Households serving crisps in bowls
If you’re serving crisps alongside other nibbles, a large sharing bag in one flavour is a sensible choice. Think about how many crisps you actually want to put in the bowls.
Who does the packaging make a difference for?
Hosts who want to hand out individual portions
Individual bags make it easier to cater for different tastes at a get-together. A variety box offers a choice of flavours; a multipack with one flavour doesn’t.
Households comparing labels
If you’re checking nutritional values or catering for guests with allergies, compare each variety separately. Ingredients can vary between products, especially in a mixed box.
What should you consider when choosing?
Large sharing bag
Best for: a group sharing one flavour from bowls.
Consider: you’ll need to portion the crisps out yourself and store any leftovers after opening according to the instructions on the pack.
Variety box with individual bags
Best for: a get-together where guests can choose from different flavours or types of snack.
Consider: the different products may contain different ingredients and allergens.
Multipack in one flavour
Best for: anyone who wants to hand out individual portions without choosing a selection of flavours.
Consider: guests won’t be able to choose between flavours within the pack.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is it important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity for bowls | Net weight and the number of bags in the pack. | If I’m serving crisps in bowls alongside other nibbles, I want to choose a quantity that suits my group. For around 36% of consumers, quantity comes first. |
| Portions and flavours | Number of bags, grams per bag and number of different flavours. | If guests can help themselves, I want portions prepared in advance and, if possible, a choice of flavours. This matters most to around 29% of consumers. |
| Nutritional value | Salt, saturated fat and energy per 100 g for the variety you choose. | When comparing crisp varieties, I want to look at the nutritional information on the same basis. This is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Ingredients and allergens for each variety or product in a mix. | If a guest has a relevant allergy, I need to know what’s in each individual bag. This is the main concern for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming everything in a variety box is the same
A variety box may contain different types of snacks, so the ingredients list won’t necessarily be the same for every product.
If someone has a relevant allergy, read the information for each variety. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens are listed on the labels of pre-packed foods.
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Confusing pack size with nutritional value
The amount of crisps in a pack doesn’t tell you how much salt, saturated fat or energy it contains per 100 g.
Compare the nutritional tables for the specific varieties per 100 g, as the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends when comparing labels.
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Relying only on an online product image
Ingredients and nutritional information can change from one pack to another. Albert Heijn notes that allergen information may also change for its crisp selection pack.
Before serving, check the label on the pack you’ve actually chosen.
Brands to consider
Lay's
The Lay's ranges shown include both large sharing bags and packs of individual bags.
- Albert Heijn lists a Mega Box with 20 items, while Jumbo also offers sharing bags and multipacks.
- For a variety box, check the contents and ingredients of each product rather than relying on the box name alone.
Pringles
Pringles is an option if you’re looking for crisps in a tube or smaller individual packs.
- Jumbo lists regular 165 g tubes.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for your chosen variety separately; a tube and a multipack aren’t the same type of packaging.
Smiths
Smiths Sticks can add another flavour to your selection of savoury nibbles.
- Jumbo lists 100 g Sticks varieties in paprika and barbecue flavours.
- A 100 g bag won’t necessarily serve the same purpose as a large sharing bag or a box of individual portions.
Albert Heijn
The supermarket’s own brand offers a selection pack for anyone who wants to serve a range of snacks.
- The pack shown by Albert Heijn combines paprika ridged crisps, ready salted ridged crisps and sweet chilli tortilla chips.
- Check the current pack for the ingredients, nutritional values and allergens in each product.
Snack Day (Lidl)
Snack Day is Lidl’s snack brand, with a range of crisp flavours for a get-together.
- Lidl lists ready salted, paprika, bolognese and cheese and onion crisps among its range.
- Check the contents and label of each pack you choose; the brand name won’t tell you how the portions are divided.
Crisp packs at Joybuy
These packs show two ways to serve crisps and savoury snacks: multipacks in one flavour and varieties with individual portions. If you’d rather serve crisps from one large sharing bag, you can compare its quantity and pack format separately.
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Pringles Texas BBQ Sauce Potato Chips, 12 × 40 g
For anyone who wants to hand out individual portions in one flavour. The pack contains 12 portions of 40 g; if any guests have allergies, check the label for this variety.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box Chips, 2 × 15 zakjes
For a get-together where you’d like to offer a selection of snacks in individual bags. The title lists 2 packs of 15 bags; check the ingredients for each product in the mix.
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Lay's Sensations Thai Sweet Chili, 10 × 40 g
For anyone who wants to hand out individual portions in the same flavour. According to the product name, this multipack contains 10 bags of 40 g; check the nutritional information on the pack if you’re comparing varieties.
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Croky Sharing Mix, 180 g
For anyone who wants to serve a mix alongside other savoury nibbles. The stated total weight is 180 g; check the pack for portion sizes and the ingredients of the different flavours.
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Lay's Family Box, 15 stuks
For anyone who wants to offer a selection in small, individual bags. According to the product name, the box contains 15 items; check the pack to see which varieties are included and read their ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
When should I choose a large bag instead of individual bags?
Choose a large bag if you want to serve one flavour in bowls and portion it out yourself. Individual bags are better if guests can help themselves to separate portions. In either case, check the net weight and the amount per portion.
Does a variety box always offer more choice than a multipack?
A variety box with different flavours offers more choice than a multipack in one flavour, but check which products are actually included. The number of bags alone doesn’t tell you how many flavours are in the pack.
What should I check if a guest has an allergy?
Check the latest ingredients and allergen information for each variety you choose, including the individual products in a variety box. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly listed on the labels of pre-packed foods; don’t rely on a product photo alone.
How do I compare the nutritional value of different crisps?
Compare the nutritional information for each specific variety per 100 g, so different portion sizes don’t skew the comparison. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends comparing labels on this basis; then consider how much you want to serve.