Organisers who want to hand out individual bags
If every guest gets their own pack, you can compare the number of bags directly with your guest list. For example, Albert Heijn lists boxes containing 20 and 30 individual portions.
Who are multipacks useful for?
Organisers of smaller parties
For a smaller group, you could also look at 12 or 15 individual portions. Jumbo lists a party bag with 15 x 25 g bags, while Albert Heijn lists a Pringles Paprika 12-pack with 40 g tubes.
Shoppers catering for allergies
The ingredients can vary between snacks in a mixed box. If you’re buying crisps for guests with allergies, check the latest allergen information for the box and each individual variety.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, count how many portions you want to hand out. Then compare the flavour selection and, if anyone has an allergy, check the label for each relevant snack.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Number of individual portions | Compare the number of bags or tubes with the number of guests and how you plan to hand them out. | If I want to give every guest their own bag, I need to know before the party whether the box is big enough. Around 42% of consumers prioritise having enough individual portions. |
| Flavours and allergens | Check which snacks are included in the mix, and read the ingredients and allergen information for each variety. | If guests want different flavours or someone has an allergy, I need to know what’s in each bag. For an estimated 33% of consumers, this is the most important consideration. |
| Simple mix and leftover portions | Check the flavour selection and the weight per portion if you’d like to save some bags for later. | For a smaller party, I don’t want a large variety box if a simple selection will do and I’ll have wrapped portions left over. This matters most to around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Comparing only the total weight
When handing out snacks, the number of individual packs determines how many guests you can give a portion to straight away. Albert Heijn and Jumbo list boxes or party bags containing 30, 20 and 15 items, among other options.
First count how many portions you need, then compare the contents of each bag or tube.
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Treating a whole variety box as one snack
A box with different potato crisps and savoury snacks can contain different ingredients and allergens in each variety. Checking one bag isn’t enough to know what’s in the rest of the mix.
If anyone has an allergy, check the latest label on the box and on each individual snack before handing them out.
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Overlooking portion size for later
Not all individually wrapped products contain the same amount: Jumbo lists 25 g bags in its party bag, while Albert Heijn lists 40 g tubes in its Pringles Paprika 12-pack.
If you’re saving portions for later, compare the contents and nutritional information for the specific product, both per 100 g and per portion.
Brands to consider
Lay's
Lay's offers small bags of crisps to hand out and also features in mixed party boxes.
- Albert Heijn lists a Celebration Box with 30 bags and a Mega Box with 20 bags.
- Flavours and allergens can vary between snacks in a variety box.
Pringles
The Albert Heijn Paprika 12-pack included in this research contains twelve individual 40 g tubes.
- The tubes are resealable, according to Albert Heijn.
- This Paprika variety contains wheat and milk and may contain soya; this doesn’t apply to other flavours.
Smiths
Lay's Nederland lists Smiths as a brand of savoury snacks such as Hamka's, Wokkels and Bugles.
- A familiar name if you’re looking for different types of savoury snacks in a variety box.
- A box of shaped snacks isn’t the same as a box containing only potato crisps, so check what’s included in each variety.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists a party bag of 15 x 25 g, with plain and paprika crisps.
- The selection is fixed: eight bags of plain crisps and seven of paprika.
- The product information lists milk as an allergen; check the latest label before handing them out.
Snack Day
Snack Day is Lidl’s snack brand, with crisps in a range of flavours if you’re looking for individual bags for a party table.
- Individual bags let you choose which flavours to put out.
- If you want to hand out individual portions, check which pack sizes are available in store.
Crisp multipacks at Joybuy
These boxes offer 12 to 30 individual portions for a birthday. Choose the quantity to suit your guest list, and if you’re buying a variety box, check the latest packaging if ingredients or allergens are important to you.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box Crisps 2 x 15-pack
For a party where you want to hand out 30 individual portions.
If anyone has an allergy, compare the labels of the different snacks in the mix.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box Crisps 15-pack
For a smaller gathering where you need 15 individual portions.
If any guests have allergies, check the latest ingredients for each snack variety.
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Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box 20-pack
For a group where you want to plan for 20 individual snacks and offer a variety.
Check the latest allergen information for each type before handing out the mix.
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Lay's Doritos Chill Box Crisps, 12 pieces
For a smaller party where you want to offer twelve portions and more than one type of snack.
If they affect your choice, check the weight per bag and the allergens on the latest packaging.
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Lay's Family Box, 15 pieces
For handing out when you need fifteen individual snacks.
Before buying, check which varieties are in the box, and check the weight and allergens for each one.
Frequently asked questions
How many crisp multipacks do I need for a birthday?
Divide the number of individual portions you need by the number of bags or tubes in each pack. For example, Albert Heijn lists boxes with 20 and 30 items, while Jumbo lists a party bag with 15; remember to allow an extra portion for any guests you’d like to offer one to.
Can I hand out a party mix if someone has a food allergy?
Only do so after checking the ingredients and allergens for the relevant snack varieties. The snacks in a mixed box can differ, so check both the latest outer packaging and the individual bags.
Are Pringles 12-packs handy if I want to save portions for later?
The Albert Heijn Pringles Paprika 12-pack contains twelve individual, resealable 40 g tubes. Check that this portion size suits the occasion: this Paprika variety contains wheat and milk and may contain soya.
Which ingredients information should I use when handing snacks out?
Use the latest packaging for the product you’re handing out. Albert Heijn notes that online product information can change; if you have a variety box, also read the information on the individual snacks.