Group picnic organisers
If you want to hand out one bag per person in advance, compare the number of bags with the number of people eating. A mixed box is especially useful when not everyone wants the same flavour.
Who is a multipack useful for?
People who prefer a particular flavour
If the group has agreed on a single flavour, a multipack of identical portions makes it clear what everyone will get. For example, Albert Heijn lists Pringles Original in a pack of 12 tubes, each weighing 40 g.
People checking labels for the group
If ingredients or allergens matter to anyone, you’ll need to check each snack in a mixed box individually. Ingredients may vary between varieties, so check the current labels before handing them out.
What should you consider when choosing?
Mixed sharing box
Best for: a group that wants different flavours and individual bags to hand out in advance.
Consider: ingredients and allergens may vary between the different snacks.
Single-flavour multipack
Best for: people who want to choose a familiar flavour together and take individual portions with them.
Consider: there’s less choice for anyone in the group who prefers a different flavour.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Portions and flavours for the group | Count the individual bags and check which flavours are actually in the box. | When I’m packing for several people, I want enough bags without making everyone have the same flavour. Around 45% of consumers would prioritise sharing out different portions and flavours. |
| Portability and portion size | Compare the weight of each bag and choose a pack you can take along as individual portions. | When I’m out and about, I want to take a familiar flavour without opening a large bag, but each small bag still needs to be the right size. Around 33% of consumers would see this as their main consideration. |
| Ingredients and nutritional information | Check the allergens for each variety and compare the nutritional values of the products you’ve chosen per 100 g and per portion. | When I’m sharing crisps with others, I want to be able to check what’s in each bag first. This would be the top priority for around 22% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all the bags in a mixed box have the same ingredients
A mixed box may contain different types of snacks, which means ingredients and allergens can vary between varieties.
Read the label for every variety you plan to share, especially if someone in the group has an allergy or intolerance.
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Comparing only the number of bags
Two multipacks with the same number of bags may not contain the same portion size. The number of bags alone won’t tell you how many crisps you’ll have for each person.
Check the weight of each bag and the total weight before choosing a box for the group.
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Assuming portion packs have different nutritional values
Individual bags make it easier to share, but they don’t change the nutritional value of the crisps themselves.
For the exact flavour, compare the nutritional information on the packaging, both per 100 g and per portion.
Brands to consider
Lay's
Albert Heijn lists mixed Lay's boxes with 20 or 30 individual snacks, including Cheetos and Doritos varieties.
- A range of flavours can suit a group with different preferences.
- The contents vary from box to box, so check the ingredients and allergens for each variety.
Pringles
Albert Heijn lists Pringles Original as a multipack of 12 individual resealable tubes, each weighing 40 g.
- The same flavour in individual tubes makes it easy to share out in advance.
- According to the product information for Pringles Original, this variety contains wheat and gluten and may contain milk and soya. Check the current label.
Smiths
Jumbo lists Smiths Sticks in 100 g bags, including Barbecue and Paprika flavours.
- Worth considering if Smiths Sticks are the preferred choice.
- A large bag needs to be shared out differently from individually packed picnic portions.
Snack Day
Snack Day is a snack brand from Lidl. Lidl also lists a 15-bag crisps multipack sold in store.
- A pack of 15 bags could suit anyone doing their picnic shop in store.
- Check the pack you choose to see which flavours and ingredients the bags contain.
Multipacks and sharing boxes on Joybuy
These products offer individual portions for a picnic in the park: some contain one flavour, while others are mixed. Before choosing for a group, compare the number of bags, portion size and labels.
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Pringles Original 12 x 40 g
For a group that wants to take the same familiar flavour in individual portions.
The pack contains 12 tubes of 40 g. Pringles Original contains wheat and gluten and may contain milk and soya; check the current label if allergens are a concern.
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Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box, 20 pieces
For a group that wants to share out a selection of individual snacks.
The box contains 20 pieces. Check which varieties are included and look at the ingredients and allergens for each snack before sharing out the bags.
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Takis Blue Heat Corn Chips, 100 g x 18
For people who choose Blue Heat and want to take individual 100 g bags with them.
The multipack contains 18 bags. Check that 100 g per bag suits the portions you want to share, and read the current label if anyone has allergies.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box, 15 pieces
For a picnic group that wants to share out a mix of individual bags.
The box contains 15 pieces. Compare the weight of each bag and read the ingredients and allergens for the varieties on the packaging.
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Lay's Doritos Chill Box, 12 pieces
For anyone who wants to take a selection of bags along and needs 12 portions.
Check the packaging for the weight of each bag and the ingredients and allergens for every variety.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of crisps should I take to a picnic?
Take at least one individual bag for each person who wants crisps if everyone needs their own portion. Check the weight of each bag too: the same number of bags doesn’t necessarily mean the portions are the same size.
Should I check the allergens in every bag in a mixed box?
Yes. Check each variety that people might get individually. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergens in prepacked foods must be listed in the ingredients on the label. Don’t assume all the snacks in a box have the same ingredients.
Do unopened crisps need to go in a cool bag?
Unopened crisps don’t need to be kept chilled; follow the storage instructions on the packaging. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends using a cool bag for picnic foods that need to stay chilled.