First, work out how many children need their own bag: a box with 20 to 30 portions is suitable for a larger group, while 15 bags may be enough for a smaller party or as an extra. Then choose between a single flavour and a mix. If you choose a mix, check the ingredients and allergens for each individual snack. It’s also worth checking in advance what the venue’s rules are for party treats.
If you want to hand them out without using bowls, the number of individual bags in the pack is the main thing to check. Then look at the amount in each bag, as portions aren’t the same size in every multipack.
A mixed box offers more choice than a pack with just one flavour. Check exactly which snacks it contains, though, as ingredients and allergens can vary between varieties.
Check in advance what the children can eat and what rules apply at their school, after-school club or party venue. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also advises taking account of products that children don’t eat because of an allergy or religious beliefs.
First, work out how many individual portions you need. Then think about flavour choice. If allergies or venue rules are a concern, make sure you know which products you can hand out before buying.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Individual portions | Compare the number of bags with the number of children, and check how much is in each bag. | If I want every child to have their own bag, the number of portions needs to suit the group. This is the most important factor when choosing for around 42% of consumers. |
| Flavour choice | Check which flavours and types of snacks are in the pack. A mix of potato crisps and corn snacks isn’t the same as a selection of crisp flavours. | If the children can choose for themselves, I want to know whether the contents suit their preferences. Around 33% of consumers put flavour choice first. |
| Allergens and rules | Ask about allergies and venue rules, and check the ingredients and allergens on the current packaging for each variety you choose. | If a child can’t eat something or the venue has rules about party treats, I need to check what’s allowed before handing them out. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
The same number of bags doesn’t automatically mean the portions are the same size. Albert Heijn lists snack bags in different weights for its Lay's Celebration Box; Jumbo also offers a party bag with 15 bags of 25 g each.
Compare both the number of bags and the weight of each one if you want to assess the portions fairly.
Snacks in a mix can contain different ingredients. This matters if a child has an allergy or intolerance.
Ask about allergies in advance and check the up-to-date information for each variety in the box.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, schools and other venues may have their own rules about party treats, and celebrations don’t always have to include food.
Check with the school, after-school club or party venue before choosing a multipack.
Albert Heijn points out that product information, including ingredients and allergen information, can change.
Use a product page to compare packs, but check the packaging you’ve actually bought before handing anything out.
Lay's has boxes of individual bags for anyone who wants to hand out portions and perhaps offer a selection of snacks.
Small tubes are an alternative to flat individual bags if they work better for handing out or taking away.
The supermarket’s own brand has a party pack with two flavours for anyone who wants to keep the choice simple.
Snack Day is Lidl’s snack brand. The multipack shown is worth considering if individual bags are all you need.
These Joybuy products are boxes of individual bags for a children’s party. Compare the number of portions with the size of your group, then choose the mix that offers the flavour choice you’re looking for.
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For a group where you want to have plenty of individual bags and a mix of snacks ready to hand out. The pack contains two sets of 15 bags. If allergies are a concern, check the ingredients for each snack.
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For handing out individual portions when a box of 20 suits the size of your group. The name includes Lay's, Cheetos and Doritos; check the ingredients and allergens for each snack before handing out the mix.
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For anyone who wants individual bags to hand out or take away, with a mix of Lay's and Doritos. The title lists two packs of 12 pieces; before buying, also compare the portion size and check the labels if allergies are a concern.
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For a smaller party or as an extra when 15 individual bags are enough. Check which snacks are in the box you choose and, if allergies are a concern, read the labels for each variety.
Start with the number of children you want to give their own bag to, then compare it with the number of individual portions in the box. Next, check the weight per bag and the flavours. The total pack weight won’t tell you how many bags you can hand out.
Yes, if you need to take an allergy or intolerance into account, as the snacks may contain different ingredients. According to Your Europe, allergens in prepacked food in the EU must be clearly highlighted in the ingredients list. Check the current packaging for the varieties you’re handing out.
Check the rules with the school or after-school club first. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that venues may have their own policy on party treats, and celebrations can also take place without treats.
You can pop an individual bag in a lunchbox without having to split up a larger pack first. Consider this separately from the party: check the portion size, ingredients and allergens, as well as any rules at the school or childcare setting.
