Choose tortilla chips as a crunchy addition to your canteen lunch, not as your main source of protein. Pair them with beans, tofu, eggs or dairy, for example, and compare the protein in your whole lunch with the chips’ portion size, energy and salt content.
You want to know how much protein your lunch provides, rather than relying on sporty-looking packaging. According to the Voedingscentrum, most people who exercise do not need special protein products if they get enough protein from their usual diet.
You’re looking for something crunchy that goes well with lunch, but you don’t want to mistake the chips for the meal’s source of protein. Measuring out a portion makes it easier to compare them with the rest of your lunch.
You want to pair tortilla chips with beans, chickpeas, lentils or tofu, for example. Beans provide protein, but how much they add to your lunch depends on the portion you use.
First, decide which part of your lunch will provide the protein. Then consider what portion of chips is practical and compare the nutritional information for the flavours you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Protein in your whole lunch | Compare protein per 100 g and per portion; also consider what your topping or dip adds. | If I’m keeping an eye on protein after exercise, I want to know what my whole lunch provides, not just the chips. Protein is the top priority for around 45% of consumers. |
| Convenience and portion size | Check the pack size and whether you can bring or buy a suitable dip or another part of your lunch. | Between lectures, I want to be able to put together lunch without much preparation. Convenience is the main consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Flavour and nutritional value | For the flavour you want, compare energy, fat and salt per 100 g and per portion. | If I’m choosing mainly for flavour, I still want to know what my portion adds to lunch. Flavour and this balance are the most important factors for around 22% of consumers. |
A portion of regular tortilla chips won’t automatically provide the protein you’re looking for in your lunch. Jumbo lists 2.3 g of protein per 30 g portion of Tortilla Chips Naturel.
Choose the other parts of your lunch first, then enjoy the chips as a side or with a dip.
More protein in one product doesn’t, on its own, tell you much about the make-up of your lunch. The Voedingscentrum also lists 215 kcal alongside 2.5 g of protein for an average 40 g bowl of crisps.
Compare products in equal amounts and take energy, fat and salt into account when choosing.
A pack may contain several portions. Albert Heijn lists portions of 30 g for a 185 g bag of Doritos Naturel.
Measure out how many chips you want with your lunch before assessing the nutritional value per portion.
Mission Foods lists 10 g of protein per portion for its Protein Chips. This brand claim doesn’t tell you what nutritional information appears on a pack sold through your usual retailer.
Check the packaging and compare the portion size and nutritional values per 100 g.
Tortilla chips available in varieties including Naturel.
Own-brand Tortilla Chips Naturel in a 300 g pack.
Supermarket with a range of own-brand and other brands of tortilla chips.
Shop selling tortilla chips including Sweet Paprika in a 60 g pack.
Tortilla chips in Naturel, Cheese and Sweet Chilli flavours, listed in 300 g packs.
Manufacturer with a separate Protein Chips range.
These Doritos varieties work well in a lunch where tortilla chips add crunch and another component provides the protein. Choose your preferred flavour and check the latest nutritional information for the portion you plan to eat.
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For anyone who wants to enjoy tortilla chips alongside a separate source of protein. The pack contains 170 g; check the label to see how much protein and salt your portion provides, and read the latest ingredients information if you have allergies.
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For anyone looking for a sweet chilli flavour to enjoy with a lunch that includes a separate source of protein. The pack contains 170 g; decide on your portion and check the latest nutritional and allergen information on the label.
Don’t assume they do: Jumbo lists 2.3 g of protein per 30 g portion of Tortilla Chips Naturel. Check what your whole lunch provides and, if you like, add another source of protein such as beans, tofu, eggs or dairy.
Compare the protein per 100 g and work out how much that means for the portion you plan to eat. Also check energy, fat and salt, so one protein figure doesn’t determine your whole choice.
Not necessarily. According to the Voedingscentrum, most people who exercise get enough protein from a varied, everyday diet without special protein products. So start by looking at what your whole lunch contains.
A bean-based dip or topping is one option; tofu, eggs or dairy may also suit your diet. The Voedingscentrum lists 4.2 g of protein per 60 g serving spoonful of tinned or jarred beans, so take the amount you use into account.
Yes, especially if ingredients or allergens matter to you. Albert Heijn notes that product information can change, so check the packaging of the variety you’re buying.
