Lunchbox and on-the-go shoppers
An individually sealed bag can go in a lunchbox or bag, without having to portion crisps from an opened large bag.
Who are multipacks useful for?
Shoppers buying snacks to share
If you’re buying for several people, you can choose between identical bags for everyone and a box with different flavours or types of snack.
Shoppers comparing portion sizes
The weight per bag shows how much you’re planning to serve. Nutritional information and allergens should still be checked separately for each product and flavour.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide how much crisps you want to set aside for each snack break, then choose whether a single flavour or a mixed box suits you better.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| A bag to take with you | Check the weight per bag and whether the bags are individually sealed. For example, Jumbo lists a sharing pack of 15 x 25 g. | When I pack something in a lunchbox, I want to set aside one portion in advance without opening a large bag; for around 36% of consumers, individual portions matter most. |
| Choice when sharing | Check which flavours or types of snack are in the box and how much each bag contains; weights can vary. | When sharing snacks, I want people to be able to choose from different options, even if the bags aren’t all the same size. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this variety. |
| Nutritional information per bag | Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and per serving for the exact flavour, including energy, saturated fat and salt. | When I’m planning a mid-morning snack, I want to know what’s in one bag and how the flavours differ; for around 21% of consumers, this is their first consideration. |
| Stock for several occasions | Compare the number of bags with the total weight and the weight per bag. A larger box doesn’t necessarily contain more of the same portion size. | When I’m shopping for several breaks at once, I want to estimate how many individual snack occasions the box will provide. Around 14% of consumers prioritise planning their stock this way. |
Common mistakes
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Comparing only the number of bags
Bags in a variety box may differ in weight. Albert Heijn lists Lay's Original as 20 bags of 40 g, while the Lay's Celebration box contains different types of snack.
As well as the number of bags, check the weight per bag and the total contents if you want to set aside a specific amount for each morning break.
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Assuming all flavours have the same ingredients
A variety box may contain potato crisps and other types of snack. So the information for one flavour won’t necessarily apply to the rest of the box.
Read the ingredients and allergen information for the specific bags you plan to eat or share. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains which allergens must be listed on labels.
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Assuming one bag is a recommended portion for everyone
An individual pack limits how much you set aside, but the weight and nutritional value depend on the product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 215 kcal and 0.53 g of salt for an average 40 g serving of crisps; the values for a specific flavour may differ.
Use the bag size to plan, and check the nutritional information for the exact product before comparing.
Brands compared
Lay's
For comparison, there’s a single-flavour multipack and a mixed snack box.
- Albert Heijn lists Lay's Original as 20 individual bags of 40 g.
- The Lay's Celebration box contains different types of snack; check the bag weight and ingredients for each type.
Pringles
An alternative for anyone comparing individual tubes with classic bags of crisps.
- Albert Heijn lists Pringles Original as a 12-pack of 12 x 40 g.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and packaging seal for the exact variety you choose.
Jumbo huismerk
A point of comparison for smaller sharing bags rather than a box of larger portions.
- Jumbo lists a sharing pack of paprika and original crisps at 15 x 25 g.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for each flavour on the pack you choose.
Snack Day (Lidl)
Lidl’s own brand to consider when comparing pack sizes in store.
- Lidl lists original and paprika crisps among the Snack Day range.
- Check the specific pack to see whether it’s a multipack and how much each bag contains.
Smiths
A brand to compare with multipacks only when you’ve chosen a specific multi-pack product.
- Jumbo lists Smiths Sticks Barbecue and Paprika as individual 100 g bags.
- A single 100 g bag isn’t the same size as a multipack of individual snack bags.
Crisps multipacks on Joybuy
These products include variety boxes for changing things up and multipacks with 40 g portions. When choosing for a lunchbox or morning break, compare the number of portions, the weight per portion and the information for the flavour you want.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box, 15 pieces
A variety box for putting out different snacks to share or to suit different tastes. Compare the contents of each bag and check the ingredients and allergens for the types you choose.
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Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box, 20 pieces
A box of different types of snack for anyone who wants to offer a choice when sharing. Don’t assume every type weighs the same; check the contents and allergens for each bag if this matters to the people you’re sharing with.
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Lay's Sensations Thai Sweet Chili, 10 x 40 g
A single-flavour multipack if you want to choose a 40 g portion for each snack break in advance. Consider whether that weight suits your plans, and read the ingredients and nutritional information for this flavour.
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Pringles Original, 12 x 40 g
An option with individual 40 g portions if you want to take Pringles Original with you or spread it across several occasions. Check the allergens on the pack and see how each portion is sealed if you want to store it after opening.
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Lay's Doritos Chill Box, 12 pieces
A variety box for anyone who wants to choose between different types of snack. Check the weight of the individual bags before comparing it with multipacks that have a fixed bag size, and read the allergen information for each type.
Frequently asked questions
Is a small bag of crisps automatically a recommended portion?
No. A small bag shows how much you’re setting aside, but the packaging isn’t a general nutritional recommendation. Compare the weight and nutritional information for the flavour you choose; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 215 kcal and 0.53 g of salt for an average 40 g serving of crisps, although product values may differ.
Should I check each type of bag in a variety box for allergens?
Yes, check the information for the types you plan to eat or share. Different flavours and types of snack in the same box may contain different ingredients; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens are listed on food labels.
Are two multipacks with 40 g bags otherwise comparable?
Not on weight alone. Lay's Original and Pringles Original are both available in multipacks with 40 g portions, but you’ll need the information for both exact varieties to compare ingredients, allergens and nutritional value.
How should I store bags for a later snack break?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you choose and check the best-before date. If you’re setting aside an individual bag in a lunchbox or cupboard, leave it sealed until snack time.