Households comparing unit prices
If you’re planning snacks for several days, you can compare different bag sizes by their price per kilogram. The Verbraucherzentrale specifically recommends making this comparison for XXL packs too.
Who should pay attention to pack size?
Households planning several snack occasions
If you’re planning snacks for several people or evenings, make sure the pack size fits. A large bag is less practical if it’s going to be left open for a long time.
People checking ingredients and nutritional information
If you choose varieties based on fat, salt, ingredients or allergen information, compare the details on the specific pack you’re buying. Similar pack sizes won’t tell you anything about these.
What should you look for when shopping?
First, work out how many snack occasions you’re planning for, then compare the unit prices of suitable pack sizes. When choosing a variety, check the information on the specific pack.
| What to compare | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Unit price | Compare the price per kilogram shown for similar varieties and pack sizes. | If I’m shopping for several days, I want to know whether the larger bag works out cheaper per kilogram. Around 33% of consumers put this price comparison first. |
| Pack size | Check the weight against the number of people and snack occasions you have planned. | I don’t want an opened bag to be left lying around for too long. That’s why around 27% of consumers prioritise buying an amount that suits their household. |
| Nutritional information | Compare energy, fat and salt per 100 g; for oven-baked crisps, check the product type too. | If I’m choosing between classic crisps and an oven-baked snack, I want to assess fat and salt separately. This nutritional information is the main consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen information for the variety you’re actually buying. | The seasoning I choose needs to suit the ingredients we avoid in my household. Around 20% of consumers prioritise the variety, ingredients and allergen information. |
Which common mistakes can you avoid?
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Assuming a large bag automatically offers better value
Pack size alone doesn’t show which option is cheaper per kilogram.
When doing your weekly shop, compare the unit price of similar products. The Verbraucherzentrale makes the same point when comparing XXL and smaller packs.
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Treating oven-baked crisps as an equally large stock-up option
At EDEKA24, funny-frisch Ofen Chips Paprika are listed as weighing 125 g, with 9.2 g of fat per 100 g. That makes the pack smaller than the classic 200 g and 215 g examples considered here; the product page also lists 1.6 g of salt per 100 g.
Decide whether you’re mainly looking for a particular pack size or want to compare the nutritional information for different potato snacks.
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Overlooking allergen information on simply named varieties
Even a variety with a straightforward name may carry warnings about possible traces of allergens. An ingredients list you’ve seen before may not match the labelling on the pack you buy.
For every variety, read the ingredients list and allergen information on the specific pack.
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Buying more than you’ve planned for the week
A large pack is only suitable if the quantity matches the people and occasions you have in mind. According to Lebensmittelverband Deutschland, the best-before date describes the quality of unopened food when stored appropriately; it doesn’t tell you how long an opened bag will keep.
Plan how much you need before you shop and follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
Brands to consider
funny-frisch
The products considered include classic Chipsfrisch Hungarian-style crisps and a smaller oven-baked snack with paprika flavour.
- REWE lists Chipsfrisch Hungarian-style crisps at 215 g; EDEKA24 lists Ofen Chips Paprika at 125 g.
- The oven-baked crisps aren’t an equally large alternative for stocking up. Pack size and nutritional information refer to the specific variety listed.
Lorenz
The brand offers, among other products, Crunchips in a range of flavours.
- Lorenz describes Crunchips Western Style as vegan and gluten-free.
- Lorenz also notes that this specific variety may contain traces of milk. If you have an allergy, always check the labelling on the pack you buy.
Chio
Chio offers potato crisps in clearly labelled varieties, including Red Paprika.
- The manufacturer lists Chio Chips Red Paprika as containing 150 g and describes this variety as vegan and gluten-free.
- At 150 g, it’s smaller than the 200 g and 215 g packs considered here; Chio says the ingredients list on the individual pack is the one to check.
ja! (REWE)
The ja! products considered are classic potato crisps available in several varieties.
- REWE lists Salted Chips, Paprika Chips and Paprika Riffelchips at 200 g each.
- Ingredients, possible traces and nutritional information vary by variety; the same pack size doesn’t prove that one offers better value.
Snack Day (Lidl)
Snack Day is Lidl’s own-label range, with a variety of potato snacks.
- A Lidl range list from June 2024 includes Riffle Chips at 200 g and Kesselchips at 150 g.
- The list covered a limited-time range, so check the current selection and pack labelling before you buy.
Potato crisps for different shopping plans
These Joybuy products include a single 185 g pack, four individually wrapped 40 g packs and a classic 200 g pack. To work out which is better value for your weekly shop, you’ll need to compare the unit price of each one.
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Pringles Hot & Spicy Potato Crisps, 185 g
The 185 g pack could suit you if this variety will cover several planned snack occasions. To see whether it offers better value, compare the unit price; if you have allergies, check the ingredients list and allergen labelling on the pack you buy.
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funny-frisch Chipsfrisch ungarisch, 4 × 40 g
Four individual 40 g packs are handy for separate snack occasions and contain 160 g in total. Compare their unit price with that of a single larger bag, and if you have allergies, check the labelling on the pack you buy.
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Lorenz Crunchips Salted Potato Crisps, 200 g
The 200 g pack could be a good option if your household gets through a larger bag of classic potato crisps. The unit price will show whether it’s better value than smaller packs; if you have allergies, check the labelling on the pack.
Frequently asked questions
Is an XXL pack of potato crisps automatically better value?
No. The Verbraucherzentrale recommends comparing the price per kilogram, as a larger pack alone doesn’t guarantee better value. Also consider whether you’ll actually need that much.
Are oven-baked crisps a good substitute for a large bag of classic crisps?
Not necessarily, if you’re mainly looking for a larger pack to stock up on. According to EDEKA24, funny-frisch Ofen Chips Paprika contain 125 g, with 9.2 g of fat and 1.6 g of salt per 100 g. Compare the pack size, unit price and nutritional information for the specific variety each time.
What should I consider when stocking up on potato crisps?
For unopened packs, check the best-before date and storage instructions. Lebensmittelverband Deutschland explains that the best-before date refers to quality when food is stored appropriately; it isn’t an automatic expiry date. Plan separately how much you’ll need from an opened bag.
Is a ‘vegan’ label enough if I need to avoid allergens?
No. Lorenz describes Crunchips Western Style as vegan, but also warns that this variety may contain traces of milk. Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the pack you actually buy.
What should I compare before buying a particular variety of crisps online?
Compare the unit price and pack size, and read the ingredients, allergen information and nutritional details for the specific variety. This is especially important when comparing varieties with different seasonings: don’t assume the information on one pack applies to another.