People who snack on the go
Whether you’re going to work, school or on a day out, you can take a portion with you without having to decant crisps from a large, opened bag.
Who are individual snack packs useful for?
Households with different flavour preferences
When doing your weekly shop, you may want individual portions for several people. Don’t just check which flavours are in the box; also see how many packets there are of each one.
Shoppers who read labels carefully
If ingredients, allergens or nutritional values influence your choice, you need to be able to check the information for each flavour or type of snack. The front of a mixed box doesn’t always give you enough information.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide whether individual portions, a choice of flavours or a predictable supply matters most to you. Then compare the pack contents with what you’ll actually want to use during the week.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Portions to take with you | Check whether the packets are individually wrapped and how much each one weighs. | I want to be able to put a packet in my bag without opening a large pack. Around 42% of consumers prioritise individual portions. |
| Flavour selection | Check which flavours or types of snack are included and count how many packets there are of each. | We don’t all like the same flavours at home, so I want to know if there are enough of everyone’s favourite. This choice of flavours matters most to around 33% of consumers. |
| A predictable supply | Compare the number of packets and the total net weight. If you’re buying a multipack of one flavour, make sure people will actually eat it. | I want portions ready for the whole week without ending up with flavours no one chooses. Around 25% of consumers prioritise predictable contents. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all the snacks in a mix contain the same allergens
A box may combine crisps and other snacks with different ingredients. So the ingredients list for one variety won’t tell you enough about the rest.
If you have an allergy or intolerance, check the latest ingredient and allergen information for every item. Don’t choose a mixed pack if you can’t check the information you need for each one.
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Treating online ingredient information as definitive
Albert Heijn notes that ingredients and allergen information can change when products are updated. So a product page you looked at previously is no substitute for checking the label on the pack you receive.
If you have an allergy or intolerance, or follow a specific diet, check the label on the pack you receive before eating a packet.
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Using the same recycling rule for every crisp packet
A small packet and its outer packaging may be made from different materials. Waste service RD4 classifies foil-lined crisp packets as PMD, but the collection instructions that apply to you may depend on your local recycling guide.
Check your council or waste collector’s instructions for both the individual packets and the outer packaging.
Brands and product ranges to consider
Lay's
The Mega Box listed by Albert Heijn is an example of a mixed box: 20 packets across five types of snack.
- The listed quantities for each type of snack help you decide whether the mix suits your household’s flavour preferences.
- Each item in a mix may contain different ingredients and allergens, so check them individually.
Pringles
Pringles Original is also listed as a multipack of 12 tubes, each weighing 40 g, for anyone looking for one familiar flavour.
- The number of tubes and the weight of each one make the pack contents clear.
- This Pringles Original variety contains wheat. Check the label if allergens affect your choice.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists its own-brand multipack of 15 packets weighing 25 g each, in plain and paprika flavours.
- The two flavours and the weight per packet make it easy to plan how the pack will fit into your weekly shop.
- There are fewer flavours than in a box containing several types of snack. Remember to check the allergen information too.
Snack Day (Lidl)
Lidl lists plain, paprika, bolognese and cheese and onion among the crisp flavours in its Snack Day range.
- These flavours are a useful starting point if you’re looking for a familiar option for your weekly shop.
- Check the number of portions and the weight in grams for the specific pack before comparing it with a multipack of individual portions.
Mixed snack packs on Joybuy
These packs offer a mix of crisps or other snacks for several snacking occasions. Check each box to see whether the items are individually wrapped and whether the selection suits what you want to take with you or share at home.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box, 15 pieces
A mix to consider if you’re shopping for several snacking occasions. The pack lists 15 pieces; if it affects your choice, check whether they’re individually wrapped, how the flavours are divided and the weight of each piece.
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Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box, 20 pieces
This mix may suit a household that likes having a choice of different snacks. The title lists 20 pieces; before buying, check how they’re divided, whether each piece is individually wrapped, and the latest ingredient and allergen information for each item.
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Croky Sharing Mix, 180 g
Consider this mix if you’re looking for a pack of different flavours to share. The listed weight is 180 g; if you’re planning portions, check the number of individual packets, the flavour selection and the allergen information.
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Lay's Doritos Chill Box, 12 pieces
This mix is worth considering if you want to cater for different tastes at home. The title lists 12 pieces; check the pack to see how many there are of each variety and how much each one weighs.
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Lay's Family Box, 15 pieces
This box may be a good fit if you want to have snacks ready for several occasions. The title lists 15 pieces; check which types of snack are included, how many of each there are and whether they’re individually wrapped.
Frequently asked questions
Are individual crisp packets useful for snacking on the go?
Yes, if the pack contains individual packets that suit what you want to take with you. For example, Jumbo lists a multipack of 15 packets weighing 25 g each. For other mixed packs, check the number of packets and the weight of each one rather than assuming they all contain the same-sized portion.
How do I check for allergens in a mixed snack box?
Read the ingredient and allergen information for each item, not just the front of the box. The European Union sets out the requirements for listing ingredients and allergens on prepacked foods. If you have an allergy or intolerance, also check the label on the pack you receive.
How can I keep individual crisp packets handy throughout the week?
Follow the storage and best-before information on the pack, and put the packets away somewhere you can still refer to the label. If you’ve opened a resealable pack, close it as instructed on the packaging.
Can empty crisp packets go in PMD recycling?
Check your own council or waste collector’s recycling guide, and assess the packet and outer packaging separately. Waste service RD4 classifies foil-lined crisp packets as PMD; don’t assume that this guidance applies to every type of packaging or collection scheme.