Nutritional Breakdown of Squares Crisps
Walkers Squares are a popular UK snack known for their light, crispy texture and distinct shape. While they might seem like a straightforward snack, the calories and other nutritional values differ slightly across flavours. It is important to note that these figures are based on the standard 22g multipack bag, which is the most common single-serving size available.
Calories by Flavour
Based on data from supermarket product listings, here is a flavour-by-flavour breakdown of the calories in a pack of Squares:
- Ready Salted: A 22g pack typically contains 99 calories (414 kJ). This is the highest calorie count of the three main flavours, though the difference is minimal.
- Cheese & Onion: For a 22g pack, you can expect 97 calories (404 kJ). This makes it a slightly lower-calorie option than the Ready Salted variety.
- Salt & Vinegar: A 22g bag of Salt & Vinegar Squares also contains 97 calories (409 kJ). This is on par with the Cheese & Onion flavour.
It's also worth noting the calorie count for older or different sized products may vary. For example, one source suggests a 153-calorie ready salted square snack, likely referring to a different brand or product size. For the current Walkers multipack versions, the 97-99 kcal range is the most accurate figure.
Macronutrient Comparison: Squares vs. Other Snacks
To put the calories from Squares into context, here is a comparison table of the macronutrient breakdown for a 22g bag of each flavour. For reference, the government's guideline daily amount (GDA) for an average adult is 2,000 calories.
| Nutrient | Ready Salted (22g) | Cheese & Onion (22g) | Salt & Vinegar (22g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 99 kcal (5% RI) | 97 kcal (5% RI) | 97 kcal (5% RI) |
| Fat | 4.2g (6% RI) | 3.8g (5% RI) | 4.0g (6% RI) |
| of which Saturates | 0.4g (2% RI) | 0.3g (2% RI) | 0.3g (2% RI) |
| Carbohydrate | 13.2g | 13.0g | 13.4g |
| of which Sugars | 0.3g (<1% RI) | 0.7g (<1% RI) | 0.8g (1% RI) |
| Fibre | 1.3g | 1.4g | 1.2g |
| Protein | 1.4g | 1.5g | 1.4g |
| Salt | 0.33g (5% RI) | 0.30g (5% RI) | 0.48g (8% RI) |
Reference intake (RI) of an average adult (8400 kJ / 2000 kcal).
How Squares Compare to Other Crisps
When considering your snack choices, it can be useful to see how Squares stack up against other popular alternatives. Many other standard snack packets, even from the same manufacturer, contain more calories. For instance, a 25g pack of Walkers Ready Salted Crisps contains around 130 calories, a notable increase over a pack of Squares. Similarly, a 16.5g bag of Wotsits has 81 calories, while baked alternatives often contain fewer calories than their fried counterparts. This makes Squares a relatively lower-calorie choice compared to other standard-sized, fried crisp options, a factor many people appreciate for portion control.
Are Squares a Healthy Snack Option?
While the lower calorie count of Squares is a positive for those monitoring their energy intake, it is important to view the complete nutritional profile. Squares are still a processed snack food, high in fat and salt, especially the Salt & Vinegar flavour. However, as part of a balanced diet, consuming a single pack of Squares is unlikely to significantly impact your health. For those looking for a healthier alternative, options like nuts, fruit, or vegetable sticks would offer more nutrients and less saturated fat and sodium.
The Role of Reference Intakes (RI)
The figures presented in the table above reference an average adult's intake. This helps provide context for the nutritional information. For example, the 5% RI for calories in a 22g bag indicates that it provides 5% of the total energy an average adult requires daily. The salt content, especially in the Salt & Vinegar flavour, is relatively high at 8% of the RI. This highlights the importance of moderation, especially for individuals with health concerns related to sodium intake.
A Deeper Look at Ingredients
Squares crisps are typically made from potato granules, sunflower oil, potato starch, and flavourings. The use of sunflower oil contributes to the overall fat content. The flavourings and other additives, such as maltodextrin and citric acid, are what give each pack its distinct taste profile. The allergen information is also crucial for those with dietary restrictions; the manufacturing process means products may contain traces of milk, wheat, gluten, barley, or soya.
Conclusion
In summary, a standard 22g pack of Walkers Squares contains a modest 97 to 99 calories, depending on the flavour. This makes them a relatively low-calorie crisp option compared to some of their counterparts. While they should be consumed in moderation due to their fat and salt content, a single pack can easily fit into a balanced daily diet. Understanding the specific nutritional values, including the differences between flavours, empowers you to make a more informed and conscious snacking decision. For detailed, up-to-date nutritional facts, it's always best to check the official product packaging or a reliable retailer website like Tesco.
Note: Nutritional information can change over time. Always check the packaging for the most accurate and up-to-date details.