Students keeping an eye on their protein intake
If you’re looking for a snack that needs no preparation between lectures, lunch and a workout, you can compare the protein per 100 g with the amount in the pack.
Who might want to try protein crisps?
Fans of potato crisps
If you want potato to be part of the recipe, look beyond the name “Protein Chips”: soya, lentil and tortilla snacks aren’t the same as classic potato crisps.
Shoppers checking ingredients and allergens
If you need to avoid soya or milk, check the current ingredients list and allergen information on the pack rather than assuming the recipe from the flavour name.
What should you look for when buying?
For a snack at the university canteen, first decide whether you want potato crisps or an alternative made from soya or pulses. Then compare the protein content, pack size and ingredients.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Protein content | Compare the protein per 100 g with the amount in the portion you plan to eat. | After a workout, I want to know how much protein my snack actually contains. For around 42% of consumers, this is the main consideration when choosing. |
| Potato base | Check the product description and ingredients list for potato. | If I’m looking for potato crisps, I don’t want to mistake a soya or lentil snack for one. Around 25% of consumers pay most attention to this distinction. |
| Pack size | Check the net weight and relate the nutritional information to the portion you want. | For a short break at the canteen, I need a pack size that suits the snack I have planned. The portion is the most important criterion for around 17% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients list and highlighted allergens on the pack. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, the labelling determines whether a product is suitable for me. Around 16% of consumers put this check first. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming “Protein Chips” are the same as potato crisps
REWE describes the Layenberger variety it lists as a soya protein snack, and More’s as tortilla chips containing potato. funny-frisch’s Protein Chips are made with lentil flour and pea protein.
Decide which type of snack you want before comparing protein content, and check the product description and ingredients list.
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Comparing only the figures per 100 g
Pack size also makes a difference to the portion you have planned: REWE lists More at 50 g and Layenberger at 75 g, while the funny-frisch variety mentioned contains 90 g.
Relate the nutritional information to the amount you actually want to eat, rather than choosing based only on the figure per 100 g.
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Guessing allergens from the product name
The More variety listed by REWE contains soya protein and milk protein; Layenberger lists soya protein concentrate. A flavour name is no substitute for checking the ingredients.
Read the current labelling on the pack before buying. The Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety explains that the main substances that can cause allergies or intolerances must be highlighted in the ingredients list.
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Planning to have a protein snack for lunch
A protein content tells you one nutritional value of a snack, not whether it makes up a complete canteen meal. The German Nutrition Society considers protein intake for sport in the context of overall requirements.
Think about whether the crisps are meant as a snack alongside lunch, rather than replacing the meal just because of a protein claim.
Brands and product ranges to consider
Layenberger
The LowCarb.one High Protein Chips Paprika listed by REWE are a soya protein snack for shoppers who mainly want to compare the stated protein content.
- REWE lists 42 g of protein per 100 g for this paprika variety.
- The recipe contains 59% soya protein concentrate; these aren’t classic potato crisps and they’re not suitable for anyone with a soya allergy.
More Nutrition
The Protein Tortilla Chips Paprika Ungarisch listed by REWE combine soya protein with potato ingredients.
- REWE lists 29 g of protein per 100 g, and the ingredients include potato granules, potato flakes and potato starch.
- The product is described as tortilla chips and contains soya and milk protein.
funny-frisch
Protein Chips Paprika Style are an alternative made with lentil flour and pea protein.
- funny-frisch lists 21 g of protein per 100 g for this variety.
- This pulse-based recipe won’t suit you if you’re looking for classic potato crisps.
IronMaxx
IronMaxx Nutrition has High Protein Potato Chips in its range, including the Sea Salt variety.
- The product name makes this range worth considering if you’re specifically looking for potato crisps.
- Check the ingredients and nutritional information on the pack for the specific variety before comparing it with the other snacks.
Protein snacks on Joybuy
These products could make crunchy snacks for a break at the canteen. Just remember that lentil crisps and protein flips aren’t the same as classic potato crisps.
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ahead Protein Flips Paprika, 6 × 50 g
The six 50 g bags can be set aside for individual snack breaks. Protein Flips aren’t classic potato crisps, so check the ingredients if the recipe base matters to you.
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Funny-Frisch Sour Cream & Onion Lentil Chips, 90 g
The 90 g pack is an option if you’d prefer lentil crisps to potato crisps. If needed, check the current allergen information on the pack before buying.
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ahead Crispies Sour Cream
If you’re considering this savoury snack for when you’re out and about, check the protein content on the pack: the product information gives different figures. You can also check the current pack labelling to see whether the ingredients suit your needs.
Questions about protein crisps for a canteen break
Can protein crisps replace lunch at the canteen after a workout?
A snack’s protein content doesn’t mean it can replace a complete lunch. The German Nutrition Society considers adequate protein intake as part of your overall diet, so don’t plan to have the snack as a meal just because of its protein content.
How can I check for soya and milk before buying?
Read the ingredients list and highlighted allergens on the current pack. For the More Protein Tortilla Chips it checked, REWE lists soya protein and milk protein; for the Layenberger High Protein Chips it checked, it lists soya protein concentrate. The Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety explains how ingredients that can cause allergies or intolerances must be labelled.
How should I store protein crisps for university?
Follow the storage instructions on the relevant pack. For the Layenberger variety checked, the advice is to store it in a dry place, away from heat and sunlight; instructions may differ for other products.