On-the-go snackers keeping an eye on pack size
You want to take a suitable amount with you for a single break. Compare the weight of similar crisps rather than assuming a larger pack is automatically the better choice.
Who should take care when choosing?
Shoppers with specific ingredient requirements
If you need a suitable variety because of an allergy, intolerance or vegan diet, check the ingredients, labelling and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the individual pack.
Shoppers with particular seasoning and texture preferences
It makes a difference whether you prefer, for example, salted or seasoned crisps, or ridged ones. Your preferred variety still needs to meet your ingredient requirements.
What should you look for when buying?
Start by choosing the type of crisps and pack size that suit your break. Then check the ingredients of the specific variety before deciding on a seasoning or shape.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size | For similar crisps, compare the weight in grams with the amount you plan to have during your break. | If I only want to take one snack for my lunch break, the pack should suit the portion I have planned. This is the main consideration for around 42 % of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients list, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the individual pack. | If I have an allergy or follow a particular diet, I need a variety with suitable labelling. This is the main consideration for around 33 % of consumers. |
| Flavour and shape | Check the seasoning listed and whether you prefer smooth or ridged crisps. | For my break, I mainly want a particular seasoning or crisp shape. This is the top priority for around 25 % of consumers. |
Common misconceptions
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A large pack is automatically the better choice
A larger pack may contain more crisps than you want to eat during a single break.
Check the weight and consider whether you want to save some for another occasion.
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Salted crisps are always allergen-free
Recipes and ‘may contain’ warnings vary from product to product. For example, EDEKA lists possible traces of milk for GUT&GÜNSTIG Riffelchips Salt.
Check the current packaging for each variety; don’t assume information about one variety applies to the whole brand.
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A bag of crisps can replace lunch
Potato crisps are a snack, not a balanced lunch. The German Nutrition Society advises eating salty, high-fat snacks only occasionally.
Plan a proper meal for your lunch break if crisps are intended to be an extra.
Brands to consider
The features mentioned apply to specific product ranges or varieties, not to every crisp made by a brand.
Lorenz
The Crunchips range includes salted and more heavily seasoned potato crisps.
- Lorenz lists potatoes, vegetable oils and salt as ingredients in Crunchips Salted.
- According to Lorenz, Crunchips Hot Paprika contains cheese powder and flavouring with milk, among other ingredients. The ingredients in the salted variety therefore don’t apply to the whole range.
funny-frisch
Chipsfrisch comes in several seasonings; funny-frisch describes the potato slices in this range as thinly cut.
- If you’re after a particular seasoning, you can choose from several varieties in the range.
- Check the ingredients and nutritional information for the variety you choose.
Chio
Chio offers potato crisps in salted and seasoned varieties, among others.
- Chio lists Ready Salted as a 150-g product and describes this particular variety as vegan and gluten-free.
- According to Chio, Red Paprika contains additional seasoning ingredients. Information about Ready Salted shouldn’t be assumed to apply to other varieties.
Potato crisps and snacks at Joybuy
This selection includes salted and seasoned potato crisps in different pack sizes, as well as a potato snack described as baked. For your break, the key things to consider are the amount you want, the variety and, where relevant, the information on the specific packaging.
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Funny-Frisch Riffels Naturell, 150 g
A good option if you fancy ridged crisps in the Naturell variety for a snack on the go. The pack contains 150 g, so check that this amount suits the portion you have planned.
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Lorenz Crunchips Salted, 200 g
For anyone looking for salted potato crisps and planning to take a 200-g pack. Lorenz lists potatoes, vegetable oils and salt as ingredients in Crunchips Salted. If you have allergies, always check the current packaging.
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LAY'S potato crisps Sour Cream and Onion, 48 g
For a break when you fancy sour cream and onion flavour in a 48-g pack. If ingredients and allergens matter to your choice, check the information on the individual pack.
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Lorenz Crunchips Western Style BBQ, 150 g
A seasoned potato crisp option for anyone who enjoys BBQ flavour. The pack contains 150 g; if you have specific ingredient requirements, check the labelling for this variety.
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Yan Jin Pu Zi O-Potao Baked Potato Crisps Original Flavour, 62 g
For a break when you’re after a potato snack described as baked, with an original flavour. The pack contains 62 g. Check the ingredients if you want to compare it with classic potato crisps.
Frequently asked questions
Is a larger pack of crisps a good choice for a single break?
Not necessarily. What matters is how much you plan to have during your break. Compare the weights and consider whether you want to save an opened pack for later.
Can potato crisps replace lunch when you’re out and about?
Potato crisps aren’t a balanced choice as a meal on their own. The German Nutrition Society recommends eating salty, high-fat snacks only occasionally. Plan a proper meal if you want more than a snack for lunch.
How do I check a variety of crisps if I have allergies?
Read the ingredients list, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the current packaging. The Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety explains how the main allergenic substances are labelled in the ingredients list; information for another variety from the same brand isn’t enough.
Are product images and online descriptions enough to check the ingredients?
Also check the labelling on the pack you’re actually buying. EDEKA notes that product information for GUT&GÜNSTIG potato crisps may differ from the packaging. The current product is especially important if you have allergies.