Who might prefer each option?

People prioritising protein

You want to choose a crunchy snack for your coffee break that has more protein than the potato crisps compared here. A recipe based on pulses could also fit the bill.

Fans of classic potato crisps

Having potatoes as the main ingredient and choosing a familiar type of crisp matter more to you than a high protein content. The ingredients list can help you distinguish potato crisps from other types of savoury snack.

People who check ingredients and nutrition

You want to consider energy, fat, salt and potential allergens as well as protein. Compare the information per 100 g and for the amount you actually plan to eat.

What should you look for when buying?

First, decide whether protein content or a classic potato base matters more to you for your coffee break. Then compare the nutrition information and labelling for the specific variety.

Criteria What to check Who may care most
Protein content Compare protein per 100 g and per planned portion, as well as the ingredients. If you include your post-workout coffee break in your nutrition plan, you’ll want to know how much protein you’ll get from the amount you actually eat; this is the main consideration for around 50% of consumers.
Potato base Check the product description and the first ingredients listed, rather than assuming a crisp-shaped snack is made from potatoes. If classic potato crisps matter more to me than a higher protein content, I check the ingredients first; around 20% of consumers give this preference priority.
Energy and fat Consider energy and fat per 100 g alongside the portion size. If you’re choosing between two savoury snacks, you’ll want to assess the energy and fat in your portion rather than relying only on a protein claim; this is the most important comparison for around 20% of consumers.
Ingredients and salt Read the ingredients, allergen information and salt content on the specific pack. If a particular ingredient base, potential allergens or salt content are decisive for me, I check the pack before buying; around 10% of consumers put this ahead of the other criteria.

Common comparison pitfalls

  • Assuming protein crisps are classic potato crisps

    The funny-frisch Protein Chips Curry described by REWE contain lentil flour, maize flour and pea protein isolate. By contrast, potatoes are the first ingredient in the Chio and Lorenz varieties considered here. The word “crisps” alone doesn’t tell you about these differences.

    If you specifically want potato crisps, check the product description and ingredients list before buying.

  • Assuming less fat means a better overall nutritional profile

    The North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Advice Centre points out that crisps with less fat do not automatically contain proportionally fewer calories. A higher protein content also describes only one part of the nutritional picture.

    Compare energy, fat, protein and salt on the same basis and take your portion size into account.

  • Overlooking salt and potential allergens

    For funny-frisch Protein Chips Curry, REWE lists 1.7 g of salt per 100 g, or 0.52 g per 30 g portion, and states that the product may contain milk. These details are just as relevant to your choice as the protein content.

    Check the salt content and allergen information on the pack of the variety you’re buying.

  • Assuming a protein snack is needed for recovery

    A higher protein content doesn’t make a particular snack an essential part of your post-workout diet. The Consumer Advice Centre explains that you can also meet your protein needs with everyday protein-rich foods.

    Choose your snack based on taste, ingredients and the nutrition information that matters to you, rather than a blanket promise about recovery.

Brands and retailers to consider

funny-frisch

Protein Chips Curry is an example of a crunchy snack with a different ingredient base from classic potato crisps.

  • REWE lists 21 g of protein per 100 g for this variety, with lentil flour, maize flour and pea protein isolate among the ingredients.
  • The same variety contains 1.7 g of salt per 100 g and carries the warning “May contain milk”. These details don’t necessarily apply to other varieties from the brand.

Lorenz

Crunchips Honey-BBQ Style is a potato-based example for comparison if classic potato crisps matter more to you than a higher protein content.

  • According to Lorenz, potatoes are the first ingredient in the variety considered here.
  • Lorenz lists 5.4 g of protein and 34 g of fat per 100 g for this variety; these figures can’t be applied to other Crunchips varieties.

Chio

Chio Chips Red Paprika is another potato-based example to consider when choosing between a classic type of crisp and a protein snack.

  • Chio’s ingredients information lists potatoes as the first ingredient in this variety.
  • Chio lists 6.0 g of protein and 33 g of fat per 100 g for Red Paprika. These figures apply to the named variety.

REWE

REWE is included here as the source of product information for funny-frisch Protein Chips Curry, not as the manufacturer of the variety.

  • The product information lists the ingredients, nutrition details and possible milk content for the Curry variety.
  • When choosing, always check the labelling on the specific pack you’re buying, particularly for ingredients and allergens.

Crunchy snack alternatives at Joybuy

This selection includes lentil crisps and flip snacks for a crunchy break. If you’re looking for classic potato crisps, check the ingredients for each variety: the products shown here are alternative snack options.

ahead Protein Flips Paprika, tray of six 50 g bags

ahead Protein Flips Paprika, 6 × 50 g

A flip snack for your coffee break if you’re looking for an individually bagged protein snack rather than classic potato crisps.

According to the product name, the tray contains six 50 g bags. Check the pack’s nutrition information to compare protein and salt for your portion.

View at Joybuy
Funny-Frisch Lentil Chips Sour Cream & Onion, 90 g

Funny-Frisch Lentil Chips Sour Cream & Onion, 90 g

These lentil crisps are worth considering if you’re looking for an alternative to classic potato crisps with a sour cream and onion flavour.

The product name specifies a 90 g pack. Check the protein, salt and allergen information for this variety; nutrition details for another funny-frisch variety won’t necessarily apply.

View at Joybuy
ahead Crispies Sour Cream protein snack

ahead Crispies Sour Cream

A crunchy protein snack for your break if you’re not specifically looking for classic potato crisps.

Before comparing, check the protein content and the rest of the nutrition and ingredients information on the pack.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Are protein crisps simply potato crisps with more protein?

No, the ingredients can differ. The funny-frisch Protein Chips Curry described by REWE contain lentil flour and pea protein isolate, among other ingredients; potatoes are the first ingredient in the Chio and Lorenz potato crisps considered here. The product description and ingredients for each variety will make the difference clear.

How should I compare protein content for a coffee break?

First compare protein per 100 g, then work it out for the portion you plan to eat. REWE lists 21 g of protein per 100 g and 6.2 g per 30 g portion for funny-frisch Protein Chips Curry; Chio lists 6.0 g per 100 g for Chips Red Paprika, and Lorenz lists 5.4 g per 100 g for Crunchips Honey-BBQ Style. These figures apply only to these three varieties, not to other products from the same brands.

Should I still check fat and salt when a product has a protein claim?

Yes. Protein content doesn’t replace checking the rest of the nutrition information. The North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Advice Centre points out that crisps with less fat don’t automatically contain proportionally fewer calories. REWE also lists 1.7 g of salt per 100 g for funny-frisch Protein Chips Curry, so compare the figures for the portion you plan to eat.

Can “High Protein” be used freely on food packaging?

No, nutrition claims on food are regulated in the EU. The European Commission explains that only claims listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 are permitted, subject to the conditions that apply to them. You can’t tell whether a specific product meets these conditions just from the wording on the front of the pack; the full nutrition information is also important when comparing products.