If you want to take crisps with you for a snack later or divide them between lunchboxes, choose a multipack with individually wrapped bags and check the weight per bag, the mix of flavours and the allergens in each variety. Crisps aren’t a substitute for a quick breakfast: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre doesn’t include them in the Wheel of Five.
If you’re heading out in a hurry in the morning, individual bags are easy to pop into a bag or lunchbox. The number of bags tells you how many separate snack portions are in a pack; you’ll need something else for breakfast itself.
If several people are taking a bag with them, the number of packs isn’t the only thing that matters. Check which flavours and types of snacks are in the box, and check the allergens in each variety.
Compare the number of bags, the weight per bag and the total contents. A bigger box isn’t automatically a better fit if some flavours go uneaten or the bags aren’t the size you need.
First, decide whether the bags are for a snack alongside a quick breakfast or something to eat later. Then choose between a mixed box and one single flavour, and only then compare the contents of each pack.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Bags for when you’re out and about | Check the number of individually wrapped bags and the weight per bag. | If I want to pop a bag into my bag or a lunchbox for later, I want to know how many individual portions are in the box. For around 31% of consumers, this is the most important factor. |
| Breakfast or snack | Check the nutritional information per 100 g and per portion; decide separately what to take for breakfast. | On a hectic morning, I don’t want an easy-to-carry snack to replace my breakfast. Choosing breakfast comes first for around 25% of consumers; according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, crisps aren’t part of the Wheel of Five. |
| Flavours and allergens | Check the mix of flavours and snack types, and read the ingredients and allergen information for each variety. | If I’m giving bags to different people, the contents need to suit their preferences and any allergies. Around 25% of consumers put this combination first. |
| Contents for stocking up | Compare the total weight with the number of bags and their individual weight. | When I’m stocking up for several occasions, I want to avoid being left with mostly unwanted flavours or bags in an impractical size. Having the right amount in stock is the main concern for around 19% of consumers. |
A small bag is easy to take with you, but that doesn’t make crisps a suitable breakfast staple. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also excludes low-fat crisps from the Wheel of Five.
Take something separate for breakfast, such as wholemeal bread or yoghurt with wholegrain breakfast cereal and fruit, which the Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists as breakfast options. You could save crisps for a snack later.
A mixed box may contain both potato crisps and other snacks. This means the ingredients and allergens can vary from bag to bag, even within the same box.
Read the information for each variety before handing out the bags. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergens must be clearly listed on food labels.
The same number of bags doesn’t tell you how many crisps you’ll get or how large each bag is. For example, Jumbo lists an own-label sharing bag with 15 bags of 25 g, while Albert Heijn lists a Pringles Original multipack with 12 packs of 40 g.
Check the weight per bag and the total contents. For a mixed box, check which flavours are actually included.
Flavours nobody wants to take with them make a bigger stock less useful.
Lay's is available in mixed boxes of individual bags, designed for sharing or taking with you.
A good option if you want individual packs in one flavour rather than a mixed box.
AH own-label products are an example of a mixed snack pack with small portions.
As well as other crisps formats, Jumbo lists an own-label sharing pack.
Snack Day is Lidl’s own-label snack brand; Lidl also lists a multipack with 15 bags.
These products include multipacks in one flavour and mixed boxes of individual bags to take with you, share or put in a lunchbox. They’re intended as snacks; use the pack sizes and packaging information to choose the option that suits your plans.
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A good option if you want to take the same red pepper flavour with you for several snack breaks.
The multipack contains 12 packs of 40 g. If you’re buying the bags for other people, check the allergen information on the packaging.
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Ideal if you prefer individual packs in one flavour rather than choosing a mixed box.
The multipack contains 12 packs of 40 g. The product information lists wheat and gluten; check the label for possible traces of milk and soya, too.
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The individual bags are designed for sharing or for lunchboxes when you want to pack a selection of snacks.
The description lists paprika potato crisps, cheese-flavoured corn snacks and salted potato crisps. Check the flavour mix, the weight of the bags and the allergens in each variety on the packaging.
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A mixed box for sharing individual snacks between several lunchboxes or snack breaks.
The box contains 20 items and includes different types of snacks. Check how many bags of each flavour you’ll get and read the allergen information for each variety.
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The individual bags are handy for dividing a selection of snacks between lunchboxes.
The description lists 12 items and four types of crisps or snacks. Before handing them out, check the weight per bag and the ingredients and allergens in each variety.
No, don’t choose crisps as the basis for your breakfast. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre excludes both regular and low-fat crisps from the Wheel of Five, and lists options such as wholemeal bread, yoghurt with wholegrain breakfast cereal and fruit. You can save a small bag for a separate snack break.
Read the ingredients and allergen information for each individual variety, not just the front of the box. The product information for the mixed packs discussed here lists, among other things, milk, soya and cereals containing gluten; which allergens apply depends on the product.
No. For example, Jumbo lists a sharing bag with 15 bags of 25 g, while Albert Heijn lists a Pringles Original multipack with 12 packs of 40 g. Check the weight per bag in the pack you’re planning to buy.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging. For Pringles Original, the product information recommends storing it in a cool, dry place away from heat, sunlight and moisture. Seal any opened resealable pack securely.
Check the label on the pack you’re actually using, too. Albert Heijn warns that ingredients and allergen information may change when a product is updated; for a mixed box, check every variety.
