Campers buying snacks for several evenings
If you’re sharing crisps with a group, the net weight and how to store an opened bag matter. Albert Heijn and Jumbo both list a 250 g plain variety.
Who is this relevant to?
Campers who want to portion snacks out in advance
For separate snacking occasions, you could look at smaller packs. Pringles lists Original in 40 g, 70 g and 165 g sizes; Jumbo lists Smiths Sticks Paprika in a 100 g pack.
Consumers who read labels carefully
If you have specific ingredient or allergen requirements, the information on the exact pack matters. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority stresses that information on labels for prepacked foods must be clearly legible.
What should you look for when choosing?
Work out how many people and snacking occasions you’re buying crisps for. Then choose a suitable pack size and check the flavour and label of the specific variety.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity for the group | Compare the net weight with the number of people and snacking occasions you’re buying for. | If I’m taking crisps for a group over several evenings, I want to be able to use the contents of the bag. Around 33% of consumers prioritise making the most of what they buy. |
| Pack size and storage | Check whether the portions are individually wrapped and how an opened pack should be stored. | For a single snacking occasion, I don’t want to open all the portions at once. Pack size is the main concern for around 27% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack of the variety you choose. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what’s in these particular crisps. Around 20% of consumers prioritise checking the label. |
| Flavour and shape | Choose between plain, a seasoned variety or a specific shape; check the ingredients in every case. | For a shared snacking occasion, I want to choose a flavour and shape that suit the group. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this choice. |
Common mistakes
-
Looking only at the size of the bag
A 250 g bag suits a different number of snacking occasions from individual 40 g packs. A larger size is of little use if some of it is left open.
Count the people and snacking occasions you’re buying for, then compare the net weight per pack.
-
Opening a sharing bag without a plan for the rest
Albert Heijn and Jumbo provide storage instructions for the plain crisps mentioned here. When you’re camping, you’ll also need a suitable place to keep what’s left after the first snacking occasion.
Read the storage instructions on your own bag and make sure you can seal it after use.
-
Assuming all plain crisps have the same ingredients
Ingredients and allergens vary by product and variety. For example, Jumbo lists milk and sulphites in Smiths Sticks Paprika; that information doesn’t apply to a different snack.
Check the ingredients and allergens on the specific pack every time you buy, even if you already know the brand.
Comparing brands and own-label products
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists AH Chips naturel as a 250 g own-label variety.
- For this variety, Albert Heijn lists potato, sunflower oil and salt as ingredients.
- The ingredients and dietary characteristics listed by Albert Heijn apply to this specific variety; check the current packaging.
Jumbo
Jumbo sells plain crisps and other crisp shapes as part of its own-label range.
- Jumbo Chips Naturel is listed as a 250 g bag containing potatoes, sunflower oil and salt.
- Ingredients, allergens and nutritional information may vary by variety.
Snack Day
Snack Day is Lidl’s own-label brand, with a range of crisps and snacks.
- Lidl lists Snack Day Naturel chips in a 250 g pack.
- Lidl describes this plain variety as available in store only.
Lay's
As well as Naturel, Lay's has ranges with other cooking methods, flavours and shapes.
- Lay's describes MAX as a range of ridged potato crisps.
- A feature of MAX or another range doesn’t automatically apply to Lay's Naturel; choose based on the specific variety.
Pringles
Pringles Original is a stackable snack in a tube.
- Pringles lists Original in 40 g, 70 g and 165 g sizes.
- The manufacturer recommends checking the ingredients and nutritional information on the pack, as recipes can change.
Smiths
Smiths Sticks Paprika is a potato and corn-based shaped snack; Jumbo lists it in a 100 g pack.
- The sticks offer a different shape and paprika flavour from plain crisps.
- Jumbo lists milk and sulphites for this specific variety. Check the label if allergens are important to your choice.
Crisps for different snacking occasions
These Joybuy products include sharing bags and multipacks for snacking at the campsite. When choosing, consider the weight per pack, your preferred flavour and the current label.
Image unavailable
Pringles Original Crisps, 3 × 165 g
Three tubes can be shared over several snacking occasions. If you have specific ingredient requirements, check the pack label.
Image unavailable
Lay's Oven Baked Natural, 150 g
A bag to share if you fancy this Oven Baked variety. Check the pack for ingredients and storage instructions after opening.
Image unavailable
Pringles Original Crisps, 12 × 40 g
The twelve 40 g packs are ideal for separate snacking occasions. If you have ingredient requirements, read the label on the pack you choose.
Image unavailable
Lay's Sensations Thai Sweet Chili, 10 × 40 g
Ten individual bags make it easy to portion out snacks in advance. Choose this variety if the group likes Thai Sweet Chili, and check the ingredients on the label.
Image unavailable
Epixs Wave Chips Paprika, 185 g
A bag to share if you’re after paprika flavour and ridged crisps. Check the label and storage instructions for after opening.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare crisps in packs of different weights?
Compare the net weight with the number of people and snacking occasions you’re buying crisps for. A sharing bag and individual small packs meet different needs, so also consider whether you can store an opened pack properly for later.
How do I store an opened bag of crisps at the campsite?
Seal the bag properly after use and follow the storage instructions on the pack. Albert Heijn advises storing its plain crisps in a cool, dry place; Jumbo advises keeping its plain variety cool and dry.
Are plain crisps automatically suitable if I need to avoid allergens?
No. The name ‘plain’ doesn’t guarantee anything about the ingredients or allergens. Read the information on the specific pack, and don’t assume it has the same ingredients as another flavour or a pack you bought previously.
What should I check on the label before taking crisps with me?
At the very least, check the ingredients, allergens, net weight, best-before date and any storage instructions. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority stresses that information on labels for prepacked foods must be clearly legible.