Buyer catering for a large group
Wants to work out in advance how many crisps are needed and can divide the contents of larger bags between bowls or portions.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Person organising distribution
Wants to give attendees a sealed bag or a clearly measured portion, rather than having everyone take crisps from the same bowl.
Person managing product information
Needs to be able to check the ingredients and allergens in every variety served, especially when crisps are taken out of their packaging and put into bowls.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how many attendees will have crisps and how you’ll distribute them. Then choose the exact varieties and check the product information on each pack to see what you’ll need when serving them.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Check the net weight and decide how many portions you want to get from each pack. | When buying for a large group, I want to know in advance how many packs to have ready. Around 25% of consumers put the quantity needed first. |
| Serving portions individually | For a multipack, check how many bags it contains and the weight of each one. For large bags, decide how you’ll portion them. | I want every attendee to be able to take their own portion, without sharing a bowl. For around 25% of consumers, this way of serving is the main consideration. |
| Allergen information | Check the current label for each flavour and keep the information available if you serve the crisps loose. | If I’m offering bowls of different flavours, I need to be able to state which allergens each variety contains. For around 25% of consumers, this information is their top priority. |
| Nutritional information | Compare the nutritional values of the exact varieties per 100 g and per intended portion. | When offering several varieties, I want to be able to compare their nutritional values on the same basis. A further 25% of consumers prioritise this comparison. |
Common misconceptions
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Serving crisps in bowls without allergen information
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, information about any allergens present must be available where unwrapped food is offered.
Keep the information for every flavour you serve, and make sure attendees can consult it by the bowl, either in writing or electronically. Additional conditions apply to providing information verbally.
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Assuming a product claim applies to every variety
A claim on one product range does not automatically describe the ingredients or nutritional value of another flavour. Product information can also change.
Check the label of the exact flavour and pack you plan to serve, rather than relying on the brand name or information about another variety.
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Choosing individual bags without a serving plan
A multipack makes it possible to serve individual portions, but the number of bags and the weight of each one determine how many attendees it will serve.
Compare the number of portions you need with the pack sizes. Choose large bags only if you’ve also worked out how you’ll portion and present them.
Brands to consider
The brand name alone won’t tell you which variety suits your serving plan. Compare the packaging and current label of the product you actually choose.
Albert Heijn
The AH Chips Naturel own-brand variety is available in a 250 g bag, among other options.
- Albert Heijn states that this specific variety has a gluten-free recipe and is suitable for vegans.
- Ingredients and allergen information can change, so check the current label on the pack you’re serving.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers plain crisps and ridged plain crisps as own-brand varieties.
- The varieties mentioned come in different pack sizes: Jumbo Chips Naturel 250 g and Jumbo Ribbelchips Naturel 335 g.
- Check which variety is available and what the current pack says about its weight and ingredients.
Lay's
Lay's offers classic crisps, multipacks, ridged MAX varieties and Oven Baked varieties, among other options.
- Lay's describes its multipacks as small bags that can be handed out individually.
- A feature of one range won’t necessarily apply to another flavour or pack, so always compare the exact product.
Pringles
Pringles sells crisps in a tube; Original 165 g is one of the varieties mentioned.
- The tube is a distinctive pack format if you want to put crisps out on a table.
- Decide how you’ll distribute the contents and check the product information for your chosen flavour.
Snack Day
Snack Day is Lidl’s own-brand range, which includes plain crisps.
- Lidl lists a 250 g plain variety in its range.
- Lidl identifies this variety as an in-store product, so check your local range and the packaging before planning how to serve it.
Joybuy products for individual servings
These crisps and snack mixes are suited to handing out individual packs. For each mix, check the current packaging for the flavours, portion sizes and allergens.
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Croky Sharing Mix 180 g
A mix of crisps for serving a range of flavours. Check the current packaging to see how many individual portions you can make, and check the allergens in each flavour.
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Pringles Red Pepper, 12 × 40 g
The individual packs are well suited to serving one per attendee. Check the allergen information for this Red Pepper variety before serving.
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Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box, 20 pieces
An assortment box for anyone who wants to hand out a range of savoury snacks individually. Check the contents and allergen information for each type of snack in the box.
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Lay's Doritos Chill Box, 12 pieces
This box is suited to handing out a range of snacks individually. Check the weight and allergens of the current bags before planning how many portions you’ll need.
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Lay's Family Box, 15 pieces
An assortment box for handing out savoury snacks individually. Check which products and portion sizes are in the current box, and review their allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to provide allergen information if I serve crisps in bowls?
Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, information about any allergens present must be available where you offer unwrapped food. It can be provided in writing or electronically; conditions apply to giving the information verbally. For cereals containing gluten and nuts, you must name the specific cereal or nut.
What portion size can I use when planning?
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre uses 40 g as a serving of crisps in its table of average nutritional values. This is a reference for that table, not a required catering portion. Plan your servings based on the number of attendees, the programme and the other snacks on offer.
Are all plain crisps gluten-free?
No, don’t rely on the flavour name. Albert Heijn states that its specific AH Chips Naturel 250 g has a gluten-free recipe, but that tells you nothing about other products. Check the current packaging of every variety you serve.
Is an Oven Baked variety automatically suitable for everyone?
No. A product range doesn’t tell you which ingredients or allergens are in each flavour. Compare the nutritional information and ingredients on the exact pack, and decide whether the portion size suits your serving plan.