Anyone who wants to hand out crisps straight away
At a picnic with several people, you can hand out individual bags without opening a large bag. Count how many people will get their own portion and whether you want to keep any bags for lunchboxes.
Who is a multipack useful for?
Groups with different flavour preferences
A variety pack could be a good choice if not everyone wants the same crisps. Check which flavours it contains and how many bags there are of each variety.
Anyone checking ingredients and nutritional information
If you’re buying for someone with an allergy or intolerance, read the label for every variety in a multipack. For comparing the nutritional values of similar products, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends using the values per 100 g.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start by working out how many portions you need. Then choose between a single flavour and a variety pack, and check the ingredients and nutritional information on the pack you’ve chosen.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of portions | Compare the number of individual bags and the weight of each bag with the number of people eating and any lunchboxes you’re packing. | If everyone gets their own bag, I want to bring enough sealed portions without having to divide them up on the spot. Around 36% of consumers prioritise the number of portions. |
| Flavour mix | Check which flavours are in the box and how many bags there are of each flavour. | If my group wants different flavours, I look for a variety pack whose contents match those preferences. For around 29% of consumers, flavour variety matters most. |
| Ingredients and nutritional information | Check the allergens for each variety on the current packaging; compare the nutritional values of similar crisps per 100 g. | If I’m buying for someone with an allergy, I need to be able to assess each snack variety individually. For around 21% of consumers, ingredients and nutritional information are the top priority. |
| Taking them along and storing them | Check that any portions you don’t use can stay sealed, and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. | If not everyone is eating at the same time, I want to avoid having all the crisps open during the picnic. Around 14% of consumers consider taking them along and storing them the most important factors. |
Common mistakes
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Looking only at the size of the box
The size of a box alone tells you little about the number of portions. The packs surveyed range from 12 tubes to boxes containing 15, 20 or 30 bags.
Compare the number of items and the weight per portion with the number of people you’re bringing crisps for.
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Treating the whole variety pack as one snack
The varieties in a mixed box may contain different ingredients and allergens. That means you can’t make one general assumption about the whole box if someone has an allergy or intolerance.
Check the ingredients and allergen information for every variety on the current packaging.
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Leaving an opened pack out
Opened crisps can lose their crunch. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises keeping opened crisps in a kitchen cupboard for 2–5 days.
Keep any bags you don’t need closed, and seal opened packs properly.
Comparing brands and supermarket own-label options
Lay's
Albert Heijn lists Lay's mixed boxes containing 20 and 30 individual snacks, including Cheetos and Doritos.
- The boxes listed combine several types of snack for a group.
- Check the ingredients of each variety: these mixed packs include milk, and may also list soya or gluten.
Pringles
Albert Heijn lists a Pringles Original multipack of 12 tubes weighing 40 g each.
- The individual tubes give each person their own pack.
- Check the current allergen information before choosing this Original variety for someone with an allergy or intolerance.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists a sharing multipack of 15 bags weighing 25 g each, split between plain and paprika flavours.
- The number of bags and the two flavours make it easy to see what’s in the pack before you buy.
- Jumbo lists milk as an allergen for this pack; check the current label.
Lidl
Lidl describes a multipack of 15 bags containing different types of crisps.
- The stated number of bags helps you plan individual portions.
- Check the packaging to see which flavours, ingredients and allergens are included in the bags.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists Lay's sharing bags and mixed boxes containing 20 and 30 items, among other options.
- The listed pack sizes offer different quantities to compare with the size of your group.
- Albert Heijn notes that product information can change; check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens.
Smiths
Smiths is a brand to bear in mind when comparing crisps and sticks.
- For a specific pack, check whether it contains individual portions and how many items are inside.
Crisps multipacks on Joybuy
These packs offer individual portions for a picnic or lunchboxes. Focus on comparing the number of items and deciding whether you want a variety pack or a single flavour.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box, 2 x 15 bags
A variety pack of individual bags to hand out to a group. Check the packaging for the flavour breakdown, and if anyone has an allergy, check the ingredients of every variety.
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Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box, 20 items
For a group wanting to bring individual portions of different snacks. Check how many bags there are of each variety, and if anyone has an allergy, read the current packaging.
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Takis Blue Heat corn chips, 18 x 100 g
A multipack of individual bags for anyone who wants to bring one flavour rather than a variety pack. Bear in mind that each bag contains a 100 g portion, and check the label if anyone has an allergy.
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Lay's Family Box, 15 items
A box of individual portions to share with a smaller group. Check the packaging for the weight of each bag and the ingredients of the different snacks.
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Lay's Sensations Thai Sweet Chili, 10 x 40 g
Ten individual portions of one flavour, for a group that doesn’t need a variety pack. Check the current ingredients and allergen information before handing them out.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of crisps should I take to a picnic?
Count how many people will get their own portion and whether you also want to keep some bags for lunchboxes. Then compare the number of items and the weight of each bag. The examples listed range from 12 tubes to boxes containing 15, 20 or 30 portions.
Can I bring a variety pack of crisps if someone has a food allergy?
Check each variety in the pack individually against the current packaging. Different snacks in the same box may have different ingredients and allergen information.
How do I compare the nutritional value of different crisps?
Compare similar products per 100 g so that different portion sizes don’t skew the comparison. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends using this basis when reading nutritional information; focus on the values that matter for your choice.
How should I store crisps left over after the picnic?
Keep unopened bags sealed and close any opened pack properly. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises keeping opened crisps in a kitchen cupboard for 2–5 days; also follow the instructions on the packaging.