People avoiding a specific allergen
The recipe for the specific variety is what matters. A high protein content and claims such as ‘vegan’ or ‘gluten-free’ are no substitute for checking the ingredients and ‘may contain’ information.
Who should take care when choosing?
People looking for a post-workout snack
You want to compare protein content and find out whether it comes from soya, lentils or peas. Portion size, salt and fat may also influence your choice.
Fans of classic potato crisps
You prefer potatoes as the main ingredient over a snack made with pulses or soya protein. The potato crisps compared here contain less protein.
What should you look for when buying?
| Criteria | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Specific allergen | Check the ingredients, highlighted allergens and ‘may contain’ information on the current pack. | If I need to avoid a specific allergen, the ingredients list on the product itself takes priority over any protein claim. Around 31% of consumers put avoiding a particular allergen first. |
| Protein and protein source | Compare protein per 100 g and per portion; check whether the protein comes from soya, lentils or peas, for example. | For my post-workout snack, I want to know how much protein my portion contains and which ingredients provide it. Around 31% of consumers put the right protein content and source first. |
| Type of snack | Check the ingredients to distinguish between potatoes, lentil flour and soya protein. | If I specifically want potato crisps, a soya-based snack isn’t an equivalent choice, whatever its name. The main ingredient is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Other nutritional values | Compare salt, fat and energy per 100 g and for your portion; include fibre if you need to. | Protein alone isn’t enough for me if I also want to compare the other nutritional information. Around 13% of consumers prioritise these other nutritional values when buying. |
Which mistakes can you avoid?
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Assuming ‘high protein’ means allergen-safe
The extra protein may come from soya, lentil or pea ingredients. Whether a product is suitable depends on the allergen you need to avoid.
First check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ information on the pack, then compare the nutritional values.
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Assuming information for one variety applies to another
IronMaxx Protein Chips 3.0 Paprika and Protein Chips 40 Paprika have different recipe information. Allergen information can also vary between varieties of classic crisps.
Check the flavour, pack size and current ingredients list for the product you’re actually buying.
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Looking only at the grams of protein
The protein figure doesn’t tell you how much salt or fat the product contains. IronMaxx states that Protein Chips 3.0 Paprika contain 4,50 g salt per 100 g; Layenberger lists 2,4 g per 100 g for High Protein Chips Paprika.
Compare nutritional values using the same serving basis, then work out how they apply to your portion.
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Assuming ‘vegan’ or ‘gluten-free’ covers every allergy
Chio describes Red Paprika as vegan and gluten-free. These claims don’t tell you whether the variety is suitable if you need to avoid a different allergen.
Use these claims only for the specific properties they describe, and check the full labelling as well.
Relevant brands and specific varieties to consider
funny-frisch
According to REWE, Protein Chips Curry are a snack made with lentil flour and pea protein isolate, with 21 g protein per 100 g.
- A recipe based on lentils and peas, if these ingredients are suitable for you.
- REWE states that Protein Chips Curry ‘may contain milk’. Consider what this means for your specific allergen avoidance needs.
Layenberger
According to Layenberger, High Protein Chips Paprika contain soya protein concentrate; the manufacturer states that they contain 42 g protein per 100 g.
- You can take the stated protein source and protein content into account when making a targeted comparison.
- This variety isn’t suitable if you have a soya allergy because it contains soya protein.
IronMaxx
IronMaxx states that Protein Chips 3.0 Paprika contain 41 g protein per 100 g and lists soya protein concentrate as an ingredient.
- The protein source and amount are specified for this particular Paprika variety.
- The other variety, Protein Chips 40 Paprika, lists soya, milk and gluten, as well as possible traces of other allergens. Its information shouldn’t be applied to Protein Chips 3.0.
Lorenz
Crunchips Salted are potato crisps; Lorenz states that this variety contains 5,5 g protein per 100 g.
- Potatoes are the main ingredient in Crunchips Salted, making them an option if you’re looking for classic potato crisps.
- Other Lorenz varieties have different allergen information: Lorenz states that Crunchips Gitterchips gesalzen may contain traces of milk.
Chio
Chio describes Red Paprika as potato crisps seasoned with paprika, and says the variety is vegan and gluten-free.
- A potato-based variety to compare with snacks made from lentil or soya protein.
- The claims ‘vegan’ and ‘gluten-free’ don’t establish whether the product is suitable for every other food allergy.
Related products at Joybuy
Suitable products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Are protein crisps automatically suitable if you have a food allergy?
No. The protein source and other ingredients may be relevant to your allergy; for example, REWE says funny-frisch Protein Chips Curry may contain traces of milk. Check the specific pack rather than relying on the words ‘high protein’ alone.
What allergen information must be included on packaged crisps?
In Germany, certain allergenic ingredients that have been deliberately added must be labelled, as explained by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Home Affairs. Lebensmittelklarheit points out that this requirement applies to added ingredients; also check for any information about possible traces.
Are protein crisps always potato crisps?
No. REWE lists lentil flour and pea protein isolate in funny-frisch Protein Chips Curry, while Layenberger lists soya protein concentrate in High Protein Chips Paprika. If you’re looking for potato crisps, check the actual main ingredients in the ingredients list.
How can I compare the protein content for a post-workout snack?
First compare the protein per 100 g, then calculate the amount for the portion you plan to eat. REWE lists 21 g per 100 g for funny-frisch Protein Chips Curry, Layenberger lists 42 g for High Protein Chips Paprika and IronMaxx lists 41 g for Protein Chips 3.0 Paprika. Check the protein source and other nutritional information at the same time.
Is online information enough to decide whether a product contains an allergen?
Use online information to narrow down your options, but check the ingredients and ‘may contain’ information on the pack you buy before eating the product. EDEKA notes that product information shown online may differ from the packaging.