People hosting a TV night
If several guests will be sharing the same packet, check its net weight and the number of servings shown, if stated on the packaging. Remember to factor in any other snacks you’re planning to serve.
Who is this guide for?
Fans of extra-crunchy crisps
Ridged crisps, a country-style recipe or kettle cooking can all help you find the texture you’re after. These descriptions alone don’t tell you what’s in the specific variant you choose.
People who compare food labels
To choose between two flavours, check their ingredients, allergens and nutritional information per 100 g. Always check the label for the exact flavour and pack size you plan to serve.
What should you look for first?
Start with how much you’ll need to share, then choose your preferred texture and check the label for your chosen flavour.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| How much to share | Net weight and the number of servings shown, taking into account any other food you’ll be serving. The Auchan listing for Lay’s Ready Salted 300 g states 10 servings. | When several people are sharing a packet, I want to make sure there’s enough without unnecessarily opening more packs. Around 46% of consumers put quantity at the heart of their decision. |
| Texture and flavour | Type of cut, description of the cooking method and whether the crisps are seasoned. | If crunch matters more to me than choosing a plain flavour, I look for a texture I’ll enjoy during the film. This is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and nutrition | Ingredients, allergens and nutritional information per 100 g, particularly fat and salt. | Before serving a particular flavour, I want to be able to check its ingredients and spot any allergens. For around 18% of consumers, this comes before the other criteria. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Relying on the words ‘family size’ alone
They don’t refer to one specific net weight. The pack sizes listed by Carrefour, Auchan and E.Leclerc range from 250 g to 350 g. The right amount also depends on what else you’re serving.
Check the net weight and, if stated, the number of servings before choosing a packet.
-
Assuming the texture tells you everything about the recipe
Crisps described as ‘extra crunchy’ or ‘country-style’ can have their own ingredient lists and allergen information, depending on the variant. For example, Vico notes that Extra Crispy may contain milk and peanuts.
Before serving, check the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ statements on the exact pack.
-
Choosing oven-baked crisps based on the front of the pack alone
Lay’s says its Ready Salted Oven Baked crisps have less fat than classic Lay’s crisps and the market average. This comparison doesn’t tell you how much is in the packet you’ve chosen or what its other nutritional values are.
Check the net weight and the nutrition table for the specific variant separately.
Brands to compare
Lay’s
Its Ready Salted, Country Recipe, Gourmet and Oven Baked varieties let you compare a range of pack sizes and styles of potato crisps.
- Carrefour lists a 250 g pack of Ready Salted crisps, while Auchan lists a 300 g pack, stated to contain 10 servings.
- The description of Ready Salted Oven Baked doesn’t tell you how much is in the other varieties in the range, so check each pack separately.
Vico
Extra Crispy is worth comparing if you’re looking for a plain flavour with a satisfyingly crunchy texture.
- Vico says Extra Crispy is made with French potatoes, sunflower and rapeseed oils, and salt.
- Before choosing this variety for a group, check the pack size and the warning that it may contain milk and peanuts.
Pom’Lisse
This own-label brand can provide a useful benchmark when comparing the net weight of plain crisps.
- E.Leclerc lists Pom’Lisse plain crispy crisps in a 350 g pack.
- To decide whether these are right for your guests, check the ingredients and nutritional information for the specific product you choose.
Crisps to consider on Joybuy
For a TV night, these packs let you choose between a country-style recipe, ridged crisps and a barbecue flavour. Compare their net weights before deciding how much to serve.
Image unavailable
Lay’s Country-Style potato crisps, 295 g
A 295 g packet to consider if you’d like to serve country-style crisps to a group. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging before offering them to your guests.
Image unavailable
Vico Extra Crispy ridged crisps, 150 g
If you’re interested in ridged crisps, this 150 g pack is one to consider for your get-together. Check whether the quantity is right for the number of people and the other snacks you’re serving.
Image unavailable
Lay’s BBQ Maxi crisps, 250 g
This 250 g packet is a good choice if you’d prefer a barbecue flavour to plain crisps. As with any seasoned variety, check the ingredients and allergens for the specific product you buy before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How do you compare two different pack sizes?
First check the net weight to work out how much you’ll have to share, then compare the nutritional information per 100 g. The DGCCRF explains that using the same basis makes comparisons easier; the number of servings, if stated, gives you another useful guide.
How can you check for allergens before serving crisps?
Check the ingredient list for the exact variety and look for any ‘may contain’ statements. The DGCCRF says allergenic ingredients must be highlighted. Vico, for example, notes that Extra Crispy may contain milk and peanuts.
How should you store a large packet after opening?
Follow the instructions on the packet you’ve bought rather than relying on guidance for a different flavour or pack size. Check them before your get-together if you think you might want to keep any crisps after opening.