If you want to eat less fat while enjoying the same amount of tortilla chips, compare the fat content per 100 g and check that any claim is based on an appropriate comparison. Under the European Commission’s rules, solid foods can only be labelled ‘low fat’ if they contain no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g. Choosing a smaller portion of regular chips does not change the fat content per 100 g.
You want to eat less fat while enjoying the same amount of tortilla chips, so you’re looking for a substantiated product claim and comparable nutritional values. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for the ‘low fat’ claim. The Dutch Bakery Centre explains how to compare products with a reduced fat content.
You want to measure out how many chips to take with you for the journey. Compare the nutritional values per 100 g, then work out the values for the amount you pack. Your Europe explains how nutrition information is given per 100 g, while the Netherlands Nutrition Centre uses a 13 g handful as a unit for calculating the values of plain tortilla chips.
You’re looking for a smaller pack that’s easy to take with you. Lidl lists Tortilla chips sweet paprika in a 60 g pack; the pack size alone says nothing about the fat content.
First compare the ingredients and nutritional values per 100 g, then decide how much you want to take with you. This helps you distinguish between the product’s characteristics, how much you eat and how practical the packaging is.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content and claims | Compare the fat content in grams per 100 g for the exact product. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g per 100 g for the ‘low fat’ claim. The Dutch Bakery Centre describes ‘reduced fat’ as a reduction of at least 30% compared with similar products; this is guidance from that organisation. | If I want to eat less fat while having the same amount of chips, I look for a substantiated claim and comparable nutritional values. Around 36% of consumers are said to prioritise demonstrable fat reduction when choosing what to buy. |
| How much to take for the journey | Check the net weight and decide in advance how many grams to take. Calculate the nutritional values per portion using the values per 100 g × grams taken ÷ 100. | If I want to limit how much I eat during the journey, I measure out a portion in advance; a pack is not automatically one portion. Around 29% of consumers are said to prioritise portion control. |
| Taking the pack with you | Compare pack sizes and consider whether you’ll take the whole bag or set some aside. Follow the storage instructions on the specific pack. | If I want to carry as little as possible, I look at the size of the bag and how I’ll carry it while travelling. Around 21% of consumers are said to prioritise convenience when taking snacks with them. |
| Other label information | Check energy, total fat, saturated fat and salt separately. If you have a personal dietary restriction, check the ingredients and allergens on the current packaging. | If energy, salt or a personal restriction on ingredients matters most to me, I check the full label rather than looking only at the fat claim. Around 14% of consumers are said to prioritise these other label considerations. |
Having fewer grams in the pack does not change the fat content per 100 g. Pack size and nutritional composition answer different questions.
First compare the nutritional values per 100 g, then decide how much you want to take for the journey.
Doritos describes its plain tortilla chips as roasted corn tortilla chips. That product description does not establish the fat content.
Don’t use flavour or preparation terms as a substitute for the nutrition table and a substantiated claim.
A claim about fat does not automatically tell you the levels of energy, saturated fat or salt.
Check these nutritional values separately. If you have personal dietary restrictions, also check the ingredients and allergens on the current packaging.
The Dutch product range includes varieties such as plain and Nacho Cheese. Doritos describes its plain variety as roasted corn tortilla chips, not as evidence of a lower fat content.
AH plain tortilla chips are a supermarket own-brand product to compare by label and variety.
Jumbo Tortilla Chips Naturel is listed in a 300 g pack. Jumbo advises storing the chips in a cool, dry place.
Lidl lists Tortilla chips sweet paprika in a 60 g pack as an in-store product.
SUN SNACKS Tortillachips is listed in the Aldi range in a 200 g pack.
Mission Foods Europe describes several types of tortilla chips, including a 500 g pack of salted triangular chips.
No. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for the ‘low fat’ claim. A reduced-fat claim compares a product with similar products; the Dutch Bakery Centre explains that this means a reduction of at least 30%. This is not the same as meeting the absolute limit for ‘low fat’.
Multiply the nutritional value per 100 g by the number of grams in your portion, then divide by 100. Use the same portion size and the values for the exact product when calculating fat, energy and salt. This is a calculation method, not a recommended portion size.
Jumbo Tortilla Chips Naturel is described as salted corn chips for snacking and dipping, with no preparation step specified. Jumbo advises storing them in a cool, dry place. For other varieties, follow the instructions on the packaging.
Check that you’ll receive the right variety and that the required Dutch-language label information is available. Business.gov.nl states that label information in the Netherlands must be in Dutch and also available online. A foreign product name or claim alone does not prove that the product meets these requirements.
Albert Heijn directs customers with questions about product information to its customer service team and advises reading the packaging before consumption. Keep the packaging to hand if you have a question about the specific product; this is not a promise of a refund or replacement.
