Anyone packing a lunchbox or bag
Individual bags are handy if you want to prepare an afternoon snack in advance without measuring out portions yourself. Lay's describes its small multipack bags as ideal for sharing and taking with you.
Who are crisp multipacks useful for?
Households with different flavour preferences
A variety box gives several people a choice of different snacks. For example, the Lay's Mega Box listed by Albert Heijn contains 20 items across five snack varieties. Check what's inside if someone is expecting a particular flavour.
Anyone comparing ingredients and nutritional values
For an afternoon snack, you can compare things such as salt, fat and nutritional values per portion for each variety. With a variety box, it’s also worth checking the ingredients and allergens for every snack included.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether everyone needs their own bag of a particular flavour, or whether variety matters more when sharing. Then compare the actual contents and the label on the pack you’re planning to buy.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Taking portions with you | Check the number of bags and the weight of each one; make sure they’ll fit in your lunchbox. | If I want to pack a bag for an afternoon snack, I don’t want to portion crisps out of a large pack first. Around 46% of consumers prioritise portable, pre-portioned snacks. |
| Variety for sharing | Check which snack varieties are in the box and how many bags there are of each. | When several people have different tastes, I want to have a choice without packing the same flavour for everyone. Around 36% of consumers prioritise flavour variety. |
| Label and nutritional values | Read the ingredients and allergens for each variety; compare nutritional values on the same basis, for example per 100 g or per portion. | Before taking a variety box with me, I want to know what each snack contains and which portion I’m comparing. For around 18% of consumers, checking the label comes first. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming a small bag tells you the nutritional value
An individual pack makes the portion size clear, but it doesn’t tell you by itself how much energy, fat or salt it contains. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a 40 g bowl of crisps contains an average of 215 kcal and 0,53 g of salt; values may vary for a specific flavour.
When comparing products, use the nutritional information for the variety you’ve chosen and check whether the values are given per 100 g or per portion.
-
Looking only at the front of a variety box
A box may contain crisps and other savoury snacks with different ingredients. Albert Heijn describes the Lay's Mega Box as containing five snack varieties, so one ingredients list or flavour name won’t tell you everything that’s inside.
Read the ingredients and highlighted allergens for every variety included. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be listed on the labels of pre-packed foods.
-
Assuming a product listing means it’s available
An online product page doesn’t guarantee that a multipack will be available with your order. Jumbo’s page for Pringles Original 12 x 40 g says that this pack is no longer part of its online range.
Check which pack is actually available just before you order, and choose another flavour or type of multipack if needed.
Brands to consider
Lay's
Both individual bags of crisps and variety boxes are worth considering for this snacking occasion.
- Lay's says its small bags are handy for sharing or as a snack. Jumbo also lists a Party Mix with 15 individual bags and three flavours.
- A variety box may include snacks other than crisps. Check the flavour, ingredients and allergens for each type.
Pringles
An option to consider if you’d prefer a small individual tube instead of a traditional bag of crisps.
- Pringles lists a 40 g size for Original, among other options.
- Jumbo’s page for Original 12 x 40 g says this multipack is no longer part of its online range. Check availability for the variety you want.
Snack Day
Lidl’s own brand, with a range of crisp flavours and other savoury snacks.
- Lidl’s range includes plain, paprika, bolognese and cheese and onion crisps.
- If you’re looking for bags for lunchboxes, check whether the specific pack contains individually wrapped portions and what size they are.
Joybuy products for different snacking occasions
This selection includes individual portions of crisps for a lunchbox or a snack on the go, as well as variety boxes for sharing. Check what’s inside a variety box; not every box contains only crisps or bags of the same weight.
No image available
Lay's Sensations Thai Sweet Chili, 10 x 40 g
For anyone who wants to take one flavour in individual bags for an afternoon snack.
According to the product name, the pack contains ten 40 g portions. Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack if they’re relevant to your choice.
No image available
Lay's Fun Mix Box Crisps, 15 pieces
For sharing, with individual bags and a choice of different snacks.
The product name lists 15 pieces. Check the box to see which snack varieties are included, and check their ingredients and allergens individually.
No image available
Pringles Hot & Spicy Crunchy Crisps, 12 x 40 g
For anyone looking for individual portions with a spicy flavour to take with them or share.
The product name lists twelve 40 g portions. Check that everyone likes the flavour, and read the nutritional values on the label before comparing it with another variety.
No image available
Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box, 20 pieces
For sharing an afternoon snack when you want a selection of savoury snacks.
The product name lists 20 pieces. Check how the different varieties are divided up in the box you’re buying, especially if everyone is expecting a particular snack, and read the ingredients and allergens for each variety.
No image available
Lay's Doritos Chill Box multipack
For anyone who wants to offer a variety of individually wrapped snacks when sharing an afternoon snack.
Before buying, check the number of bags and how the varieties are divided up in the box you’re purchasing. Also read the ingredients and allergens for each snack.
Frequently asked questions
Are individual bags of crisps more convenient for a lunchbox than a large bag?
Yes, if you want to take a pack with you without portioning it out yourself. Lay's says its small bags are handy for sharing; just check the weight per bag and the nutritional information for the flavour you’ve chosen.
How do I check for allergens in a mixed box of crisps?
Read the ingredients and highlighted allergens for every snack in the box you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be listed on labels for pre-packed foods. With a variety box, don’t rely on the front of the pack alone.
How do I compare the nutritional values of two multipacks?
First compare them on the same basis, for example per 100 g, then check the actual weight of each bag. Nutritional values can vary between flavours; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s average for crisps doesn’t replace the label for the variety you’ve chosen.
How should I store bags from a crisp multipack?
Follow the storage instructions and best-before date on the specific pack. Keep unopened bags in their original packaging and seal an opened bag well if you want to eat the rest later.