Chip brand Torres Selecta being sold at NZ supermarket for nearly five times the price of regular chips

Torres Selecta 'black truffle' are being sold at New World for $15 a packet. /Google Images

Spanish crisp brand Torres Selecta are being sold at New World supermarkets across the country at an eye-watering price.

A 125g pack will set you back $15.19, while the 40g pack costs $5.80 - that’s more than $14 per 100g.

The standard price for most other regular 150g chip packets is between $2 and $4.

Proper Crisps, previously among the most expensive crisp brands, cost between $3.30 and $5.80 per 100g depending on the supermarket.

A spokesperson from New World owner Foodstuffs said they like to stock both everyday basics and some specialty treats.

The pricey chips are made from Iberian potatoes and scented with black truffles. Photo / 123rf

“They’re made in Spain, are imported by our supplier partner Sabato and sit firmly in the premium end of the chip market. They’re made from Iberian potatoes and scented with black truffles, so they’re gourmet grazing rather than kids’ lunchbox.”

The supermarket giant said the chips’ price reflects the cost of production and shipment.

A Consumer NZ spokesperson said businesses can choose their own prices, and customers can decide what to spend their money on.

“We recommend using unit pricing” they said, referring to a pricing technique that enables shoppers to compare values across sizes - in the case of chips, per 100g.

“It’s great for helping you to quickly discern value for money ... when navigating the often overwhelming supermarket shelves.”

Overseas, Torres chips come in unusual flavours, including sparkling wine, caviar, foie gras, pickle and fan-favourite black truffle.

Black Truffle seems to be the only flavour currently available in New Zealand.

Torres Selecta has been approached for comment.