Choose individually wrapped portions if you’re planning to pack crisps as a lunchbox snack: a variety box offers different snacks, while a multipack of one variety gives you the same portion and flavour each time. Don’t rely on crisps as your main source of fuel just before or during a long, intense run. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends choosing suitable carbohydrates around this type of exercise and advises against foods high in fat just before exercise. For crisps, check the ingredients and nutritional information for each variety too.
You’re looking for something to pack in your lunchbox on training days, but want to keep that snack separate from what you eat and drink just before or during a long run. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights the importance of carbohydrates and when to eat them around endurance exercise.
You want to pack a sealed bag without having to scoop snacks out of a large bag each time. The Lay’s Mega Box and Celebration Box described by Albert Heijn contain individually wrapped snacks, but the contents vary between boxes.
With a variety box, you’ll want to know what’s in the bag you’re actually packing. The varieties in the Lay’s boxes described by Albert Heijn differ, so if allergies are a concern, check the information for the specific variety.
First decide when the crisps will be eaten, then choose between a selection of different bags and a multipack of one variety. Finally, read the label for the portion you’re taking with you.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Timing around your training | Check the nutritional information per portion and plan separately what you’ll eat and drink just before or during a long run. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against foods high in fat just before exercise. | When I’m planning a long run, I don’t want to confuse my lunchbox snack with food for the run. For around 46% of consumers, keeping snacks separate from training fuel is the main priority. |
| Portions and packaging | Compare the number of individual packs and the weight per portion; a variety box may contain different pack sizes. | I want to be able to pack one sealed portion in advance and know how much it contains. Portion planning is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Ingredients in each variety | For a variety box, read the label for the specific snack, especially for allergens, fat and salt. Don’t assume the whole box has the same ingredients. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, the bag in my lunchbox needs to be suitable. For around 18% of consumers, checking ingredients and nutritional information is their main concern. |
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, an average 40 g portion of crisps contains 20,9 g of carbohydrates as well as 13,1 g of fat. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against foods high in fat just before exercise.
Enjoy crisps as a planned snack outside your immediate training window. For a long run, make a separate plan for food and drink that’s suited to the effort.
The Lay’s variety boxes described by Albert Heijn contain different snacks. Ingredients and allergens may therefore vary between varieties.
Read the information on the bag you’re packing, especially if someone needs to avoid certain ingredients.
The number of packs doesn’t tell you how much is in each lunchbox portion. For example, Albert Heijn describes variety boxes with different bags, as well as a Pringles Original 12-pack with 40 g tubes.
Compare the weight of each individual portion too, and use the same portion weight when comparing nutritional information.
Ingredients and nutritional values may change if a product or recipe is updated.
Check the packaging of the product you buy before packing a bag, especially if allergens or a strict diet are a concern.
The Mega Box and Celebration Box described by Albert Heijn are examples of variety boxes containing individually wrapped snacks, including Lay’s and other snack brands.
The Original 12-pack described by Albert Heijn is an example of a multipack with twelve tubes of the same variety, each weighing 40 g.
Snack Day is Lidl Netherlands’ crisps and snacks brand; Lidl also lists a crisps multipack.
These products are intended for comparing crisps or mixed snacks as planned lunchbox portions, not as a substitute for food and drink during a long run. For variety boxes, check which varieties are included, and for every pack, check the actual portion size.
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For lunchboxes where you’d like to mix things up with different snacks. The product name lists a selection of Lay’s, Cheetos and Doritos, with 20 pieces; check the portion size and ingredients for each variety.
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A good choice if you want to pack the same variety of crisps and a 40 g portion each time. Compare the nutritional information on the pack per 100 g or per portion, and check the ingredients if allergens are a concern.
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For anyone looking to compare one flavour with a consistent amount in each lunchbox. This multipack lists twelve 40 g portions; check the label for this Texas BBQ Sauce variety for its ingredients and nutritional information.
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A selection to consider if you’re looking for variety in your lunchbox. The product name lists a 180 g pack; check how many individual portions it contains and what each portion includes.
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For anyone looking to share a box of different snacks between lunchboxes. The product name lists 15 pieces; check the packaging to see which varieties are included, and check the portion size and ingredients of each one.
Don’t rely on crisps as your usual source of carbohydrates for a long, intense run. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains the importance of easily absorbed carbohydrates during prolonged exercise and advises against foods high in fat just before exercise. So, make a separate plan for what you’ll eat and drink around your run.
A multipack can be handy for a planned lunchbox snack outside your immediate training window. The individual packs make it easier to portion snacks in advance, but they don’t replace planning your food and drink for a long run.
Yes. Check the information for the variety you want to pack, especially if allergens are a concern. The Lay’s variety boxes described by Albert Heijn contain different snacks; the name of the box alone won’t tell you what’s in each individual bag.
The packaging on the product you buy is the best way to check the specific portion and variety. Ingredients and nutritional values can change, so check the label again if allergens or a strict diet are important.
