Parents packing portions for school
With an individual sealed bag, you don’t have to portion out crisps at home. Check the weight per bag, though: the same number of bags doesn’t always mean the same amount in each portion.
Who are sharing packs useful for?
People buying for a group of children
If tastes vary, a variety box lets you choose between different snacks. Check in advance which types it contains and how many of each, and read the information for every item if anyone has an allergy.
Shoppers comparing contents and labels
The number of bags, the weight per item and the ingredients all help you decide whether a pack suits your plans. Compare this information on the current packaging, especially if the portions are for different children.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide whether you mainly need a measured portion, a choice of snacks for a group or enough individual snacks for several occasions. Then check the packaging and, where necessary, the label for each item.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| A portion for on the go | Count the individual bags and compare the weight per bag. | I want to put a sealed snack in a school bag without measuring anything out at home. For around 33% of consumers, that pre-measured portion would be the first thing to consider. |
| Variety for a group | Check which flavours and types of snack are in the box, and how many of each there are. | If children have different preferences, I don’t want to be limited to just one type to share out. Around 27% of consumers would prioritise variety for the group. |
| Number of snack breaks | Compare the number of individual items with the total weight; a larger box doesn’t necessarily contain more portions. | If I’m planning several snack breaks, I want to know how long the supply of individual bags will last. For around 20% of consumers, the number of portions would be the most important factor. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current label and check every item in a variety box individually. | When I’m bringing snacks for children with specific dietary needs, I need to know what’s in each bag. Checking the label would be the main consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a variety box contains just one type of crisp
A box may contain different snacks. Albert Heijn lists Nibbit, Lay's MAX, Doritos and Bugles among the snacks in the Lay's Mega Box; don’t assume they all have the same ingredients.
Read the information for each item before sharing out the box, especially if anyone receiving it has a known allergy.
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Judging by the size of the box alone
The packs described vary in number and portion size: Jumbo, for example, lists sharing bags of 15 × 25 g, while other multipacks reviewed contain 40 g portions.
Count the individual portions, then compare the weight of each one with your planned snack breaks.
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Planning crisps as a regular daily school snack
The Dutch Nutrition Centre classifies snacks such as crisps as outside its Wheel of Five guidelines, and suggests vegetables and fruit as snacks for children.
Alternate the occasional bag of crisps with snacks that fit the Wheel of Five, rather than packing crisps as a daily staple.
Brands to consider
Lay's
Lay's Netherlands describes its small multipack bags as suitable for sharing; there are also boxes containing different types of snack.
- Individual bags and variety boxes give you different ways to prepare portions.
- For a variety box, check the contents and the label for each item.
Pringles
The Original 12-pack described consists of individual 40 g tubes with resealable packaging.
- A tube is a good fit if you want to reseal the packaging after opening.
- The Original product described contains wheat and cereals containing gluten, and may contain milk and soya; check the current label.
Jumbo huismerk
Jumbo describes a sharing pack containing 15 bags of 25 g in ready salted and paprika flavours.
- The number of bags, portion weight and flavours make this pack easy to compare with your planned use.
- The product described contains milk; check the packaging if allergens are a concern.
Snack Day (Lidl)
Lidl features a multipack of crisps in its snack range.
- A multipack is one option to look for at Lidl if you want individual portions.
- Before comparing, check the current packaging to see how many bags it contains and what the ingredients are.
Smiths
A listing on Amazon.nl describes Smiths Hartige Snacks Spek Frietjes as a box of 24 bags of 24 g. This is a maize snack, not a directly comparable box of potato crisps.
- The box listed contains individual small bags of snacks.
- Check the current packaging, ingredients and availability with the retailer before comparing this option with crisp sharing packs.
Joybuy products for individual snack breaks
These packs offer individual bags or tubes for taking on the go and sharing. Some contain a mix of different snacks, so decide which product best suits your plans based on the number of portions, the packaging or the contents.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box Crisps, 2 × 15 pieces
A variety box for preparing individual snacks for several occasions.
The product name lists two packs of 15 pieces. Check the contents and the label for the different items before sharing them out.
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Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box, 20 pieces
A box for sharing a variety of snacks with a group.
The product name lists 20 pieces. Check the portion weight and ingredients of each item if they’re important to those receiving them.
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Pringles Original, 12 × 40 g
An option if you want to take an individual tube with you and reseal it after opening.
This Original 12-pack contains 12 tubes of 40 g. The product described contains wheat and cereals containing gluten, and may contain milk and soya; check the current label. Supervise young children while they eat.
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Croky Sharing Mix, 180 g
A variety mix to consider if you’re planning to share snacks.
The product name lists a total weight of 180 g. Check the packaging for the number of individual portions, the weight per item and the ingredients.
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Lay's Family Box, 15 pieces
A box for preparing individual snacks for several occasions.
The product name lists 15 pieces. Check the weight and ingredients of each item if portion size or allergens will affect your choice.
Frequently asked questions
How many sharing bags do I need for the start of the school year?
Count the planned snack breaks or recipients, then choose a pack with enough individual items. Compare the contents of each one too: the packs described include bags of 25 g and portions of 40 g.
Should I check every bag in a variety box for allergens?
Yes, check the ingredients and allergens for every different item. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens are listed on labels; when sharing snacks, rely on the current packaging rather than just the name of the variety box.
Are crisps suitable as a daily school snack?
According to the Dutch Nutrition Centre, crisps aren’t part of its Wheel of Five guidelines, so they aren’t a suitable everyday choice for a school snack. The Dutch Nutrition Centre suggests vegetables and fruit, among other options, as snacks for children.
How should I store a multipack after buying it?
Follow the storage instructions and date on the specific pack. Store the individual bags as directed and check that each one is intact before putting it in a bag to take along.