How many calories are in a 25g bag of crisps? A comprehensive guide

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

On average, a standard 25g multipack bag of potato crisps contains approximately 125-135 calories, a figure that varies slightly depending on the brand and flavour. This quick and seemingly harmless snack can contribute significantly to daily calorie intake, making it important to understand its nutritional profile for effective diet management.

Quick Summary

This guide details the calorie and nutritional content of a 25g bag of crisps, exploring how factors like brand, flavour, and cooking method influence the final count. It offers a comparison of different products and presents a range of healthier snack alternatives and practical tips for balanced snacking.

Key Points

Average Calories: A standard 25g bag of crisps typically contains 125-135 kcal, with variations based on brand and flavour.
Fat and Salt Content: In addition to calories, crisps are high in fat and salt, with a standard 25g bag containing around 7.7g of fat and 0.34g of salt.
Impact of Processing: Baked crisps generally have fewer calories and less fat than their fried counterparts, though flavourings can still affect the final nutritional count.
Healthier Alternatives: Numerous substitutes exist for crisps, including air-popped popcorn, roasted chickpeas, and vegetable sticks with hummus, which offer more fibre and nutrients.
Mindful Snacking: To manage intake, practise mindful eating by portioning snacks into a bowl instead of eating directly from the bag, and consider hydration as a factor.

What Affects the Calorie Count in Crisps?

While the average calorie count for a 25g bag of crisps sits around 130 kcal, it is by no means a universal figure. The exact nutritional information depends heavily on several factors, including the brand, flavouring, and processing method used. Different brands use varying types and amounts of oil, which is a major contributor to the overall fat and calorie content. For instance, a leading brand like Walkers lists its Ready Salted 25g pack at 130 kcal, but a different brand or flavour might have a higher or lower count. Flavourings can also play a role, as certain ingredients, particularly those found in more complex or creamy seasonings, can alter the final calorie count. Furthermore, the cooking method is a critical differentiator. Traditionally deep-fried crisps, which are submerged in hot oil, will inevitably be higher in fat and calories than 'baked' or 'air-popped' varieties. Baked crisps, for example, use significantly less oil, making them a lower-calorie option, though they may still contain added salts and other additives.

A Deeper Dive into the Nutritional Information

Beyond just calories, a 25g bag of crisps contains other important nutritional elements to consider. Most of the calories come from the fat and carbohydrate content. According to data for a standard 25g pack, you can expect roughly 7.7g of fat and 13g of carbohydrates. The type of fat is also relevant, with saturated fat being a key concern for heart health. A standard bag can contain around 0.6g of saturated fat. A high intake of saturated fats is known to raise blood cholesterol levels. Moreover, the salt content is a significant factor. With many snacks being heavily salted, it's easy to exceed the recommended daily intake. A single 25g bag can contain 0.34g of salt, representing a portion of the adult daily allowance. Excessive sodium intake is linked to increased blood pressure and a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. While crisps can offer minimal amounts of protein and fibre, they are not a significant source of essential nutrients and are largely considered an energy-dense, nutrient-poor food.

Calorie Comparison Table: Popular 25g Crisp Brands

To illustrate the variations in calorie content, here is a comparison of typical values found in different 25g multipack bags from popular brands:


Crisp Brand (25g Bag)	Calorie Count (approx.)	Total Fat (approx.)	Saturated Fat (approx.)	Salt (approx.)
Walkers Ready Salted	130 kcal	7.7g	0.6g	0.34g
Walkers Salt & Vinegar	128 kcal	7.4g	0.6g	0.40g
Tayto Cheese & Onion	130 kcal	8.6g	1.0g	0.40g
Walkers Baked	109 kcal	3.4g	-	-
Kettle Lightly Salted	124 kcal	6.3g	0.7g	-

It's important to always check the specific packaging for the most accurate nutritional information, as recipes and production methods can change over time.

Healthier Snack Alternatives to Crisps

For those looking to manage their weight or improve their overall nutrition, swapping out high-calorie, high-fat snacks like crisps is a practical strategy. There is a wide array of healthier options that provide similar satisfying crunch or flavour without the associated downsides. Here are some examples:

Air-Popped Popcorn: When prepared without excessive butter or salt, popcorn is a low-calorie, high-fibre whole grain snack.
Nuts and Seeds: A small handful of almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds can provide healthy fats, protein, and fibre. Due to their calorie density, portion control is key.
Roasted Chickpeas: Chickpeas can be roasted in the oven with spices to create a crunchy, high-fibre, and protein-rich snack.
Vegetable Sticks with Hummus: Carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers dipped in hummus offer a low-calorie, vitamin-rich, and protein-packed alternative.
Greek Yoghurt with Berries: For a different flavour profile, this protein-rich snack can help regulate appetite and provides antioxidants.
Apple Slices with Nut Butter: This classic combination provides fibre, protein, and healthy fats for sustained energy and satiety.
Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame is a great source of plant-based protein and fibre.

Practical Tips for Healthier Snacking

Making healthier snack choices is easier with a few simple strategies. The goal is to move from mindless eating to intentional, nourishing choices.

1. Plan Ahead: Prepare snacks in advance to avoid grabbing less healthy, convenient options. Portion out nuts or vegetables into small containers for easy access throughout the week.

2. Stay Hydrated: Sometimes, thirst can be mistaken for hunger. Drinking a glass of water before reaching for a snack can help determine if you're actually hungry or just dehydrated.

3. Focus on Fibre and Protein: Snacks that combine fibre and protein are more filling and can help control blood sugar levels, preventing the energy crashes often associated with high-sugar snacks.

4. Read Labels: Get into the habit of checking nutritional labels, even for 'healthy' snacks. Some alternatives may contain surprising amounts of sugar or salt.

5. Mindful Eating: Avoid eating snacks directly from the bag. Instead, serve a small portion in a bowl or on a plate. Pay attention to the flavour and texture, which can increase satisfaction and prevent overconsumption.

Conclusion

Understanding how many calories are in a 25g bag of crisps is a key step towards making more informed dietary choices. While the calorie count of around 130 kcal might seem small in isolation, it's important to consider the high fat and sodium content, especially for frequent snackers. By exploring the variations between brands and production methods, and by actively seeking out healthier and more nutrient-dense alternatives, you can enjoy snacking without compromising your nutritional goals. Adopting practices like portion control and mindful eating can further support a balanced and healthy approach to your diet, proving that a little knowledge goes a long way in managing your overall health and wellness. For more information on the health effects of high sodium, consider reading the World Health Organization's report on sodium reduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baked crisps are generally a healthier alternative because they contain less fat and fewer calories than traditional fried crisps. However, it is still wise to check the label for sodium content and other additives, as some varieties can still be high in salt.

Based on a common 25g bag containing around 130 kcal, a 40g bag of the same crisp could be expected to contain roughly 208 kcal. The exact figure will depend on the brand, flavour, and cooking method.

Different flavourings can slightly alter the calorie count. For example, a Walkers Salt & Vinegar 25g bag contains 128 kcal, while a Ready Salted 25g bag contains 130 kcal, demonstrating minor variations depending on the seasoning used.

The fat in crisps, which often includes saturated fats, can be a health concern, especially with frequent consumption. High intake of saturated fats can increase blood cholesterol levels. Healthier snack options typically provide fats that are better for heart health.

To reduce crisp consumption, try substituting them with healthier, more filling alternatives like roasted chickpeas, vegetable sticks, or air-popped popcorn. Practising portion control and mindful eating can also help manage cravings.

Not always. Some 'healthy' alternatives can unexpectedly contain more calories than standard crisps. For example, one source notes that certain lentil chips have higher calories than some standard potato crisps. Always check the nutritional information on the packaging.

Crisps can have a high sodium content, which can contribute to high blood pressure, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The World Health Organization recommends limiting daily sodium intake to reduce these health risks.