Comparing calories
You want to compare tortilla chips on a like-for-like basis, without mistaking a smaller portion size on the pack for a product with less energy per 100 g.
Who is this buying guide for?
Holiday snackers watching their portions
You want to decide in advance how many chips to take with you or serve yourself, rather than treating the whole bag as one snack portion. The stated portion sizes vary by product.
Sharing with people who have dietary requirements
You’re buying for several people and want to take the packaging, allergen information and any chilled dips into account. If anyone needs to avoid soya or gluten, check the exact variety.
What should you look for when choosing?
First compare the energy value per 100 g and decide how much you want to eat. Then consider the pack size, who you’re sharing with and any dietary requirements.
These points are intended to help you choose tortilla chips for mindful snacking during the summer holidays.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Comparing energy values | Compare kcal per 100 g on the exact pack, then calculate the value for the same amount if you wish. | If I want less energy in the same amount, I compare the values per 100 g rather than different portion sizes; around 39% of consumers put energy content first. |
| Choosing a portion | Check the number of grams in the stated portion. AH lists 25 g and Jumbo 30 g per portion, according to their product pages. | If I want to weigh out an amount in advance to take with me, I check the number of grams per portion; around 31% of consumers prioritise portion control. |
| Sharing a pack | Choose a bag size to suit the number of people or snack occasions. AH lists eight portions in 200 g; Jumbo lists ten portions in 300 g. | If I’m buying chips for several people or occasions, I want a pack that suits the amount needed; around 15% of consumers focus mainly on sharing and pack size. |
| Diet and storage | Check the allergen information for the exact variety and follow the storage advice. Keep chilled dips as directed. | If someone in my group needs to avoid certain ingredients, or we’re taking chilled dips with us, I check the label and storage instructions; around 15% of consumers prioritise suitability for their diet or safe storage. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming a lower figure per portion means less energy per chip
AH lists a 25 g portion and Jumbo a 30 g portion. Their portion values therefore can’t be compared directly without taking the difference in quantity into account.
First compare the kcal per 100 g, then calculate the value for the same number of grams.
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Assuming a flavour or type of corn is automatically lower in calories
Plain, sea salt and blue corn describe different varieties. The three plain varieties checked list 470 to 481 kcal per 100 g.
Use the energy value on the pack for the exact variety, and consider flavour and type of corn as separate choices.
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Treating a sharing bag as one snack portion
The 200 g AH pack lists eight portions, while Jumbo lists ten portions for its 300 g pack. The whole bag is therefore not the same as one stated portion.
Serve yourself the amount you want to eat, then close the rest of the pack.
Brands and varieties to compare
Doritos
The 185 g Dutch Plain variety is one option to compare with other plain tortilla chips.
- Flink Nederland lists 470 kcal per 100 g and 0.71 g of salt per 100 g for this variety.
- PepsiCo says the 185 g variety may contain soya and wheat (gluten). This does not automatically apply to other flavours or pack sizes.
Albert Heijn
AH Plain Tortilla Chips is an own-brand variety in a 200 g pack.
- The AH product page lists 470 kcal per 100 g and eight 25 g portions. The variety is labelled vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free.
- The same product page says the chips may contain soya. A smaller stated portion does not mean less energy per 100 g.
Jumbo
Jumbo Plain Tortilla Chips is an own-brand variety in a 300 g pack.
- Jumbo lists 481 kcal per 100 g and ten 30 g portions.
- Jumbo advises storing the chips in a cool, dry place. “Super crunchy” is Jumbo’s own product description, not an independent assessment of the texture.
Lidl
Lidl’s Dutch Snack Day range includes a sea salt variety in a 300 g pack.
- Lidl says this variety is only available in store.
- Flavour and pack size alone don’t tell you the kcal per 100 g. Check the nutrition table on the pack.
Aldi
Aldi’s Dutch product page identifies SUN SNACKS Blue Corn Tortilla Chips.
- Blue corn describes the variety; it doesn’t mean the chips have a lower energy value. To compare, check the nutrition table on the exact pack.
Mission
Mission Foods Europe describes a range of round and triangular tortilla chips in different flavours.
- The European manufacturer suggests serving them with dips or using them for nachos.
- A description of the European range doesn’t confirm which variety is supplied in the Netherlands. Check the details on the exact pack; nutrition information for an overseas variety may not be interchangeable.
Tortilla chips at Joybuy
These Joybuy product picks make it easier to compare varieties by nutrition information, pack size and how you might serve them with dips or use them for nachos.
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Doritos Dippers Plain - 185 g
The stated energy value makes this plain variety suitable for like-for-like comparisons.
Joybuy product information lists 470 kcal and 0.71 g of salt per 100 g. The product description suggests serving them with dips or using them for nachos; the product may contain traces of cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat.
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Santa Maria Nacho Chips Original - 475 g
The 475 g pack may suit you if you’re looking for nacho chips to share or enjoy over several snack occasions.
Joybuy product information lists 472 kcal per 100 g and identifies soya as an allergen.
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Santa Maria Salted Tortilla Chips - 475 g
This salted variety is an option if you’re looking for chips to serve with dips or salsa, and want a pack size to suit several portions.
Joybuy product information lists 472 kcal and 1.2 g of salt per 100 g, and identifies soya as an allergen.
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Santa Maria Original Nacho Chips - 185 g
The 185 g pack is an option if you’re looking for nacho chips for a smaller snack occasion or to enjoy with a meal.
Joybuy product information lists 474 kcal and 0.9 g of salt per 100 g. The description refers to round corn tortilla chips and possible traces of soya.
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Doritos Sweet Chilli Pepper Tortilla Chips - 44 g
The 44 g pack may suit you if you’re looking for a smaller bag to take with you.
Joybuy product information lists 477 kcal and 1.1 g of salt per 100 g, and identifies gluten and soya as allergens.
Frequently asked questions
Can you call these tortilla chips low in calories?
Not based on the energy values checked. According to the European Commission, the claim ‘low energy’ can only be used for solid foods containing no more than 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g. The AH, Doritos and Jumbo plain varieties checked list 470 to 481 kcal per 100 g. A smaller portion is not the same as a product with a low energy value per 100 g.
What must a claim about reduced energy value demonstrate?
According to the European Commission, the energy value must be at least 30% lower than that of comparable products. The claim must also state which property or properties account for the reduction. A small difference between two plain varieties does not, by itself, demonstrate such a reduction.
Are corn tortilla chips automatically gluten-free?
No. Check the information for the exact variety. PepsiCo says Doritos Plain 185 g may contain wheat (gluten), while AH Plain Tortilla Chips is labelled gluten-free.
Should you store chips and dips in the same way during a picnic?
No. Follow the storage advice on the pack for the chips, and keep products that normally need to be chilled, such as certain dips, in a cool bag. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises throwing such products away if they have been kept unrefrigerated for more than two hours; this guidance does not automatically apply to dry chips.