Families who want to share snacks
Individual bags are easy to hand out at playdates or on days out. A variety box offers different flavours, but check how many bags of each type it contains.
Who are these multipacks for?
Shoppers who want identical bags to take along
If you like to prepare snacks in advance for lunchboxes or outings, you can choose one flavour and a single stated weight per bag. That way, you know exactly what you’re taking each time.
Shoppers who check for allergens
When a box contains a mix of snacks, the ingredients in each type matter. Check the ingredients and allergen information for the specific box and its individual bags before handing them out.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how many individual bags you need and whether one flavour will suit everyone. Then compare the amount in each bag, and if anyone has allergies, read the labels on the pack you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Enough individual bags | Count the individual bags and check the weight of each one. Albert Heijn lists 20 bags for the Lay's Mega box and 30 for the Celebration box. | If you want to hand out snacks at playdates or on days out, you’ll need to know whether there’s a bag for everyone. For around 36% of consumers, the number of individual bags comes first. |
| Flavours and allergens | Check which types of snacks are in the box and read the allergen information for each type on the current packaging. | If you’re buying for a group with different preferences or a relevant allergy, you’ll want to know what you can safely hand out. Around 29% of consumers give flavour and allergens the highest priority. |
| Identical portions to take along | Check that the flavour and weight are the same in every bag. Albert Heijn lists Pringles Original as 12 x 40 g. | If you prepare bags in advance for lunchboxes, you won’t want to choose between flavours or sizes each time. Identical portions to take along come first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Comparable contents | Compare the total weight as well as the number of bags you can use; a higher bag count doesn’t automatically mean more in each one. | If you’re choosing snacks to stock up for the holidays, you’ll want to know how much the box contains and how many individual portions it provides. This comparison matters most to around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Judging a variety box by its name alone
Different snacks in the same box may contain different allergens. For the Lay's Mega box, Albert Heijn lists some snack types that contain milk and soya.
Read the ingredients and allergens on the specific pack, and check which individual snacks you’re handing out.
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Comparing only the number of bags
A bag from a variety box may not contain as much as one from a single-flavour multipack. So the number of bags doesn’t tell you how large each portion is.
As well as the number of bags, compare the total weight and the stated weight per bag.
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Assuming an in-store listing means it’s always in stock
A multipack sold in store isn’t necessarily available every time you shop. Lidl listed a multipack of 15 bags as an in-store product.
Check availability shortly before buying, and read the ingredients on the pack in store.
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Planning crisps for every day of the holidays
A large box makes it easy to pack a bag often. The Voedingscentrum advises that children aged 4 to 12 should have no more than four eating or drinking occasions between meals each day.
Decide in advance when you’ll hand out crisps and what you’ll offer at other times.
Relevant brands and supermarket own brands
Lay's
Albert Heijn lists Lay's variety boxes with 20 and 30 bags; Jumbo also lists single-flavour multipacks of 20 x 40 g.
- Depending on the product, you can choose between a variety box and bags in one flavour.
- For a variety box, check the contents and allergens of every snack type included.
Pringles
Albert Heijn lists Pringles Original as a multipack of 12 x 40 g for anyone looking for the same flavour and bag size each time.
- The stated pack size makes it clear how many individual portions there are and how much each weighs.
- The Original variant lists wheat and cereals containing gluten, and may contain milk and soya; check the current label.
Smiths
Jumbo lists Smiths Sticks in individual 100 g packs. This is a different format from a box of individual bags for sharing.
- An individual pack is an option if you want to fill a snack bowl yourself.
- Jumbo lists milk and sulphites as allergens for Smiths Sticks Paprika.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn listed its own-brand Snackmix with twelve portions, as an example of a box containing different snacks.
- The number of portions helps you work out whether it’s the right size for sharing.
- Check the current range and the allergens in a specific mix before relying on it.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists Lay's multipacks as well as individual Smiths snacks, so you can compare different pack sizes.
- Product listings can help you compare quantities and weights.
- Check whether the pack size you’ve chosen is available when you’re ready to buy.
Lidl Snack Day
Lidl says Snack Day is its own snack brand. It also listed an in-store multipack of 15 bags.
- An in-store multipack could be a good fit if you’re looking for a smaller number of bags.
- Check the specific pack in store to see which snacks it contains, along with their weights and allergens.
Crisps multipacks at Joybuy
These multipacks contain individual bags for sharing or taking along. Choose between a variety of snacks and packs with one stated flavour; for a variety pack, check the contents of the individual bags too.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box, 2 x 15-pack
A variety of individual bags is a good choice when you’re sharing with a group who have different flavour preferences.
The product name lists a 2 x 15-pack. If anyone has allergies, check the labels on the snacks included, particularly for milk and possible gluten and soya.
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Lay's Sensations Thai Sweet Chili, 10 x 40 g
This multipack is handy when you want to prepare bags in the same flavour to take along.
The product name lists 10 x 40 g. If allergens are a concern, check the current packaging for wheat gluten and soya.
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Pringles Original, 12 x 40 g
The individual Original-flavour packs are a good choice if you want to take the same snack with you each time.
The product name lists 12 x 40 g. Check the label for wheat and gluten, and for the statement that the product may contain milk and soya. Supervise young children while they’re eating.
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Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box, 20-pack
This variety pack is designed for sharing a selection of individual snacks.
The product name lists 20 pieces. When sharing them out, check the weight per bag and the labels on all snack types for allergens, including milk and soya.
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Lay's Doritos Chill Box crisps multipack, 12 pieces
A box of different snacks is a good choice for a smaller gathering when you want to offer a choice of flavours.
The product name lists 12 pieces. Before buying, check the weight per bag and, if anyone has allergies, read the labels on the snacks included.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check for allergens in a box of different snacks?
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the specific box and on each type of snack it contains. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens in prepacked foods must be clearly listed in the ingredients; when you’re buying a variety pack, don’t rely on just the brand or box name.
Are crisps multipacks meant to be an everyday snack for children?
Don’t automatically plan crisps for every day of the holidays. The Voedingscentrum advises that children aged 4 to 12 should have no more than four eating or drinking occasions between meals each day, and suggests fruit and vegetables as snack options.
Does a higher number of bags mean there’s more in each one?
No, the number of bags alone doesn’t tell you how much each one contains. Compare the total weight and the weight per bag, especially when you’re comparing a variety box with a multipack of identical portions.
How should I store the individual bags until I need them?
Follow the storage instructions and best-before date on the packaging. Keep unopened bags in a cool, dry place and check that the packaging is intact before taking one along.