Chips Paprika contains milk.
Check the current pack for the specific variety and compare the listed allergens with the nursery’s requirements.
For toddlers and pre-school children, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends snacks from the Dutch Wheel of Five, including vegetables, fruit and wholemeal bread.
Use these foods as the basis for regular snack times. Consider crisps only as a small, occasional extra if the nursery allows them.
AH Tortilla chips naturel is a plain variety in a 200 g pack.
Doritos Naturel is a plain variety you can compare with other tortilla chips for flavour and nutritional information.
Jumbo Tortilla Chips Paprika is a flavoured variety for anyone who wants to compare paprika with plain.
Don’t assume they are: the Albert Heijn, Doritos and Jumbo varieties discussed here contain 470–475 kcal per 100 g. If the nursery allows crisps, compare the nutritional value per 100 g and calculate it for the portion you plan to serve. For regular snack times with young children, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s advice is based on foods from the Dutch Wheel of Five.
No, it depends on the product. Albert Heijn labels AH Tortilla chips naturel as gluten-free, while according to Jumbo, Doritos Naturel may contain cereals containing gluten, gluten and wheat. Before buying and serving, check the current ingredients and allergen warnings on the pack you’ve chosen.
Check the allergens relevant to the children in the group, including any ‘may contain’ warnings. For example, Jumbo lists milk for its Tortilla Chips Paprika and possible traces of gluten, wheat and soya, among other allergens, for Doritos Naturel. Compare the label with the nursery’s requirements; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority points out that allergen information for prepacked foods must appear on the label.
Seal the pack carefully after use and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. Albert Heijn advises resealing the pack of its plain variety; Jumbo says to store its paprika variety in a cool, dry place.
