Cyclists packing lunchbox portions
You want to pack individual bags in advance for work, school or a break on the go, without opening a large bag. Jumbo and Albert Heijn list multipacks with individual bags.
Who are crisps multipacks useful for?
Cyclists planning food for a long ride
You want to distinguish a savoury snack from the carbohydrates and drinks you’ve planned for your ride. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre discusses easily absorbed carbohydrates separately for endurance exercise.
Snack shoppers comparing labels
You want to know which ingredients and allergens are in the bag you’re taking with you. This is especially important with variety boxes containing different types of snacks.
What should you look for?
For a cycling lunchbox or a break on the go, it matters whether crisps are an extra snack, how much each bag contains and which varieties are in the box.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Food during your ride | Plan your drinks and source of carbohydrates separately. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends 30–60 g of easily absorbed carbohydrates per hour for endurance exercise lasting 1 to 2.5 hours; the nutritional values of crisps alone won’t tell you whether they fit into that plan. | On a longer ride, I don’t want to rely on a bag of crisps for food on the go. Around 42% of consumers put planning for their ride first. |
| Portion per bag | Compare the number of bags and the weight of each one, not just the total contents of the box. For example, Jumbo lists a sharing bag with 15 × 25 g bags. | If I’m putting a snack in my lunchbox before setting off, I want to know how much I’m taking; for around 33% of consumers, the individual portion is the main consideration. |
| Ingredients in each variety | For a variety box, read the ingredients and allergen information for the specific bag. The same box may contain potato crisps and corn snacks. | When I’m packing for different people, I need to be able to check what’s in each bag. Checking the label is the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Thinking crisps are a complete source of fuel for your ride
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 20.5 g of carbohydrates and 13.4 g of fat in an average 40 g portion of plain crisps. That’s not the same as a plan for drinks and easily absorbed carbohydrates during a longer endurance ride.
Plan separately what you’ll eat and drink during your ride; pack crisps if you’d also like a savoury snack for a break.
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Assuming every bag in a variety box is the same
A variety box may contain different types of potato crisps and corn snacks. Ingredients and allergens may therefore vary between varieties.
Check the label on the bag you’re actually packing, especially if an ingredient or allergen matters to someone.
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Choosing a large bag when you want pre-portioned snacks
With a large bag, you have to portion the crisps out yourself, whereas a multipack may contain individual bags. The number of bags and the weight per bag also vary between multipacks.
First decide how many crisps you want to take in each lunchbox, then compare the pack sizes.
Brands to consider
Lay's
A good option to consider if you’re choosing between bags of one type of crisps and a box containing different snacks. Albert Heijn lists a Lay's Mega Box with individual bags, among other options.
- There are packs with one consistent variety as well as mixed boxes.
- In a mixed box, the type of snack, ingredients and allergens may vary from bag to bag.
Pringles
Worth considering if you’re specifically looking for individual 40 g packs. The Original multipack described by Jumbo contains 12 packs of 40 g.
- For this Original variety, Jumbo lists one portion per 40 g pack.
- This variety contains wheat; check the label of your chosen variety before buying.
Jumbo
A good option if you’re comparing own-brand sharing bags with other portion sizes. Jumbo lists a Paprika & Plain sharing bag with 15 × 25 g bags.
- The number of bags and the weight per bag are listed for this sharing pack.
- Check the ingredients and nutritional information for each of the two flavours separately.
Crisps multipacks for your cycling lunchbox on Joybuy
These multipacks contain individual 40 g bags that you can pack in advance as a savoury snack. Compare the flavours and check the label for each variety; for a longer ride, plan your drinks and carbohydrates separately.
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Lay's Sensations Thai Sweet Chili, 10 × 40 g
For anyone who wants to pack individual bags of Thai Sweet Chili crisps. The multipack contains 10 bags of 40 g; check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging.
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Pringles Red Pepper, 12 × 40 g
For anyone who wants to take individual portions of Red Pepper crisps with them. This multipack contains 12 packs of 40 g; check the label for ingredients and allergens in this variety.
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Pringles Hot & Spicy, 12 × 40 g
For anyone who wants to portion out individual bags of Hot & Spicy crisps in advance. The multipack contains 12 portions of 40 g; check the nutritional information and allergens for your chosen variety.
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Pringles Original, 12 × 40 g
For anyone looking for individual portions of the Original variety. This multipack contains 12 packs of 40 g; read the label if ingredients or allergens are important to your choice.
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Pringles Texas BBQ Sauce, 12 × 40 g
For anyone who wants to pack individual portions of Texas BBQ Sauce crisps. The multipack contains 12 packs of 40 g; check the ingredients and allergens on the label before eating.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take crisps as food for a long bike ride?
Yes, as a savoury snack for a break, but don’t rely on them as your complete ride fuel. For endurance exercise lasting 1 to 2.5 hours, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends 30–60 g of easily absorbed carbohydrates per hour; so plan your food and drinks for the ride separately.
What bag size is best for a cycling lunchbox?
Choose the weight per bag based on the snack portion you want to pack. Jumbo lists a sharing bag with 15 × 25 g bags, while Albert Heijn lists a Lay's box with individual bags; compare the number and weight of the bags in each multipack.
Should I check every bag in a variety box for allergens?
Yes, check the information for the variety you’re taking. Mixed boxes may contain different types of snacks; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be listed on the label of prepacked food.
How should I store individual bags of crisps?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging of your chosen multipack. Keep the individual bags unopened until you want to take them with you or eat them.