A large bag of crisps isn’t a suitable snack for a toddler: kindergesundheit-info.de advises against buying crisps for children, and the Federal Centre for Nutrition recommends using salt sparingly and avoiding spicy foods. If crisps are being served to adults or older guests, keep them separate from the toddler’s snack. When choosing crisps for the adults, consider the flavour, pack size, and the ingredients and allergen information on the specific pack.
You’re looking for something for your toddler to nibble on and don’t want to reach for a bag of crisps just because everyone is having a snack together. kindergesundheit-info.de advises against buying crisps for children.
You’d like to serve crisps to adults or older guests, while also providing a separate snack for the toddler.
You’re comparing specific varieties because seasonings and precautionary allergen statements can vary. The information on the pack you’re actually serving is what matters.
First decide who’ll be eating the crisps. Plan a separate snack for the toddler. Only then should you consider the type of crisps and pack size for the adults.
Suitable when: The bag is intended exclusively for adults or older guests.
Bear in mind: A large bag still isn’t a suitable snack for a toddler.
Suitable when: The toddler will be joining in, or you’d all like to have something other than crisps.
Bear in mind: Your choice should be suitable for the child’s age and ability to chew, as well as the ingredients.
| What matters | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Snack for the toddler | Is the snack intended for the child? If so, choose a suitable alternative rather than a bag of crisps. | If my toddler will be nibbling too, I don’t want to treat their snack as interchangeable with crisps for adults. This would be the priority for around 46% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients list, nutritional information and allergen or precautionary allergen statements on the current pack. | If a flavouring or relevant allergen is involved, I want to know what’s in the pack before serving it. Around 27% of consumers would put this check first. |
| Crisps for guests | Check the flavour and pack weight in g; don’t plan to serve spicy crisps as a snack for the toddler. | If adults are sharing a bag, I need a flavour and pack size that suit the group, while the child has something of their own. This would be the main consideration for around 27% of consumers. |
The size of the bag doesn’t change the fact that kindergesundheit-info.de advises against buying crisps for children.
Plan the toddler’s snack separately from the crisps for your adult guests.
Even a plain salted variety contains salt. The Federal Centre for Nutrition recommends using salt sparingly in meals for toddlers.
Think of “salted” as a flavour description for the adults, not proof that the crisps are suitable for a child.
Chio describes Hot Peperoni as spicy. The Federal Centre for Nutrition recommends that food for toddlers shouldn’t be too spicy.
Keep spicy crisps separate from the toddler’s snack, or choose a non-spicy variety for the adults.
Ingredients and precautionary allergen statements vary between products. For example, EDEKA and REWE list possible allergen traces for some crisps.
Before serving, check the ingredients list and allergen information on the pack you’ve actually bought.
These examples can help you compare crisps for the adults; none of the varieties mentioned should therefore be considered a snack for toddlers.
Lorenz describes Crunchips Salted as seasoned with salt and offers Crunchips Stackers Salted in a resealable tub.
funny-frisch sells Chipsfrisch Hungarian, among other sizes, in 150-g and 215-g bags, as well as in a 4 × 40 g multipack.
Chio offers Red Paprika, among other flavours, as well as Hot Peperoni, which the manufacturer describes as spicy.
EDEKA sells GUT&GÜNSTIG Salted Crinkle-Cut Crisps in a 200-g pack.
REWE lists ja! Salted Crisps in a 200-g bag.
Not as a regular snack for toddlers. kindergesundheit-info.de advises against buying crisps for children; a large bag doesn’t change that.
Plan a separate snack rather than giving them a portion from the bag of crisps. For example, you could offer a fresh bread roll if it’s suitable for the child’s age and ability to chew. Also check the ingredients and any known allergens in the specific product you choose.
Yes. Choosing crisps for adults is a separate decision from choosing a snack for the toddler. Serve them separately and don’t plan to give the child spicy crisps; the Federal Centre for Nutrition recommends food that isn’t too spicy for toddlers and advises using salt sparingly.
Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the pack you’re actually serving. The German Food Federation explains that ingredients are listed in descending order by weight; additional precautionary allergen statements vary by product.