If you’re putting out a bowl for the group
If everyone is taking a break at the same time, you can serve one bag in a bowl instead of handing out individual bags. Check the net weight and allow for the number of people sharing.
Which pack works best for you?
If you’re catering for different tastes
A plain flavour can be an easy choice if you’re not sure what everyone likes. If you’d also like to offer a stronger flavour, check the ingredients of each option separately.
If you want to check portions and labels in advance
If you have questions about salt, nutrition or allergens, the exact pack matters more than the flavour name alone. Check the nutrition information per 100 g and per portion, and read the ingredients and allergen information before serving.
What should you consider when choosing?
Large sharing bag
Ideal for: a group who want to help themselves to crisps from a bowl at the same time.
Consider: after the break, you’ll need to seal any opened bag properly and store it according to the pack instructions.
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Ideal for: anyone who likes the stacked shape and passing individual crisps around.
Consider: Pringles lists a 165 g pack size for Original; compare this with the weight of the bag you’d otherwise choose.
Individual bags
Ideal for: a break where you want to set out a separate bag for everyone in advance.
Consider: you won’t be portioning the crisps out from one large bag, so compare the number of bags and the total weight. Lay’s describes its small multipack bags as handy for sharing.
| What to consider | Check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Enough for the group | Compare the net weight in grams and, if listed, the portions shown on the label. Jumbo Supermarkten lists ten 25 g portions for Jumbo Chips Naturel 250 g. | If several people are sharing, I don’t want to judge by the pack size alone. For around 44% of consumers, having enough for the group is the priority. |
| Flavour | Check the exact flavour and ingredients; consider a second flavour if people have different preferences. | If I don’t know what everyone likes, I want to avoid filling the whole bowl with one strong flavour. Around 33% of consumers pay most attention to flavour choice. |
| Nutrition information and allergens | Read the nutrition information per 100 g and per portion, as well as the ingredients and allergen information for your chosen option. | If I need to check what’s in the crisps first, I want to be able to check the right pack before serving them. For around 23% of consumers, label information is the most important consideration. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a large bag will be enough for any group
A portion listed on the label is a guide, not a prediction of how much each person will eat. For example, Jumbo Supermarkten lists ten 25 g portions for a 250 g bag.
Choose the net weight to suit the number of people and what else you’re serving. If you’re unsure, you could put out a second bag or another flavour.
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Assuming the nutrition information is the same for all crisps
Values can vary from product to product. Voedingscentrum provides figures for average crisps, while the nutrition information on the bag you buy applies to that specific variety.
Compare labels on the same basis, such as per 100 g, and check the listed portion too.
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Assuming plain crisps are suitable for everyone
The flavour name doesn’t tell you which allergens are listed on a particular pack. The Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit says allergens must be clearly shown on the labels of pre-packed foods.
Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the exact bag you’re serving, especially if someone has an allergy.
Brands to consider
Lay’s
Lay’s makes potato crisps and multipacks of small bags, giving you different ways to serve them.
- Lay’s says the small bags in its multipacks are handy for handing out individually.
- Check the net weight, ingredients and current nutrition information for your chosen flavour.
Pringles
Pringles sells crisps stacked in tubes, including Original and other flavours.
- A tube gives you a different way to serve and pass around crisps than a bag does.
- Pringles lists a 165 g pack size for Original, among other details; compare the net weight if you’re looking for enough crisps for the group.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists AH Chips naturel in a 250 g bag.
- The product information lists ten 25 g portions, which can help you assess the pack size.
- Check the current packaging for ingredients, allergens and nutrition information.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists 250 g bags of plain crisps and 335 g bags of ridged plain crisps.
- The different listed bag sizes let you choose a format for your coffee break.
- Compare the nutrition information and ingredients for each product separately; the bag size won’t tell you about these.
Snack Day
Snack Day is a Lidl crisps and snacks brand, with options including 250 g bags of ridged plain crisps.
- The listed plain variety is a specific pack size you can compare with other sharing bags.
- Lidl lists this variety as available in store only; check availability at the shop where you plan to buy it.
Crisps for sharing at Joybuy
These plain crisps are options to serve in a bowl during a coffee break with others. The 200 g bag contains less than the two 250 g bags shown; choose the quantity to suit your group.
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g’woon ridged plain crisps, 250 g
An option if you want to put out a 250 g bag of ridged plain crisps for the group.
Check the ingredients and allergens on the current packaging before serving.
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g’woon plain crisps, 250 g
A 250 g bag for anyone looking for a plain option to share.
If you have dietary or allergy concerns, read the information on the packaging for this variety.
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Croky plain potato crisps, 200 g
A plain option to share when a 200 g bag is the right size for your group.
This bag contains 50 g less than a 250 g bag. Check the current ingredients and allergens before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How big should a bag of crisps be for a coffee break with others?
It depends on how many people are sharing and what else you’re serving. For example, Jumbo Supermarkten lists ten 25 g portions for Jumbo Chips Naturel 250 g. Use the portion information to help assess the pack size, rather than treating it as a set amount per person.
When are individual bags more convenient than a large bag?
Individual bags are a better fit if you want to set out crisps for each person in advance or avoid sharing from one bowl. If everyone can help themselves from a bowl at the same time, a large bag is another practical option. Either way, compare the total weight.
How should you store crisps once the bag is open?
Follow the instructions on the packaging and seal any opened bag properly. Jumbo Supermarkten and Albert Heijn recommend storing the plain crisps they checked in a cool, dry place. Albert Heijn also advises resealing the packaging properly after use.
Should you check allergens in plain crisps too?
Yes. If someone has an allergy, check the current ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack. The Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit says allergens must be clearly shown on the labels of pre-packed foods; the word ‘plain’ is no substitute for checking.