Families planning lunchboxes
If you’re preparing bags for several children or regular snack breaks, the number of individual packs and the amount in each one matter more than the size of the box alone.
Who are multipacks useful for?
Families with different flavour preferences
A mixed box could be a good fit if family members don’t all want the same crisps or snacks. Check how the different types are divided up: a high total number of bags doesn’t tell you how many there are of each person’s favourite.
Shoppers comparing contents and labels
When stocking up for a larger family, the total weight and the number of useful portions both matter. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises comparing product nutrition information per 100 g; if anyone has an allergy, check the label of every variety you choose.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether individual portions or a variety of flavours is more important for your family. Then compare the contents of each bag and the total amount. If you’re choosing a mix, check the labels on the different products.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Individual portions | Check how many bags are individually wrapped and how many grams each bag contains. | If I’m planning lunchboxes in advance, I want to be able to grab one bag at a time instead of serving crisps from a large bag. For around 36% of consumers, pre-portioned snacks are the priority. |
| Variety of flavours | Check which flavours or types of snack are in the box and how many of each you get. | When family members choose different flavours, I want to know whether the mix includes something everyone will enjoy. A variety of flavours is the main consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Useful stock-up supply | Compare the total weight with the number of bags and the snack breaks you have planned. | When stocking up for a larger family, I want enough bags without being left with types nobody chooses. Around 21% of consumers give useful stock-up supplies their highest priority. |
| Labels and allergens | Read the ingredients, allergen information and nutrition details for the exact varieties; compare nutritional values per 100 g. | If someone in the family has a food allergy, I need to be able to assess every product I choose using its current label. For around 14% of consumers, checking the label is their first priority when buying. |
Common mistakes
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Counting only the number of bags
A box with more bags may still have a different total weight or smaller individual portions. The mix of flavours also affects how many bags your family will actually use.
When comparing boxes, look at the number of bags, total weight, weight per bag and quantity of each flavour.
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Relying on the brand name when someone has an allergy
A mixed box may contain different products. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergens in food can have serious consequences for people with allergies.
Before eating, read the label on the exact pack. If it’s a mixed box, check each variety individually.
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Assuming a small bag is enough for a lunchbox
An individual bag makes portions easier to plan, but the pack size alone doesn’t tell you anything about its nutritional value or what else is in the lunchbox.
Check the nutrition information per 100 g and decide which snack break and portion size suit your plans.
Brands compared
Lay's
Worth considering if you’re choosing between a mixed sharing box and bags of one flavour. Albert Heijn lists a Lay's Celebration box with 30 bags, while Jumbo has a Lay's, Cheetos and Doritos multipack with 20 pieces.
- There are boxes with different quantities and contents to compare.
- Check the flavour mix and weight per bag for each box; you can’t tell these from the brand name.
Pringles
An option if one consistent flavour matters more than a mixed selection. Jumbo lists Pringles Original in a pack of 12 x 40 g.
- The pack details make both the quantity and weight per item clear.
- A multipack with one flavour doesn’t offer the variety of a mixed snack box.
Snack Day
Lidl describes Snack Day as its own brand of savoury snacks, including crisps.
- The range includes other types of crisps and snacks to explore while you’re shopping.
- Check any multipack individually for its packaging, contents and label; a broad range doesn’t tell you what’s in a specific box.
Joybuy products with a variety of flavours
These products suit anyone looking for a mix of flavours or types of snack. If you’re planning bags for lunchboxes, check whether the pieces in each box are individually wrapped and how much they weigh; you can’t assume this is the case for every product in a mixed multipack.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box, 2 x 15 pieces
A mix for combining several planned snack breaks with different preferences. Check which varieties are in the two packs and, if anyone has an allergy, read the labels on the exact products.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box, 15 pieces
A smaller mix to consider if you’re planning fewer snack breaks. Check the weight of each bag before using it as a lunchbox portion and, if anyone has an allergy, read the label.
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Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box, 20 pieces
For sharing when a variety of snacks is welcome. Before using them in lunchboxes, check how the 20 pieces are packaged. If anyone has an allergy, check the labels on the individual products.
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Croky Sharing Mix, 180 g
A mix for anyone planning a few snack breaks: the pack contains six bags. Check whether that’s enough and read the label if allergies are a concern.
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Lay's Doritos Chill Box, 2 x 12 pieces
A mix of flavours for planning several family snack breaks. Check the weight of each bag before dividing them into lunchbox portions; for ingredients and allergen information, read the latest label.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare two crisps multipacks with different numbers of bags?
Compare the total weight, the weight per bag and how many bags you get of each flavour. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises comparing product nutrition information per 100 g; also consider which portions your family will actually use.
Should I check every variety in a mixed box for allergens?
Yes. If someone has a food allergy, check the label of every variety they’re going to eat. Don’t rely solely on the brand name or information for another flavour.
Are small bags of crisps automatically suitable for every lunchbox?
No. A small bag makes portioning easier, but doesn’t tell you anything about its contents or nutritional value. Check the weight per bag and the nutrition information, then decide which snack break it’s right for.