Parents who prepare lunch portions in advance
If you’re making several lunchboxes, you can set out individual packets without having to open a large bag each time. Compare how many packets are in the box and how many grams each one contains.
Who are individual packets practical for?
Families with different flavour preferences
A mixed box gives you a choice, but only if the flavours in it will actually be eaten. So don’t just check how many varieties there are; look at how many packets you get of each flavour, too.
Shoppers who check allergens for each variety
Ingredients and allergens can vary between packets in a mixed box. Before deciding which packets are suitable, read the information for each variety on the packaging.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, check whether crisps for an occasional lunch are allowed under the school’s rules. Then choose between a mix and a single flavour, and compare the individual packets rather than looking only at the box.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Individual portions | Compare the number of packets and the weight of each one. A higher packet count doesn’t tell you how large each portion is. | I want to be able to set out one packet for each of several lunch occasions, without portioning out crisps myself. For around 42% of consumers, this portion format would be the main reason to buy. |
| Flavour mix | For a mixed box, count how many packets there are of each flavour and compare this with the flavours people at home will eat. | If the children want different flavours, I want to avoid some of the box being left uneaten. For around 33% of consumers, a practical mix of flavours would be the priority. |
| Labels and school rules | Read the ingredients and allergen information for each variety on the packaging, and check the school’s rules for lunchboxes. | If an ingredient needs to be avoided, I want to be able to assess each type of packet individually. For around 25% of consumers, checking the label would be the first condition for buying. |
Common mistakes
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Looking only at the total number of packets
A large mixed box doesn’t necessarily contain the same number of packets of each flavour. Albert Heijn lists the Lay's Mega box as containing 20 packets, with a mix of different snack types.
Count the packets of each type before dividing the box between children or lunch occasions.
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Assuming every packet in a mix has the same label
Different types of snacks can contain different ingredients and allergens. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority points out that allergen information for pre-packed products is shown on the label.
Check the information for every variety on the physical packaging, even if you’ve bought the box before.
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Treating crisps as a regular part of a school lunch
For food and drink at primary school, Voedingscentrum recommends choosing foods from the Dutch Wheel of Five, including fruit, vegetables and wholegrain products.
Put together the everyday lunch separately, then decide whether a packet of crisps is suitable for an occasional treat.
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Relying on an old shop listing
Ingredients, allergens and the contents of a multipack can change. This means a product page you looked at previously may not match the packaging you buy.
Check the current product details when ordering and read the label again when your order arrives, especially if certain ingredients need to be avoided.
Brands and shops to explore
Lay's
Mixed boxes are an option if you want to portion out individual packets with different flavours. Albert Heijn lists a Mega box with 20 packets and a Chill box with 12.
- Individual packets make it easy to see how many portions are available.
- A mix may also contain other types of snacks, so check the flavours and allergens for each item.
Pringles
A multipack in a single flavour is easier to assess for flavour preference than a mixed box. Albert Heijn lists an Original 12-pack with 40 g packs.
- The number of packs and the weight of each one are listed for this Original 12-pack.
- Compare 40 g per pack with the portion you want to include, and read the label for the variety you choose.
Albert Heijn
The shop’s product listings can help you compare the number of packets, flavours and pack weights for specific multipacks.
- The Lay's boxes listed specify which types of snacks are in the mix.
- Always use the information on the packaging you receive to check ingredients and allergens.
Jumbo
A shop listing can help you assess the contents of a particular mix. The Lay's Family Mix listed contained 15 packets, divided between three types of snack.
- The breakdown by snack type makes it easier to see whether the mix includes the flavours you want.
- For a specific purchase, check the current packaging and shop listing; the Family Mix mentioned was no longer available online.
Snack Day (Lidl)
Snack Day is Lidl’s snack brand. Before choosing a particular product for lunchboxes, check its packaging format.
- The range includes different crisp flavours to compare based on preference.
- For the product you choose, check whether it contains individual packets, how many grams they hold and what the label says.
Multipacks and portion packs at Joybuy
These products contain individual portions, making them handy if you want to set out a packet in advance for an occasional lunch. Choose from mixed boxes and multipacks in a single flavour; compare the number of items, the stated weight and the label on the pack you choose.
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Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box, 20 items
A mixed box for anyone who wants to portion out packets for several occasional lunches.
The product name lists 20 items and includes Cheetos and Doritos as well as Lay's. Check the packaging for the quantities, weight and allergens for each type of snack.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box, 15 items
A mixed box for anyone who wants to set out individual packets and check in advance which flavours will be eaten.
The product name lists 15 items. Check the packaging for the number of packets of each type, and read the ingredients and allergen information for every variety.
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Lay's Sensations Thai Sweet Chili, 10 × 40 g
An option if you’d prefer a single flavour and a 40 g pack is the right size for what you want to include.
The product name lists ten 40 g packs. Check that the flavour suits the child, and read the ingredients and allergens on the label.
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Pringles Texas BBQ Sauce, 12 × 40 g
A multipack for anyone who’d prefer one flavour to a mixed box.
The product name lists twelve 40 g packs. Consider the weight of each pack and check the label before choosing these packets for a lunchbox.
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Lay's Doritos Chill Box, 12 items
A mixed box for anyone who wants to portion out twelve individual packets and is considering different flavours.
The product name lists 12 items. Check the packaging for the weight and number of packets per flavour, and read the label for each variety.
Frequently asked questions
Are crisps suitable as a regular addition to a daily school lunch?
Crisps aren’t an obvious regular addition if you want to base everyday school lunches on the Dutch Wheel of Five. Voedingscentrum recommends including foods such as vegetables, fruit and wholegrain products; consider a packet of crisps separately as an occasional extra.
How do I compare the size of packets in different multipacks?
Compare the weight of each individual packet, not just the number of items on the box. Albert Heijn lists 40 g packs in the Pringles Original 12-pack; for a mixed box, check whether the snack types differ in weight.
Should I check every variety in a mixed box for allergens?
Yes. For a mix, read the allergen information for each variety separately. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says this information is shown on the label of pre-packed products. Don’t rely only on the front of the box or a shop page you looked at earlier.
How should I store the packets before taking them to school?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging of the multipack you choose. Ideally, put an individual packet in the lunchbox unopened, so the product and allergen information remains available on the packaging.