Students planning a meal
You want to work out in advance how many chips you need for everyone eating, so you don’t end up with most of a large pack left over.
Who are these choices relevant to?
Cooks serving nachos or dips
You choose a flavour that goes with your toppings and check whether the product description mentions serving with dips or using the chips for nachos.
Shoppers with an allergy or dietary preference
You check the ingredients and allergens on the individual pack, as these can vary between flavours.
What should you look for when choosing?
Work out how many people are eating and how you’ll serve the chips, then compare the labels of the varieties that fit the bill.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size | Check the weight in grams and think about how many people will be having chips. | If I’m eating alone, I don’t want to be left with a large opened bag. For around 34% of consumers, choosing a suitable pack size is the top priority. |
| Flavour and use | Choose plain chips if the dip or toppings will provide the flavour; for nachos, also check the recommended use. | When I’m making nachos, I want the chips to go with my toppings. Around 33% of consumers give this use the highest priority. |
| Label | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack; compare nutritional values on the same basis, per 100 g. | If I have an allergy or a specific dietary preference, I need to know what’s in this particular variety. For around 33% of consumers, checking the label comes first. |
Common mistakes
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Choosing a large pack without a plan for the leftovers
A pack intended for several people isn’t automatically convenient if you’re eating alone. Opened chips can also go soft.
Choose a pack size that suits the meal, and seal any opened pack properly, following the storage advice on the packaging.
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Assuming all flavours have the same nutritional values
The information varies by variety: Jumbo lists 0.90 g of salt per 100 g for its Naturel and 1.61 g per 100 g for Sweet Chili.
Compare the nutritional information for the packs you’re considering per 100 g, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.
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Relying on the flavour name if you have an allergy
A name such as plain or cheese doesn’t tell you which allergens are listed on the individual product.
Every time you buy, check the current ingredients list, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ warning.
Brands to consider
Jumbo
Jumbo’s range includes Naturel in 300 g and 200 g packs, as well as several flavoured varieties.
- The product information for Naturel 300 g lists the ingredients and says the chips are suitable for dipping.
- Check the nutritional values for each flavour separately: Jumbo lists more salt per 100 g for Sweet Chili than for Naturel.
SUN SNACKS (ALDI)
For these tortilla chips, ALDI offers plain, cheese and sweet chilli flavours in a 300 g pack.
- The three flavours let you choose between a neutral base and seasoned chips.
- Check the label on your chosen variety for ingredients, nutritional values and allergens.
AH Biologisch
Albert Heijn sells its organic Naturel tortilla chips in a 150 g pack.
- Albert Heijn lists characteristics of this variety, including that it is vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free.
- If you have an allergy, check the current allergen information too; product claims are no substitute for checking the label.
Doritos
Doritos offers both bold flavours and a plain variety. Albert Heijn describes Doritos Naturel as suitable for dips and nachos with toppings.
- The plain variety is a good option when you want the toppings to provide the flavour.
- Check the allergen information for each Doritos variety. For Naturel, the product information notes that it may contain soya and wheat or gluten.
Snack Day (Lidl)
Lidl describes Snack Day Sea Salt Tortilla Chips as a 300 g pack available in store.
- Knowing the pack size makes it easier to decide in advance whether it’s right for your meal.
- Check the pack label in store for the ingredients and allergen information.
Tortilla chips for different meals
This selection of Joybuy products includes plain and seasoned tortilla chips in a range of pack sizes. Choose according to how many people are eating and whether you’ll serve the chips with a dip, use them for nachos or enjoy them as a snack on their own.
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Doritos Nacho Cheese, 272 g
A good choice if you’d like cheese-flavoured chips to share at a meal. The product description suggests serving them with dips; if you have an allergy, check the current label.
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Santa Maria Tortilla Chips Salted, 475 g
A large pack for sharing at a meal, with the chips served alongside a dip. Think about whether you’ll use the whole pack, and seal the bag properly after opening.
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Doritos Sweet Chili Mexican Corn Chips, 272 g
For anyone who also wants to enjoy the chips on their own and likes sweet chilli flavour. If your toppings are already strongly flavoured, plain chips may be easier to pair with them; check the label if you have an allergy.
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Doritos Dippers Naturel, 185 g
A smaller pack when dips are the main event; the product description also suggests using them for nachos with toppings. Check the current allergen information if it’s important to your choice.
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Santa Maria Original Nacho Chips, 185 g
For a smaller nacho meal: the product description suggests baking them in the oven with cheese. Keep an eye on them while they cook, and check the label if you have an allergy.
Frequently asked questions
What pack size is right for a student dinner?
Choose the pack size based on how many people are eating and what you’ll do with any leftovers. A larger bag is handy for sharing, while a smaller pack may be more practical if you’re eating alone. Seal any leftover chips properly, following the storage advice.
Which tortilla chips should I choose for nachos or dips?
Plain tortilla chips are a good choice when you want the dip or toppings to provide the flavour. Jumbo describes its Naturel variety as suitable for dipping, and Albert Heijn also recommends Doritos Naturel for nachos with toppings. Check the instructions on your chosen pack for the dish you’re making.
Can I rely on the flavour name if I have a milk allergy?
No, the flavour name doesn’t tell you enough about the ingredients or allergens in a specific pack. Read the current ingredients list and allergen information, and check for any warning about possible traces of allergens.
How do I compare the nutritional information for two flavours?
Compare the values per 100 g so differences in serving size don’t skew the comparison. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends using this basis. For example, Jumbo lists 0.90 g of salt per 100 g for Naturel and 1.61 g per 100 g for Sweet Chili.
How should I store an opened bag of tortilla chips?
Seal the bag properly after use and follow the storage advice on the packaging. Jumbo recommends storing its Naturel variety in a cool, dry place; advice may vary by product.