People who want to share crisps
For home or a small back-to-school gathering, you’ll want an amount you can portion out yourself. A large bag of supermarket own-brand crisps is one option to consider alongside portion packs.
Who are these options relevant to?
Parents and pupils who need individual portions
If the bags need to be taken along or handed out individually, the number of packs and the amount in each one matter more than the total amount alone.
People comparing food labels
If you’re choosing based on ingredients, allergens or nutritional values, check the information for the exact product variant. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that pre-packed products must show allergen information on the label.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’ll eat the crisps together or hand them out individually. Then compare the contents and labels of the packs that suit your needs.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Amount for sharing | Compare the net weight with the number of people who’ll be eating, and think about how you’ll reseal an opened bag. | For a shared occasion, I want one bag to portion out without having lots left over. Around 36% of consumers prioritise an amount that’s suitable for sharing. |
| Individual portions | Check the number of bags or tubes, the amount in each one and whether a mixed pack contains crisps only. | If I want to send or hand out crisps on different occasions, I don’t want to portion them out myself every time. Individual portions are the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Flavour and nutritional information | Read the ingredients and compare energy, fat, saturates and salt per 100 g and per portion for the exact product variant. | I want to choose a flavour that suits the occasion and be able to check the nutritional values. Around 21% of consumers prioritise these product features. |
| Allergens and dietary preferences | Read the current ingredients list and allergen information for each flavour or component of a mixed pack. | When I’m buying crisps for someone with an allergy or a specific dietary preference, the exact pack needs to be suitable. This is the most important consideration for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming every multipack contains crisps only
A mixed snack box may also contain other types of snacks. So the number of individual packs doesn’t tell you how many portions of crisps you’ll get.
Read the product contents and check what’s in each pack if you specifically want to hand out crisps.
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Assuming all flavours have the same allergens
Ingredients and allergens can vary between flavours and between components in a mixed pack. For example, Jumbo lists wheat and possible traces of milk and soya for Pringles Original 165 g; don’t assume this applies to another pack without checking its label.
Check the allergen information on the exact pack before buying, especially if you’re shopping for a group.
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Treating a claim on the front of the pack as full nutritional information
A term such as ‘oven-baked’ doesn’t tell you by itself how much energy, fat or salt a portion contains.
Use the nutrition table and ingredients list for the product variant you’ve chosen to compare packs.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
The supermarket’s own brand includes 250 g bags of ready salted crisps for anyone who wants to portion them out themselves.
- Albert Heijn lists sunflower oil in AH Chips naturel 250 g.
- Check the current pack if ingredients or nutritional information are important to you; Albert Heijn notes that product information may change.
Jumbo
The supermarket’s own brand offers both ready salted crisps in a large bag and a sharing pack with individual portions.
- Jumbo lists its paprika and ready salted sharing pack as containing 15 bags of 25 g.
- For a mixed sharing pack, check that both flavours are suitable for everyone who’ll be eating them.
Lidl Snack Day
Snack Day is Lidl’s own brand of crisps and other savoury snacks.
- Lidl offers, among other products, 250 g bags of ready salted ridged crisps and 150 g oven-baked varieties.
- A different cooking method doesn’t replace checking the ingredients and nutritional values of the exact product variant.
Lay's
Lay's is a brand to consider if you’re looking for a particular flavour or pack format.
- Albert Heijn lists a 300 g Lay's Naturel value pack.
- For a mixed box, check which items are actually crisps and read the allergen information for each item.
Pringles
Pringles offers Original in a tube and in a multipack of individual tubes.
- The individual tubes in the multipack make it easy to see in advance how many portions you can take with you.
- Jumbo lists wheat and possible traces of milk and soya for Pringles Original 165 g. Check the allergen information on the exact pack you’re buying.
Portion packs on Joybuy
These packs are suited to back-to-school occasions when you want to take crisps with you or share them individually. With a mixed pack, you’ll need to pay extra attention to what’s in each item.
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Croky Sharing Mix 180 g
For sharing when you want to offer a selection of flavours. The pack states 180 g; check the current ingredients and allergen information for each flavour.
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Pringles Original Crisps 12 × 40 g
For anyone who wants to take or hand out individual tubes. This multipack contains 12 tubes of 40 g; if you have an allergy, check the information on the current pack.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box, 15 packs
For sharing when you want a selection of savoury snacks. Check which items are crisps and read the ingredients and allergen information for each one.
Frequently asked questions
When should I choose a large bag rather than individual portions?
A large bag works well when you can portion out the crisps yourself for one occasion; individual packs are more convenient if you need to take portions with you or hand them out at different times. Check how much you’ll need and whether a mixed pack contains crisps only.
Should I check the allergens in every flavour?
Yes. If you’re buying for someone with an allergy or intolerance, check the exact product variant. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says pre-packed products must show allergen information on the label; don’t rely on another flavour or a pack you bought previously.
What does the nutrition table tell me about a portion of crisps?
The table helps you check the energy, fat, saturates and salt in the product variant you’ve chosen. Compare values per 100 g to keep the amounts consistent, and also check the weight of the portion you’ll actually have.
How should I store an opened bag of crisps?
Seal the bag tightly after opening and follow the storage advice on the pack. Albert Heijn recommends storing its ready salted crisps in a cool, dry place away from light and resealing the pack tightly after opening.