Buying international snacks online: how to choose crisps, sweets and treats without making the wrong choice

Buying international snacks online gives you access to flavours you won’t find in every Dutch supermarket. Think Asian snacks, Turkish sweets, Korean snacks, biscuits and chocolate from around the world. At the same time, comparing packaging, portions, allergens and shelf life can be tricky.

Pay particular attention to these common pitfalls:

• A large pack may look like good value, but contain small portions. A multipack can be handy for a party, while a single bag may offer better value if you simply want to try something.
• An eye-catching flavour doesn’t tell you everything. Product names such as honey butter, Mexican chilli or grilled pork give you an indication of the flavour, but you should also check the ingredients and nutritional information.
• Allergens and origin can sometimes be overlooked. Particularly with Asian snacks, Turkish sweets and imported biscuits, products may contain milk, soya, wheat, nuts or sesame.
• A long shelf life doesn’t guarantee that the product will arrive in good condition. Crisps and biscuits lose their crunch if the packaging is damaged or has been exposed to moisture.

What should you look for when buying international snacks online?

1. Compare weight, number of packs and portion size

Don’t just look at the total quantity, but also check the size of each individual bag. A box containing small bags is practical for eating on the go or sharing. A large bag may be more appealing when you’re serving the contents in a bowl at home.

Examples:

• A 300-gram bag of Lay's Paprika Crisps lists 10 portions.
• The Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box Multipack Chips 20 Pack contains 20 small packs, including paprika, ready salted and cheese flavours.
• The Look-O-Look Top Mix contains 10 small portion packs with liquorice laces and sour strips.

Where possible, compare the price per 100 grams. This prevents a colourful multipack from automatically seeming like the best-value option.

2. Check the ingredients and allergens

The ingredients list is more important than the front of the packaging. Pay attention to the order of the ingredients: the ingredients listed first are present in the largest quantities. You should also check the allergen information.

The selected products include, for example:

• Lay's paprika: according to the product information, none of the 14 main EU allergens.
• Haitai Honey Butter Chips: contains milk, wheat and soya; according to the product information, the product may also contain other allergens.
• Lotte Pepero Almond & Chocolate: contains wheat, milk, soya and almonds.
• ChaCha Assorted Nuts Mega Pack: contains various nuts, wheat, sesame and milk.

Do you have an allergy or intolerance? Use the online product information as an initial check, but always read the label when your order arrives. Recipes and packaging may change.

3. Check the shelf life, packaging and storage instructions

Crisps, sweets and biscuits usually have a best-before date on the packaging. Snacks should generally be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. Reseal opened bags securely.

When your order arrives, check:

1. That the packaging is not torn, swollen or badly dented.
2. That the shelf-life information is readable.
3. That the product matches the flavour ordered and the stated weight.
4. That the product still has the expected texture after opening.

With crisps, intact packaging is particularly important for maintaining their crunch. Pringles come in a resealable tube, while smaller bags are especially convenient for one-off consumption.

Popular choices for different snacking occasions

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Lay's Fun Mix Box Crisps 15 Pack

Why it suits this profile: The box combines small bags in paprika, ready salted and cheese flavours. This lets you try different crisps without immediately buying several large bags.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The quantity of 15 packs and the individual flavours are clearly stated. This makes it easier to assess the relationship between the packaging and its contents in advance.

Key benefit & highlights

15 small packs; suitable for taking with you and sharing; three savoury flavour profiles in one box.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality

Lotte Pepero Almond & Chocolate - 32 g

Why it suits this profile: This Korean snack combines biscuit, chocolate and almond in a compact format. The sticks are ideal with a coffee or as a small treat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 32-gram weight makes the portion easy to assess. The product information lists allergens including wheat, milk, soya and almonds.

Key benefit & highlights

Biscuit sticks with chocolate and almond; 32-gram pack; halal-certified according to the product information.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent snackers

Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box Multipack Crisps 20 Pack

Why it suits this profile: The 20 individual packs are ideal for parties, stocking up at home or serving larger groups. Several savoury flavours are available.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The contents are divided into small bags. This avoids the problem of one large opened bag being left for a long time and going soft.

Key benefit & highlights

20 portion packs; a combination of potato and corn crisps; flavours including paprika, ready salted and cheese.

Suitable for: Families and parties

Look-O-Look Top Mix - 10 pcs, 215 g

Why it suits this profile: The mix contains 10 small bags of sweet and sour sweets. This makes it easy to share at a birthday, film night or family gathering.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The portions are pre-divided, and the product information lists wheat and gluten as allergens. This makes it easier to assess how the product will be used and whether it is suitable.

Key benefit & highlights

10 portion packs; a combination of liquorice laces and sour strips; total weight of 215 grams.

Crisps, sweets or a mixed snack selection?

If you want to buy crisps online, you can choose familiar flavours such as Lay's paprika and Lay's Bolognese, or varieties with a different flavour profile. Pringles Hot Mexican Chili & Lime and Pringles Mexican Style Spicy Salsa are aimed at fans of spicy flavours. The product information for the first variety lists milk and wheat among the allergens.

When it comes to buying sweets online, there are various formats to choose from. Chupa Chups Fruit contains individually wrapped lollipops in fruit flavours including apple, raspberry, orange and cherry. Bebeto J Mix is an 80-gram bag of Turkish sweets. Amos Peelerz Mango has a layer that you can peel away before eating the fruity centre. When buying lollipops, check the warning for young children due to the risk of choking.

If you prefer combining biscuits and chocolate, Lotte Pepero, Van Delft Likkoekjes and Vanilla Lemon chocolate Flavor Cookies are possible choices. Pay particular attention to milk, soya, wheat and any nuts in these products.

Frequently asked questions

What’s useful if I want to order international snacks for a party?

Choose products with individual portions, such as a multipack of crisps, Look-O-Look Top Mix or individually wrapped lollipops. This means you won’t need to transfer as many snacks into serving bowls, and guests can help themselves to a portion. Combine savoury crisps with sweet snacks and check the allergens in advance.

How should I store crisps and sweets after buying them online?

Store the products in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. Reseal opened bags securely. Preferably keep crisps in their original packaging and don’t use products with damaged packaging without checking the contents and label first.

Are Asian snacks and Turkish sweets suitable for everyone?

That depends on the product. Always check the ingredients and allergens. Some products contain milk, wheat, soya, nuts or sesame. Product information and recipes may also vary between varieties. The information on the packaging supplied with your order takes precedence.