Households that eat crisps regularly
If you like to have crisps ready for your household or guests, check the total quantity and the amount in each bag. This helps you choose a multipack that fits how much you expect to eat.
Which pack suits you?
Households that eat crisps occasionally
If you only eat crisps now and then, smaller, individually packed bags can save you from keeping a large bag open for too long. For unopened packs, it’s still important to check the best-before date and store them correctly, as the Federal Centre for Nutrition explains.
Shoppers with dietary or allergen requirements
If you have specific dietary requirements, check the labelling on each flavour. Lorenz notes that recipes may change, so the ingredients list on the individual pack is the one to rely on.
What to consider when stocking up
First, work out how many bags you’re likely to open. Then check the best-before date and the labelling for the flavours you want.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size | Compare the total weight with the amount in each bag. | For a film night or guests, I want to make sure there are enough crisps without confusing the amount in each bag with the total quantity. Around 36% of shoppers prioritise finding a pack size that suits their needs. |
| Storage and consumption | Check the best-before date, where you’ll store the crisps and how many individually packed portions there are. | If I only eat crisps occasionally, I don’t want to be working my way through an open bag for too long. That’s why around 29% of shoppers prioritise a pack format that suits how much they eat. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list, any highlighted allergens and, where relevant, any ‘may contain’ information on the specific pack. | If I have a dietary or allergen requirement, the flavour I choose needs to suit my needs. This is the main consideration for around 21% of shoppers. |
| Flavour and product type | Compare the flavour and product description. If needed, check the nutrition information per 100 g too. | If I want to offer several people a choice of flavours, the range is key. Around 14% of shoppers put this first. |
Common mistakes when buying in bulk
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Choosing the biggest bag without considering how much you’ll eat
A large bag that’s been opened may not be the best choice for a household that only eats crisps occasionally.
Compare the quantity with how much you expect to eat, and consider whether individually packed bags would be more convenient.
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Treating the best-before date as a use-by date
The Federal Centre for Nutrition says that food stored correctly and left unopened may still be safe to eat after its best-before date. The condition of the product is what matters.
Organise your stock by date. Once a best-before date has passed, check the unopened pack’s condition, smell and taste.
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Assuming one label covers every allergen
A label such as ‘gluten-free’ doesn’t automatically answer questions about other allergens. dm labels Schär Curvies Paprika as gluten-free and also mentions that it may contain traces of milk.
If you have an allergy, read the ingredients list and all relevant information on the specific pack.
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Assuming every shop stocks the same products as the online range
Whether a particular crisp product is available may depend on which shop you choose.
Before making a special trip, check that your local shop has the flavour and pack size you want.
Brands to help you choose
Lorenz
Lorenz is a good place to start if you’re looking for different Crunchips flavours or stackable crisps.
- Lorenz lists Paprika and Salted among its Crunchips Stackers flavours.
- Lorenz says recipes may change, so check the ingredients list on the individual pack.
funny-frisch
Chipsfrisch is for shoppers looking for thinly sliced crisps in a range of seasoned flavours.
- funny-frisch lists Hungarian and lightly salted among its Chipsfrisch flavours.
Chio
Chio offers crisps in a range of distinctive flavours.
- The product range includes Red Paprika, Hot Peperoni and Ready Salted.
- The manufacturer’s claims that a recipe is vegan and gluten-free apply to Chio Chips Red Paprika, not to every flavour.
Alnatura
Alnatura Organic Sea Salt Potato Crisps may suit shoppers looking for a simply seasoned option.
- ROSSMANN describes the 125-g pack as vegan and free from flavourings and yeast extract.
- These details apply to the product mentioned. Check its current packaging when you shop.
Schär
Schär Curvies Paprika are a clearly labelled option for shoppers specifically looking for gluten-free products.
- dm labels the 170-g pack as gluten-free and vegan.
- The product information says it may contain traces of milk, which is important to bear in mind if you have a milk allergy.
Crisps for different stock-up quantities
This selection includes individually packed crisps for larger stocks and smaller single portions. The right choice depends on the quantity and flavour that suit how much you expect to eat.
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Lay's Salted Crisps, 4 × 150 g
Four separate bags are handy if you want to open one at a time as you work your way through your stock.
A salted option. Check the best-before date on the pack you’re buying when planning your stock.
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Pringles Sour Cream & Onion, 3 × 185 g
Three separate packs are a good option if you don’t want to open all your crisps at once.
If you have dietary or allergen requirements, check the labelling on each pack you buy.
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funny-frisch Chipsfrisch Hungarian, 4 × 40 g
Four small bags are handy if you eat crisps occasionally and only want to open a smaller portion at a time.
Hungarian flavour. Check the pack’s best-before date before stocking up.
Frequently asked questions
Should I check the ingredients and allergens every time I buy a new pack?
Yes. If you have a relevant dietary or allergen requirement, check the labelling on the specific flavour you’re buying. Lorenz and Chio note that recipes may change, so the ingredients list on the individual pack is the one to rely on.
Does a ‘may contain traces of milk’ warning mean milk is an ingredient?
No. A traces warning doesn’t mean milk has been deliberately used as an ingredient. It highlights the possibility of accidental traces, so if you have a milk allergy, take it into account along with the rest of the information on the pack.
Are unopened crisps no longer safe to eat after their best-before date?
Not necessarily. The Federal Centre for Nutrition says that unopened food stored correctly may still be safe to eat after its best-before date. Check the specific pack’s condition, smell and taste.
Can I find a flavour listed online in every branch of a health and beauty shop?
It’s best not to assume so. Before stocking up, check whether the flavour and pack size you want are available at your chosen branch.