Joybuy Insights

Buying snacks: how to choose the right nibbles for any occasion

If you want to buy snacks online, you’ll soon come across dozens of bags, jars and frozen packs. Some snacks are ready to serve, while others need to go in the oven, air fryer or deep-fat fryer. Portion size, allergens and storage temperature also make a difference. A few simple checks can help you avoid a disappointing purchase for drinks with friends, a film night, birthday or family get-together.

Common pitfalls when buying snacks

1. A large pack isn’t always better value

A 375-gram pack might look appealing, but first check whether the product is made up of cheese, oil, filling or several components. Where possible, compare the net quantity, number of pieces and nutritional information per 100 grams. For frozen snacks, the number of portions matters too: a bag with several varieties may be more practical than several small packs, but only if the flavours suit your guests.

2. “For any occasion” doesn’t necessarily mean ready to serve

Some snacks are ready to eat, such as cheese cubes or sweet liquorice. Other products need to be cooked. According to the product information, Mora Carrero can be cooked in a deep-fat fryer, oven, on a barbecue, in a pan or in an air fryer. Mora Mega Mix is intended for deep-fat frying. Always check the cooking method and temperature before you order.

3. Marketing claims tell you little about allergens

A product might be described as festive, lightly salted or artisan, but that doesn’t replace checking the ingredients list. Look out for milk, wheat, gluten, soya, egg, celery and possible traces. The information on the packaging takes precedence, as recipes and labels can change. If you have an allergy or intolerance, it’s a good idea to check the current product packaging.

Three checks when buying snacks for a get-together

1. Choose between ready-to-serve and cook-at-home

For a simple get-together, no-cook products are handy. According to the product description, GAZI cheese cubes with herbs or olives are ready to serve straight from the jar. A cheese dip can be served with nachos, crisps or vegetables.

For a hot platter, choose frozen snacks that suit your appliances. Check that your oven, air fryer or deep-fat fryer has enough capacity. For example, the instructions for Mora Carrero state that you can cook a maximum of two pieces at a time in an air fryer. That could mean extra cooking time if you’re catering for a larger group.

2. Think about the mix of flavours and textures

A good snack mix ideally includes a variety of textures: crunchy bites, soft fillings and something savoury that doesn’t need heating. For example, combine:

  • crisps and savoury snacks for casual nibbling;
  • cheese snacks or cheese cubes for a sharing platter;
  • hot snacks such as cheese straws, bitterballen or bami bites;
  • sweet liquorice to finish;
  • a dip for nachos with tortilla or potato snacks.

Keep an eye on salt and sugar per 100 grams, too. According to the product information, Chio Pombar Original contains 1.5 grams of salt per 100 grams and has a Nutri-Score of D. Real Mannekes Original contains 58 grams of sugar per 100 grams. These are verifiable details that can help you compare different products more fairly.

3. Check storage instructions and shelf life

Dry snacks should generally be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, seal the packaging properly to maintain quality. Frozen products must stay frozen until you’re ready to use them. Store defrosted products in the fridge according to the label, and don’t refreeze them.

Before ordering and serving, check the best-before date or other date on the packaging. Don’t use a product if its packaging is damaged. If you’re hosting a party, make room for chilled or frozen products so they aren’t left out of their recommended temperature range for too long.

Our recommendations for different needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Chio Pombar Original Sharing Pack - 130 g

Chio Pombar Original Sharing Pack - 130 g

Why it suits this need: The 130-gram pack is a handy size for a film night or a small bowl of crisps and savoury snacks. According to the description, the product is lightly salted and gluten-free.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly lists the quantity, nutritional values and allergens, so you don’t have to rely on the name or packaging alone.

Key benefit & highlights

130 grams, made in the Netherlands according to the product description, and free from the 14 main EU allergens.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
Twiggle Cheesesticks - 125 g

Twiggle Cheesesticks - 125 g

Why it suits this need: These baked puff pastry cheese straws are a lovely addition to a well-presented sharing platter and can be served straight away.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description specifically mentions Gruyère cheese, butter and how they’re made: baked using a Swiss recipe. Check the listed milk and gluten allergens.

Key benefit & highlights

125 grams, a crunchy texture and 9% cheese according to the ingredients information.

Suitable for: Specific occasions & frequent snackers
Mora Mega Mix - 962 g

Mora Mega Mix - 962 g

Why it suits this need: With 52 snacks in four varieties, this mix is ideal for larger get-togethers and parties where guests want to try a range of hot bites.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The contents are clearly specified: bitterballen, mini frikandellen, chicken bites and bami bites. That way, you know what variety you’re buying in advance.

Key benefit & highlights

962 grams, 52 pieces and four types of snacks. Suitable for deep-fat frying; keep frozen.

Suitable for: Fans of ready-to-serve cheese platters
GAZI Cubed Cheese with Olives 300 GR

GAZI Cubed Cheese with Olives 300 GR

Why it suits this need: According to the product description, these bite-sized cheese cubes with olives, herbs and peppers are ready to serve straight from the jar.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists the 300-gram quantity and identifies milk as an allergen. You won’t need any cooking equipment, and you can portion out what you need from the jar.

Key benefit & highlights

300 grams, ready to eat and suitable for sharing platters, salads and sandwiches according to the product information.

Combinations for different occasions

For a small film night, a bag of savoury snacks, a dip for nachos and something sweet, such as sweet liquorice, are often enough. For a birthday, you could pair a snack mix with cheese cubes and a product that’s ready to eat straight from the pack.

If you’d like a wider selection, mix and match hot and cold options. According to the product information, Topking Cheese Sticks Old Cheese are suitable for the oven and air fryer. Jimmy’s Nacho To Go Cheese is a 200-gram ready-to-eat cheese dip. Check the ingredients list and milk allergen information for both products before serving.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and current European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about buying snacks

Which snacks are handy for a party?

A mix of hot frozen snacks and ready-to-eat products is a practical choice. For example, choose a larger snack mix for a group and add cheese cubes, crisps and savoury snacks or a dip. Check in advance how many pieces or grams you’ll need per person.

How should I store snacks after ordering them online?

Store dry products in a cool, dry place and keep them sealed. Put frozen products back in the freezer as soon as possible. Always follow the temperature, shelf-life and cooking instructions on the current label.

What should I look for when choosing snacks for guests with allergies?

Check the allergen information for each product. Pay particular attention to milk, wheat, gluten, soya, egg and celery. If in doubt, don’t rely on the online description alone; check the packaging when your order arrives.