Choose potato crisps for your Halloween party based on your guests’ specific dietary requirements, rather than a general impression that they’re ‘free from’ something. If someone needs to eat gluten-free, check the information on the current pack. If they need to avoid a particular allergen, also check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warning. A vegan or lightly seasoned variety isn’t automatically suitable for everyone with an allergy.
If a guest needs to avoid milk, soya or nuts, for example, check the information for each variety. Look at the ingredients list, any highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ warning, rather than assuming that something is suitable just because it’s called ‘potato crisps’.
For guests who need to eat gluten-free, a ‘gluten-free’ claim on the pack is more informative than potato being the main ingredient. According to the Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, this claim means the food must contain no more than 20 mg of gluten per kg.
A vegan or lower-fat variety can add more choice to your buffet. But these attributes don’t tell you whether a product is suitable for someone with a specific allergy. For example, Lorenz labels Naturals Leicht fein gesalzen as vegan, while also warning that it may contain traces of milk.
Before you shop, find out whether anyone needs to avoid a particular allergen. Then check the gluten-free claim and any other preferences, such as vegan products or simple seasoning, for each variety separately.
| Requirement | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Specific allergens and traces | Check the allergen to be avoided against the current ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warning. According to Lebensmittelklarheit, mandatory allergen information covers ingredients that have been deliberately added; ‘may contain’ warnings are separate from this. | If a guest needs to avoid milk, soya or another specific allergen, I want to be able to assess any ‘may contain’ warnings before serving. This specific allergen requirement is the top priority for around 50% of consumers. |
| Gluten-free claim | Look for ‘gluten-free’ on the individual pack. According to the Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, food labelled this way must contain no more than 20 mg of gluten per kg. | For a guest who eats gluten-free, I don’t want to rely on the fact that the crisps are made from potatoes alone. Around 30% of consumers prioritise a gluten-free claim. |
| Vegan and other preferences | Check the information for the specific variety and its nutritional values if, for example, the vegan claim or fat content matters. Check for allergens separately. | If there are no other allergy requirements to prioritise, I also want to offer a choice to guests who are vegan or have other product preferences. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
The claim relates to gluten. You’ll need to check each product separately to see whether it contains ingredients such as milk, soya or mustard.
Ask which specific allergen needs to be avoided, then read the full information on the crisps’ packaging.
Lorenz describes Naturals Leicht fein gesalzen as vegan, but also warns that it may contain traces of milk. The vegan claim alone doesn’t clarify this risk.
If someone has a milk allergy, check the ‘may contain’ warning and follow the guidance that applies to them. If you’re unsure, don’t choose a product based on its vegan label alone.
Recipes and labelling can change. Chio and Lorenz advise checking the ingredients on the pack of each product.
Check the packs before serving and leave them out so guests can read the information for themselves.
Chio Chips Ready Salted is a simply seasoned potato crisp variety to consider when choosing options for guests who eat gluten-free or vegan.
Chipsfrisch gesalzen is another salted option for guests looking for a variety labelled gluten-free and vegan.
Naturals Leicht fein gesalzen is a variety to consider if you’re looking for several specific product attributes.
The filter for gluten-free crisps can help narrow down your search for products for the party buffet.
These two seasoned potato crisp varieties could be options for a party buffet where gluten-free or vegan preferences are a consideration. If a guest has a specific allergy, check the information on the relevant pack. In particular, note the warning that the Lorenz variety may contain traces of milk.
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A seasoned potato crisp option if you’re also looking for a variety labelled gluten-free and vegan for your buffet. Before choosing it for a guest with a specific allergy, check both claims, the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the current pack.
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A BBQ-seasoned potato crisp option if you’re looking for a variety labelled gluten-free and vegan. The product description warns that it may contain traces of milk. Check this warning and the rest of the information on the pack against your guests’ requirements.
As explained by the Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, food labelled ‘gluten-free’ must contain no more than 20 mg of gluten per kg. Check the information on the specific pack rather than relying on potato being an ingredient.
No. If someone has a milk allergy, the vegan claim doesn’t replace checking for possible traces. Lorenz labels Naturals Leicht fein gesalzen as vegan, but also warns that the variety may contain milk.
Use it to shortlist products, then read the current pack before serving. Chio and Lorenz point out that recipes can change and that the ingredients list on the relevant packaging is the one to follow.
Put the original packs next to the relevant crisps so guests can see the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings. According to the Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, allergenic ingredients must also be identified in food sold loose by businesses.