How many calories are in a bag of cheese and onions? The Complete Guide

November 5, 2025 •

2 min read

A standard 25g bag of cheese and onion crisps contains approximately 125-135 calories, though this can vary significantly by brand and size. Knowing exactly how many calories are in a bag of cheese and onions is key for anyone watching their intake and wanting to make informed snacking choices.

Quick Summary

Calorie counts for cheese and onion crisps vary based on brand and bag size, from approximately 125 kcal for a 25g bag to over 200 kcal for larger portions. The frying method and ingredients also impact the overall nutritional value.

Key Points

Variable Calories: A standard 25g bag of cheese and onion crisps contains approximately 125-135 kcal, but this varies by brand and bag size.
Baked vs. Fried: Baked versions, like Walkers Baked, are a lower-calorie option compared to traditional fried crisps.
Not a Health Food: Crisps are high in fat and salt, and should be considered an occasional ultra-processed treat rather than a healthy dietary staple.
Check the Label: For accurate nutritional information, always refer to the specific label on the packet, paying attention to both serving size and per 100g values.
Manage Portions: Sticking to smaller, multipack bags helps with portion control and prevents excessive calorie consumption.
Healthier Alternatives: When managing calorie intake, consider snacking on alternatives like roasted chickpeas, air-popped popcorn, or vegetable sticks.

Calorie Breakdown by Bag Size and Brand

The calorie content of cheese and onion crisps depends on the bag size and brand. A standard 25g multipack bag typically contains between 125 and 135 calories, with specific brand examples including Walkers (128 kcal), Tesco (132 kcal), King (131 kcal), and Golden Wonder (130 kcal). Larger grab bags have a higher calorie count; a 32.5g Walkers bag is 166 kcal, a 45g McCoy's Cheddar & Onion is 230 kcal, and a 40g Greggs bag contains 198 kcal.

Deep Dive into Nutritional Content

Beyond calories, cheese and onion crisps are often high in fat and salt, contributing to their calorie density. They are primarily made from potatoes, vegetable oils, and seasoning, resulting in high levels of carbohydrates and fats, with minimal protein and fiber. For example, a 32.5g bag of Walkers Cheese & Onion has 9.6g of fat and 0.37g of salt. These snacks are considered ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and, when consumed excessively, have been linked to health issues like obesity and heart disease.

Comparison: Baked vs. Fried Crisps

There's a notable difference in calorie and nutritional value between traditional fried and baked crisps.

Comparison Table: Fried vs. Baked Cheese & Onion Crisps


Brand	Product	Bag Size	Calories (kcal)	Fat (g)	Saturated Fat (g)
Walkers	Cheese & Onion	25g	128	7.4	0.6
Walkers	Baked Cheese & Onion	37.5g	164	4.8	0.5
KP	Cheese & Onion	25g	134	9	0

Tips for Mindful Snacking

Making informed choices when snacking on cheese and onion crisps involves checking labels and managing portion sizes. Tips include opting for baked versions, limiting portion size by sticking to smaller bags, comparing nutritional values per 100g, exploring healthier alternatives like vegetable sticks, and reviewing ingredients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the calorie count for cheese and onion crisps varies significantly based on brand and bag size, with standard 25g bags containing around 125-135 kcal and larger bags exceeding 200 kcal. Baked options are a lower-calorie alternative. Due to being high in fat and salt and classified as ultra-processed foods, they are best enjoyed occasionally. Mindful snacking involves checking nutritional labels, controlling portions, and considering healthier alternatives. Always refer to the product packaging for the most accurate information.

Healthier Alternatives to Crisps

Options include roasted chickpeas, air-popped popcorn, homemade baked cheese crisps, vegetable sticks with dip, and nut and seed mixes.

How to Find Nutritional Information

To find accurate calorie information, check the packaging, use online nutrition databases like Nutritionix or Open Food Facts, or visit the brand's website. Double-checking the bag size is crucial for comparing total calorie intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

A small multipack bag (typically 25g) of cheese and onion crisps from popular brands contains approximately 125 to 135 calories.

No, cheese and onion crisps are generally not considered healthy. They are high in fat and salt and are an ultra-processed food, best consumed in moderation as an occasional snack.

Baked versions typically have fewer calories and less fat than their standard fried counterparts. For instance, a 37.5g bag of Walkers Baked has fewer calories than a smaller 25g standard bag.

For larger grab bags, the calorie count is significantly higher. A 45g McCoy's Cheddar & Onion bag, for example, contains around 230 calories, while a 40g Greggs bag has 198 calories.

No, calorie content varies significantly between brands due to differences in ingredients, oil content, and preparation methods. It is essential to check the specific nutritional label for the most accurate information.

Cheese and onion crisps are primarily high in carbohydrates and fat, with a lower protein content. They also typically contain high levels of salt.

The most accurate information is always on the nutritional label printed on the product packaging. You can also consult reliable online nutritional databases or the manufacturer's website for specifics.