Commuters wanting one snack break
A small individual bag fits in a bag or lunchbox, so you don’t have to portion out a larger pack while you’re out. Albert Heijn and Jumbo, for example, list 40 g bags.
Who are small packs useful for?
Lunch packers who plan ahead
Individual bags from a multipack let you get snacks ready in advance for several working days or people. Check how much each bag contains, not just how many bags are in the box.
Snack shoppers who check the label
If ingredients, allergens or nutritional values are important to you, the label for the exact flavour and pack matters more than the size alone. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and per portion.
What should you look for when choosing?
Choose a pack size that suits your lunch break, then check the label on the option you plan to take with you.
Individual bag
Best for: one clearly defined snack break; Albert Heijn and Jumbo, for example, list 40 g bags of Lay's.
Consider: a soft bag offers less protection from being squashed in a full bag than a rigid tube.
Small Pringles tube
Best for: taking crisps in sturdy packaging that you can close again after opening. For Original, Pringles lists sizes including 40 g and 70 g.
Consider: the tube takes up more room than a flat bag; the pack size alone doesn’t tell you anything about its nutritional value.
Multipack of small bags
Best for: setting aside bags in advance for different lunch breaks or people.
Consider: the total number of bags doesn’t tell you how large each individual portion is.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this most important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Portion size | Check the net weight of each individual bag and, for a multipack, the number of bags. | If I only want crisps once during lunch, I’d rather take one clearly defined bag than a large pack. For around 36% of consumers, having a set portion is the top priority. |
| Taking it with you and resealing | Compare the space needed for a rigid tube with the convenience of a small bag; consider whether you want to close the pack again after opening. | In a full bag, I’d rather carry my crisps in sturdy packaging and perhaps finish them later. Around 29% of consumers put this practical convenience first. |
| Nutritional value | Compare energy, fat, saturates and salt per 100 g and per full pack. | When I have crisps alongside lunch, I want to know the nutritional values for the amount I’ve chosen. This comparison is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list, allergen information and any warnings on the pack for the exact product. | If I have an allergy or intolerance, I want to be able to check the current packaging before eating the crisps. For around 14% of consumers, checking the label matters most. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming a multipack is one lunch portion
A multipack contains bags for different occasions, so the total weight of the box tells you little about how much you’ll take with you on any one day.
Set aside one bag for each lunch and check its net weight.
-
Relying only on ‘oven baked’ or ‘light’
A claim about fat doesn’t tell you everything about a product’s nutritional value. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, both regular and light crisps are outside the Wheel of Five.
Compare the nutritional information for the exact products per 100 g and per pack, and treat crisps as a snack alongside lunch.
-
Treating online ingredient information as definitive
Recipes can change. This is especially important if you need to avoid certain ingredients because of an allergy or intolerance.
Before eating, check the ingredients, allergens and any warnings on the pack you actually have.
Brands and own-label options to compare
Lay's
Lay's has several crisp ranges, including regular crisps, ridged crisps and Oven Baked. Albert Heijn and Jumbo list small 40 g bags.
- An individual 40 g bag is a clearly defined size for one snack break.
- Nutritional information and allergens vary by flavour and product range, so compare the exact pack.
Pringles
Pringles packs its stacked crisps in a rigid tube. For Original, the manufacturer lists sizes including 40 g and 70 g.
- A small tube is an alternative if you want to take your crisps in sturdy packaging.
- Pringles says recipes may change, so check the information on the pack for your chosen product.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers products including AH Ridged Crisps and a range of sharing bags, as well as crisps from other brands.
- You can compare own-label and other brands by flavour and pack size.
- Check the label on the product you buy for ingredients, nutritional values and allergens.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists small bags and multipacks, including its own sharing bag of paprika and ready salted crisps.
- Individual bags are handy for setting aside in advance for several lunch breaks.
- For multipacks, compare the flavour mix and the contents of each bag, not just the number of bags.
Crisps and snack mixes for on the go at Joybuy
Below you’ll find a small tube, an individual bag and packs to divide between several snack breaks. The Mega Box contains corn snacks as well as potato crisps; for the other mixes, check the inner packs if you’re looking for a set portion size.
Image unavailable
Pringles Original, 12 × 40 g
For anyone who wants to take a small tube with them and keep the rest after opening. The pack contains 12 tubes of 40 g; if you have an allergy, check the label, including the information about wheat, milk and soya.
Image unavailable
Lay's Sensations Thai Sweet Chili, 40 g
An individual bag for one snack break on the go. The bag contains 40 g; don’t assume you can reseal it after opening, and check the label if you have an allergy.
Image unavailable
Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box, 20 pieces
For anyone who wants to spread snacks across several lunch breaks. This 20-piece mix contains potato crisps and corn snacks, so it isn’t suitable if you only want potato crisps; if you have an allergy, check the labels on the individual products.
Image unavailable
Croky Sharing Mix, 180 g
A mix to divide between several snack breaks. The total contents are 180 g; if you want to take a set amount with you, check the weight of each inner bag, and read the label if you have an allergy.
Image unavailable
Lay's Mama Mia's Paprika Cheese, 125 g
Consider this pack for several snack breaks only if the inner packs suit your plans. The total contents are 125 g; check whether the bags mentioned are individually sealed and how much each contains. Read the label if you have an allergy.
Frequently asked questions
Can a bag of crisps replace my lunch?
No, treat crisps as a snack alongside lunch, not as a replacement for it. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, both regular and light crisps are outside the Wheel of Five.
Which is easier to take with me: a bag or a Pringles tube?
An individual bag is more compact; a small Pringles tube is a better fit if you want sturdy packaging that you can close again after opening. Pringles lists 40 g and 70 g sizes for Original, so consider how much you want to take with you.
Where can I check the allergens in my crisps?
Read the allergen information on the pack for the exact flavour and size, especially if you have an allergy or intolerance. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the requirement for clear allergen information on labels. Recipes can change, so don’t rely solely on an earlier online description.
Do ‘oven baked’ or ‘light’ crisps make a suitable lunch?
No, that kind of claim doesn’t make crisps a substitute for lunch. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre places both regular and light crisps outside the Wheel of Five; compare the nutritional information on the exact packs when choosing.