People who like to snack on the go
An individual bag is handy if you want to take crisps to work or while studying, without opening a larger pack or measuring out a portion.
Who are small bags of crisps handy for?
Colleagues who want to share different flavours
Multipacks offer a choice of individual bags for a coffee break together. Check how many bags of each flavour are included before buying for a group.
People who compare labels
If you want to compare ingredients, allergens or nutritional values, check the exact flavour and portion size. In a mixed pack, the ingredients may differ between varieties.
What should you look for in crisps for your coffee break?
First, decide whether you mainly want to take a portion with you, share a range of flavours or compare the ingredients in the crisps. Then you can check the packaging and label with your priorities in mind.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| A portion to take on the go | The number of bags and the weight of each one. Small packs in the range shown by Jumbo include 22 g, 30 g and 40 g options. | If I’m taking just one bag for my break, I want to know in advance how much it contains. Around 46% of consumers prioritise a clearly defined portion. |
| Flavour choice when sharing | Which flavours are in the box and how many bags there are of each. | For a break with colleagues, I want to be able to choose without everyone having to pick the same flavour. For around 27% of consumers, having a choice is their main concern. |
| Nutritional information and ingredients | The nutritional values per 100 g and per portion, plus the ingredients and allergens for each variety. | Before I choose a bag, I want to know what’s in that particular flavour. This is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
Common mistakes when choosing crisp packs
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Looking only at the number of bags
A box with lots of bags doesn’t tell you how many crisps you’ll have for each coffee break.
Compare the number of bags, the weight per bag and the total contents before choosing a multipack.
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Assuming every flavour has the same ingredients
The varieties in a mix may contain different ingredients and allergens. This is especially important if someone needs to avoid a particular variety.
Check the information on each individual bag and keep the varieties identifiable when you take them out of the box.
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Assuming a small bag means lower nutritional values
A pack sets the portion size, but doesn’t in itself tell you about the nutritional values of the crisps per 100 g.
Check the nutritional information for the variety you’ve chosen, and bear in mind the weight of the bag when comparing values per portion.
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Judging the crisps by the front of the pack alone
A brand claim or product name doesn’t give you the full picture of the ingredients and nutritional information. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends checking the information on the back of the pack.
Check the ingredients list and nutritional information for the exact flavour, even if you recognise another variety from the same brand.
Brands to consider
Lay's
Lay's offers small bags and multipacks featuring different styles of crisps. The contents and ingredients depend on the pack you choose.
- The range described includes both individual portions and mixed packs.
- Check the flavour, contents and ingredients for each variety; features of one range don’t automatically apply to another.
Pringles
Pringles Original is available in 40 g, 70 g and 165 g packs on the Dutch brand website.
- The 40 g pack is a practical small size for a single snack break.
- A tube isn’t a sharing box with individual bags. According to Pringles, Original contains wheat flour and may contain milk and soya.
Smiths
Jumbo lists Smiths Sticks Barbecue and Sticks Paprika as snacks in 100 g bags.
- An alternative snack shape to consider alongside classic potato crisps.
- Check the pack size if you’re specifically looking for an individual small bag.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists its own sharing bags of paprika and plain crisps in a pack of 15 bags, each weighing 25 g.
- The stated number of bags and contents per bag make it easier to plan a break with several people.
- For a mixed pack, check the label for each flavour.
Snack Day
Snack Day is Lidl’s snack brand, with various crisp flavours in the range shown.
- A variety of flavours if you want to compare different types of crisps.
- Check the pack if you want individual small portions; a range of flavours doesn’t tell you the size of each variety.
Crisp packs on Joybuy
These packs are worth considering if you want to take crisps along or share them during a coffee break. Some multipack product names specify the number of portions; check the individual varieties for details of the ingredients in a mix.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box crisps, 2 × 15 pieces
For sharing bags from a mixed pack during a coffee break together. The pack is labelled 2 × 15 pieces; check the weight and ingredients of the individual varieties.
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Croky Sharing Mix, 180 g
For anyone who wants to serve up a mix during a shared break. The stated contents are 180 g; check the pack if the number of individual bags or the weight per bag matters to your choice.
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Pringles Original, 12 × 40 g
For several coffee breaks with the same flavour and a 40 g pack each time. The multipack contains twelve packs. According to Pringles, Original contains wheat flour and may contain milk and soya; if you have an allergy, check the label on the exact pack.
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Lay's Sensations Thai Sweet Chili, 10 × 40 g
For anyone who wants to take a bag of the same flavour along for several breaks. The multipack is labelled as ten 40 g bags; check the ingredients and allergens for this flavour on the pack.
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Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box, 20 pieces
For a shared break when you want to offer a selection from the snack ranges listed. The box is labelled as 20 pieces; check how many of each variety it contains and read the ingredients for each one.
Frequently asked questions
What size bag is handy for one coffee break?
An individual bag is practical if you don’t want to share or measure out a portion. Choose a weight that suits how much you want to take with you. Jumbo lists small bags of 22 g, 30 g and 40 g, among others, so check the contents of the exact pack.
Does a small bag tell you anything about the nutritional value of crisps?
No, the size mainly tells you how many crisps are in the pack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives the average values for 40 g of crisps as 215 kcal, 13,1 g of fat, 3,4 g of saturated fat and 0,53 g of salt. For a specific product, check its own nutritional information.
How do I check for allergens in a crisp mix?
Read the ingredients list and any warnings on each individual variety. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority outlines the requirement to list 14 allergens on food labels; don’t assume a single ingredients list applies to every flavour in a mixed pack.
What does a claim such as ‘lower in fat’ mean for crisps?
This kind of claim compares one specific characteristic, not the full nutritional information. According to Lay's own research, the Oven Baked range contains 50% less fat than regular potato crisps. For the flavour you choose, also compare the stated energy, salt, portion size and ingredients.