If you want to take one bag with your lunch
You want to add a bag to your lunch without tipping crisps out of a large bag or having to reseal the rest. Check how many grams each bag contains.
Who are individual bags useful for?
If you like to switch flavours or share
You’re using the box for several lunches or sharing the bags with others. If it’s a variety pack, check how many bags you get of each flavour: weights, ingredients and allergens may vary between varieties.
If you want to compare the labels
You pay attention to things such as salt, fat or allergens, and don’t want to rely on the front of the box alone. Compare the nutritional information and ingredients for the exact flavour you’re taking with you.
What should you look for when choosing?
For a quick lunch at your desk, first decide whether you’re mainly looking for an individual portion, a choice of flavours or specific label information. Then compare the contents of the exact box.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Individual lunch portion | Check whether the bags are individually wrapped and how many grams each one contains. | When I’m short on time, I want to be able to take one bag without opening a large one. Around 45% of consumers give this portioning convenience top priority. |
| Flavour selection | Check the flavours and the number of bags of each; compare the weight too if the bags vary. | If I’m sharing the box or using it for several lunches, I want to be able to switch things up. For around 33% of consumers, variety matters most. |
| Nutritional information and allergens | Read the nutritional information per 100 g and, where provided, per portion; check the ingredients for each relevant variety. | I want to know what’s in the bag I’m having with lunch, especially if I need to watch out for certain ingredients or allergens. For around 22% of consumers, checking the label comes first. |
Common mistakes
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Thinking a bag of crisps is a complete lunch
An individual portion is convenient, but that doesn’t make crisps a complete meal. The Voedingscentrum highlights fat, saturated fat and salt as things to consider when choosing snacks.
If you like, take the bag alongside other parts of your lunch rather than making crisps the whole meal.
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Assuming all the bags in a variety pack are the same
Flavours and weights can vary within the same box. Ingredients and allergens may also differ between varieties.
Before buying, check the selection listed on the box and, if you have allergies, check the ingredients of every bag you plan to eat.
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Comparing only the number of bags
More bags doesn’t automatically mean more crisps for each lunch: the weight of each bag matters too.
Compare the number of bags, the weight per bag and the nutritional information for the exact variety.
Brands to consider
Lay's
According to Lay's Netherlands, its multipack range includes small bags in different flavours. Jumbo also lists boxes containing just one flavour.
- Jumbo lists a Party Mix with 15 bags of 27,5 g in three flavours.
- A box with one flavour and a variety pack don’t contain the same selection: compare the flavour mix and the weight per bag.
Pringles
Pringles is worth considering if you’re specifically looking for a portion pack of this style of crisps. Jumbo listed Original 12 x 40 g.
- That listing focuses on individual 40 g packs.
- Jumbo stated that Original 12 x 40 g was no longer available in its online range. The ingredients and nutritional values listed don’t necessarily apply to other flavours.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s own-brand sharing pack includes ready salted and paprika crisps.
- According to Jumbo, the box contains 15 bags: eight of ready salted crisps and seven of paprika crisps.
- If you want individual portions, look specifically for sharing bags; a standard large bag won’t do the same job.
Snack Day
Snack Day is Lidl’s own-brand range of crisps and snacks. Lidl also lists a crisps multipack.
- An option to look at if you’re shopping for sharing packs at Lidl.
- For the multipack you choose, check the current contents, the weight per bag and the ingredients on the product page or packaging.
Crisps multipacks for individual lunch portions
These Joybuy products are multipacks with individual portions for anyone who wants to take a bag to enjoy with lunch at their desk. The selection includes both variety packs and packs of a single flavour; check each product to see which contents suit the way you’ll use it.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box Chips, 2 x 15-pack
For anyone who wants to switch between bags or share them over several lunches. The pack is listed as 2 x 15-pack; check the weight per bag, ingredients and allergens for the flavours you choose.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box Chips, 15-pack
For anyone who wants to take or share a selection of individual bags. This variety is listed as a 15-pack; check the flavours and the ingredients of the bags you choose.
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Lay's Sensations Thai Sweet Chili, 10 x 40 g
For anyone who wants to take the same flavour as an individual lunch portion each time. This multipack contains ten 40 g bags; check the packaging for nutritional information per 100 g and per portion.
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Pringles Original Chips, 12 x 40 g
For anyone who wants to have a portion of Pringles Original with lunch. The multipack contains twelve 40 g packs; if you have allergies, check the ingredients for this variety.
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Pringles Texas BBQ Sauce Potato Chips, 12 x 40 g
For anyone who wants to take this familiar flavour in individual portions. The multipack contains twelve 40 g packs; check the packaging for the ingredients and nutritional information for your chosen variety.
Frequently asked questions
Can a bag of crisps replace my quick lunch at my desk?
It’s better to have crisps alongside your lunch than to treat them as a complete meal. The Voedingscentrum lists fat, saturated fat and salt as things to consider when choosing snacks, so think about what else you’re eating at lunchtime too.
How do I check for allergens in a mixed box of crisps?
Read the ingredients for the exact box and the individual varieties you plan to eat. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be listed in the ingredients on the label; don’t assume one ingredients list applies to every bag in a variety pack.
How should I store unopened bags of crisps at work?
Follow the instructions on the packaging. Usually, crisps should be kept somewhere dry and away from heat. Check the guidance for the exact variety rather than relying on storage advice for a different type of crisps.
Where should I put empty crisp packets?
Check your local council’s recycling instructions for the packaging you’re throwing away. According to the Afvalscheidingswijzer, empty plastic packaging with a metallic layer can go in PMD recycling, but councils may differ in how they collect or sort packaging.