TV viewers who want to share a bowl
If several people are having crisps with a dip, focus on the size of the bag and the flavour you want to serve. A large bag is less practical if you often have crisps left over afterwards.
Which pack size is right for you?
Snackers who want individual portions
Individual bags are handy to take with you or hand out to each person. Check how many bags there are and how much each one contains: a multipack may have more individual portions than you need for one night in front of the TV.
Shoppers with specific ingredient requirements
If milk, soya, gluten or a particular dietary requirement matters to you, choose based on the exact variety. Read the ingredients and allergen information, along with any warnings about cross-contamination, on the current packaging.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’ll be sharing the crisps, serving a smaller group or giving each person their own bag. Then check the flavour and, if it matters to you, the nutritional information for the bag you’ve chosen.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Sharing with a dip | Check the net weight and choose a flavour that goes well with the dip you’re planning to serve. | If several people are taking crisps from one bowl, I want to serve enough without having to keep opening another bag. Around 33% of consumers prioritise sharing with a dip. |
| A small TV dinner | Compare the size of a standard bag with how much you want to serve for this snack occasion. | If there are one or two of us, I’d rather open a bag that suits a smaller bowl. Around 25% of consumers give getting the right amount top priority. |
| Individual portions | Check the number of bags, the amount in each one and the total contents of the multipack. | If I want to hand out the crisps or take them with me, having an individual bag for each person matters more than serving them in one bowl. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Ingredients and nutritional information | Read the ingredients, allergen information and any warnings; compare salt per 100 g and per portion. | If I’m buying for someone with specific ingredient requirements, the exact variety needs to meet them. Around 17% of consumers say this is their most important consideration. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all corn chips are the same
Ingredients and allergens can vary between flavours. Albert Heijn lists the AH Biologisch plain variety it reviewed as gluten-free and vegan, but also says it may contain soya.
Don’t rely on a claim on the front of the bag instead of checking the ingredients list, allergen information and any cross-contamination warning.
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Opening a large bag without a plan for the leftovers
A larger pack works well for sharing, but you may be left with an open bag after a small TV dinner.
Decide in advance whether you’ll serve one bowl or portion out the crisps. Follow the storage advice on the packaging once opened.
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Expecting the same flavour or pack to be available in store
The range can vary by retailer and at different times. A flavour or multipack you’ve seen before may not be available for your next night in front of the TV.
Just before buying, check the exact variety and pack size on the product page or on the shop shelf.
Brands and retailers to consider
Doritos
Jumbo lists Doritos tortilla chips in a range of flavours and pack sizes, including standard bags and a multipack of 20 x 44 g bags.
- An option if you’re looking for a particular flavour or want to hand out individual bags.
- Check the contents and label of the flavour you choose; what applies to one bag won’t necessarily apply to another.
AH Biologisch
The AH Biologisch plain tortilla chips reviewed come in a 150 g bag.
- Albert Heijn describes this specific variety as organic, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free.
- Albert Heijn also says this variety may contain soya; check the current label if allergens are a concern.
Snack Day
Snack Day is Lidl’s own brand of crisps and snacks, which it also promotes for film nights.
- A brand to look out for in store when choosing snacks for a film night.
- Check the flavour, pack size and ingredients on the packaging of any tortilla chips you find.
SUN SNACKS
ALDI lists 300 g bags of SUN SNACKS tortilla chips in plain, cheese and sweet chilli flavours.
- The listed bag size is worth considering when several people will be sharing from one bowl.
- Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging for your chosen flavour.
Jumbo
Jumbo is a retailer for the Doritos products mentioned here, not their manufacturer.
- The range shown includes a variety of flavours, standard bags and smaller bags.
- Check which exact pack is available when you do your shopping.
Tortilla chips to serve
These Joybuy products are bags ranging from 170 to 475 g, suitable for a night in front of the TV with dips or for sharing. Choose a standard or larger bag based on how many people are eating and how much you want to open.
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Doritos Dippers Plain, 185 g
A standard bag for serving with a dip.
Contents: 185 g. If you have specific ingredient requirements, check the label for this variety.
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Santa Maria Nacho Chips Original, 475 g
A larger bag for sharing crisps with dips or salsa among a group.
Contents: 475 g. Check the label if allergens are a concern.
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Santa Maria Original Nacho Chips, 185 g
A standard bag for a smaller night in front of the TV with dips or salsa.
Contents: 185 g. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging you choose.
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Doritos Nacho Cheese Tortilla Crisps, 170 g
A standard bag if you want to serve Nacho Cheese flavour for your night in front of the TV.
Contents: 170 g. Check the allergen information on the label for this flavour.
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Santa Maria Tortilla Chips Salted, 475 g
A larger bag to serve with dips or salsa when sharing a meal in front of the TV.
Contents: 475 g. Check the nutritional information on the current packaging for salt per portion and allergen details.
Frequently asked questions
What size bag is right for a night in front of the TV?
A larger bag is an obvious choice if several people are sharing crisps; for one or two people, a standard bag may be a better fit. Individual bags are especially handy if you want to hand out portions or take them with you. In any case, consider how much you want to open for this snack occasion.
Are all tortilla chips gluten-free or suitable for people with allergies?
No, you can’t tell from the product category alone. Ingredients and information about possible cross-contamination vary by variety, so check the current label on the bag you choose.
How do you compare the salt content of two bags?
Compare the stated amount of salt per 100 g, and also consider the portion you plan to serve. Use the nutritional information for the exact flavour you’ve chosen, not that of another bag from the same brand.
How should you store an opened bag of tortilla chips?
Follow the storage advice on the packaging and seal the bag tightly after opening. Check the advice again when you buy a different variety.