Who is this choice relevant to?

Crammers who want to control their snack portions

You’re looking for something crunchy to nibble on while you study, not a post-workout product. In that case, your portion size and its nutritional value matter more than a prominent protein claim.

Student athletes keeping an eye on protein

You combine study days with sport and want to know how much protein a snack really provides. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, most people who do sport don’t need special protein products if they eat a varied diet. So, assess a snack alongside everything else you eat.

Shoppers checking ingredients and allergens

You want to be able to check the packaging for ingredients, allergens and nutritional information. If you have an allergy, the flavour name is no substitute for checking the label on the exact variety.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide which type of product you want: chips to eat straight away or a soft tortilla to fill yourself. Then check the serving size and the nutritional information that matters to you for the exact product.

Regular tortilla chips

A good choice if: you mainly want a crunchy, savoury snack while cramming and plan your portion in advance.

The trade-off: without checking the label, don’t count on this choice as a significant source of protein.

High-protein tortilla wrap

A good choice if: you’re looking for a soft tortilla to use as the base for a snack you put together yourself. Jumbo lists a product called High Proteïne Tortilla Large 6 Stuks.

The trade-off: a wrap isn’t a chip. You choose the filling and portion size, and should check the protein content on the packaging.

Protein tortilla chips

A good choice if: a retailer provides the nutritional information, ingredients and allergen details for the exact chip variety.

The trade-off: Mission features Protein Chips on its international product website; that alone tells you nothing about Dutch packaging or availability.

What to consider What should you check? Who should pay particular attention?
Protein per serving Compare the protein per 100 g and per serving on the label for the exact variety. Remember that chips and a soft tortilla are different products. If you exercise alongside your studies and prioritise protein, you’ll want to know what your chosen snack actually adds to your diet. Around 44% of consumers ask about protein first.
Serving size and nutritional value Check the serving size and compare energy, fat, saturated fat and salt per 100 g and per portion you plan to eat. During a long study session, I don’t want to eat more from the bag than I intended without noticing. For around 33% of consumers, being able to assess the portion comes first.
Convenience and availability Check the pack size and whether you can order your chosen variety or need to buy it in store. If I want a snack ready for a study day, I need to know exactly where I can get that variety. Around 23% of consumers say convenience is their top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking a high-protein tortilla for tortilla chips

    Jumbo’s High Proteïne Tortilla Large 6 Stuks is a soft tortilla. Its name doesn’t confirm how much protein is in your portion, nor does it make it a ready-to-eat chip.

    First check the type of product, then read the nutritional information on the packaging for that exact variety.

  • Eating straight from the bag while studying

    If you haven’t decided on a portion beforehand, it’s hard to work out the nutritional value of what you put in your bowl.

    Pour out a portion and use the label on your tortilla chips to check its nutritional value.

  • Checking only the salt in the chips

    A salty dip or topping also contributes to what you end up eating.

    Compare the salt content of the chips per 100 g and take any accompaniments into account when choosing.

  • Trying to work out allergens from the flavour name

    A flavour name doesn’t tell you which allergens are listed for a specific variety. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be listed on the labels of prepacked foods.

    If you have an allergy, check the ingredients and allergens on the current packaging, even if you’ve bought the product before.

Brands to help you choose

Doritos

Albert Heijn lists several Doritos tortilla chip varieties, including Nacho Cheese, Pure Paprika and Naturel.

  • The different flavours give you options if you’re looking for regular tortilla chips.
  • The flavour doesn’t tell you the protein content; compare the nutritional information for the bag you choose.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists its own tortilla chips in varieties including plain, sweet chilli and nacho cheese.

  • You can browse different flavours and pack sizes across the range.
  • Check the protein and salt content for the exact variety using the latest nutritional information.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists both regular tortilla chips and High Proteïne Tortilla Large 6 Stuks.

  • You can compare the two product types separately when choosing between chips and a tortilla to fill yourself.
  • The High Proteïne Tortilla is soft, not a tortilla chip. Check the protein content on the packaging.

Snack Day

Lidl lists Snack Day Tortillachips Zeezout in a 300 g pack.

  • The product page gives the pack size.
  • Lidl says this variety is available in store only; the product name doesn’t prove that it’s a high-protein chip.

Mission

Mission features Protein Chips on its international product website.

  • Mission states that Protein Chips contain 10 g of protein per serving. Use that figure only for the product and serving it refers to.
  • Before buying in the Netherlands, check the exact variety, nutritional information, ingredients, allergens and availability.

Tortilla chips on Joybuy

These tortilla chips are a savoury snack option for when you’re cramming. If protein is your main priority, check the nutritional information on the packaging for the exact variety; the product name alone doesn’t make these high-protein chips.

Pack of Doritos Nacho Cheese Tortilla Crisps, 170 g

Doritos Nacho Cheese Tortilla Crisps, 170 g

A variety of tortilla chips for anyone looking for a savoury snack while cramming. The pack contains 170 g. If protein, salt or other nutritional values matter to you, check the latest information per 100 g and per serving.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Are tortilla chips a good source of protein while cramming?

Not necessarily: how much protein you get depends on the exact tortilla chips and your portion size. Compare the protein per 100 g with the amount per serving before choosing chips to meet a protein goal.

Do I need special protein products after exercising?

According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, most people who do sport don’t need special protein products if they eat a varied diet. So, assess a product as part of your overall diet and consider how much you actually eat.

What should I look for when comparing the salt in my snack?

For tortilla chips, compare the salt per 100 g and per serving, and include any dip or topping in your calculations. Always use the nutritional information for the variety you’ve chosen.

How can I check for allergens in tortilla chips?

Read the ingredients and allergens on the current packaging for the exact variety; don’t rely on the flavour name. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be listed on the labels of prepacked foods.