Walkers preparing several portions
If you’re heading out with other people or planning several breaks, you can divide a larger pack up before you set off rather than carrying all of it with you.
Who are these options for?
Walkers looking for an easy-to-carry savoury snack
A small pack takes up less space, but the contents can crumble in your rucksack. Think about how you’ll keep an opened pack dry, too.
Shoppers who check the ingredients
The recipe, allergen information and nutritional details can help you choose between two products. Always check the label on the pack you’re buying.
What should you check?
Start with how much you plan to take, then check how easy the pack is to store and read its label.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| How much you need | Compare the net weight with the portions you have planned, and decide whether you’ll share or store any leftovers. | When I’m planning several breaks, I want to take just what I need, rather than leave a large opened pack in my rucksack. Around 36% of consumers prioritise how much they’ll actually use. |
| Carrying and storage | Choose a way to store the contents that protects them from being crushed and getting damp. | For a walk where rucksack space is limited, I prefer portions that are easy to pack and keep dry. Carrying and storage are the main concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and label | Check the ingredients, allergen information and nutritional values, including the salt per 100 g. | If a recipe or allergen warning could affect my choice, I need to check the exact pack before setting off. This is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Organic preference | Check the certification on the pack, then look at its size and nutritional information too. | I might prefer an organic product while still wanting to choose an amount that suits my walk. Certification is the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
What should you avoid?
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Taking a large pack without planning out portions
An opened pack can be awkward to carry, and the contents may crumble as you walk.
Divide up what you plan to take before setting off, and keep the rest tightly closed.
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Relying on tortilla chips alone for a long walk
The French Hiking Federation recommends choosing food to suit the length and intensity of your walk, and taking a variety of items.
Pack other foods suited to your route, and keep tortilla chips as an extra for a break.
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Assuming ‘plain’ means allergen-free
Warnings vary between products: Auchan Nature warns that the product may contain traces of soya, while Doritos Nature notes that it may contain soya and wheat containing gluten.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack you’re buying.
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Leaving the pack open in your rucksack
Auchan Nature’s storage instructions say to protect the tortilla chips from heat and moisture and to close the pack securely.
Carry portions in a suitable container and keep the rest closed and dry.
Brands to know
SIMPL
Carrefour offers a 300 g pack of SIMPL plain tortilla chips.
- Worth considering if you’re dividing the contents between several breaks or people.
- For a single break, plan how you’ll carry the portions and close the rest of the pack.
TOKAPI / Tables du Monde
E.Leclerc offers, among others, 150 g packs of TOKAPI plain tortilla chips and 200 g packs from Tables du Monde.
- These two sizes let you choose an amount to suit your walk.
- Check the recipe and allergen information for the product you choose.
Auchan
Auchan offers plain tortilla chips in 150 g and 400 g packs, as well as a 150 g organic option.
- The product listing for Auchan Nature 150 g gives the ingredients as maize flour, sunflower oil and salt.
- The same listing warns that the product may contain traces of soya and says to protect it from heat and moisture.
Doritos
In France, Doritos offers plain tortilla chips and several flavoured varieties.
- The Doritos Nature product listing gives the ingredients and nutritional information for this recipe.
- Doritos Nature may contain soya and wheat containing gluten; check other varieties separately.
SUN SNACKS
ALDI offers 300 g packs of SUN SNACKS tortilla chips, including Nature and Chili varieties.
- The 300 g pack can be divided up before a walk with other people.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for the exact variety you choose.
Tortilla chips available on Joybuy
These flavoured tortilla chips can make a tasty addition to a savoury break on a hike. Choose a pack size and flavour to suit what you plan to take, then check the label.
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Doritos Sour Cream Flavour, 160 g
A pack of flavoured tortilla chips for a savoury break. Check the ingredients and allergen information for this recipe on the pack before taking it with you.
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Doritos Mild Chili Pepper Flavour, 160 g
This mild chilli variety comes in a 160 g pack. If the ingredients influence your choice, check the list and allergen information for this variety.
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Doritos Paprika Flavour, 160 g
A 160 g pack for a savoury break if you fancy the Paprika flavour. Check the label for this variety to see what it contains before setting off.
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Old El Paso Original Crispy Tortilla Chips, 185 g
This 185 g pack can be divided into portions for a break. Check the allergens on the packaging, and plan to close the pack securely if you won’t be taking all of it with you.
Frequently asked questions
Can tortilla chips be my only snack on a long hike?
It’s best to take other foods on a long or strenuous walk. The French Hiking Federation recommends matching what you eat to the length and route of your walk, and taking a variety of foods. Tortilla chips can make a savoury addition to a break.
What should I check if I need to avoid an allergen?
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack, including any warnings about possible traces. Auchan Nature warns that the product may contain traces of soya; Doritos Nature notes that it may contain soya and wheat containing gluten. These warnings don’t apply to every variety from these brands.
How should I store an opened pack?
Close it securely and keep it somewhere dry, away from heat and moisture. These instructions appear on the Auchan Nature product listing; check the instructions for the product you’re taking, especially if you plan to keep any leftovers after your walk.
Is an organic product necessarily better suited to hiking?
No. Organic certification relates to how a product is made, not how much to take or how it fits in with the other food you’re carrying. When choosing, also consider the pack size, ingredients, allergens and nutritional values for the specific product.