Student with a lunchbox
You want to take an individually wrapped portion with you without having to divide up a large bag each time. Check how many items are in the box and whether the pack will fit in your bag or lunchbox.
Who are these packs suitable for?
The type of packaging matters most if you want to spread snacks across several study days, switch between flavours or check the label for each variety.
Student who likes variety
You don’t want the same flavour every time, or you share the box with others at home. Check which varieties are included and how many of each you get.
Label and quantity checker
You want to know how many portions a pack contains and check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information. With a mixed box, check each variety separately.
What should you consider when choosing?
Mixed sharing box
Choose this if: you want individual bags for several study days and plan to share the box with others.
Bear in mind: the flavour selection is fixed, and each variety may have different ingredients and allergens.
Single-flavour multipack
Choose this if: you want individual portions and already know which flavour you’re after.
Bear in mind: there’s less variety; also check whether you’re buying bags or tubes.
Large sharing bag
Choose this if: you mostly snack at home and don’t mind portioning out a bag yourself.
Bear in mind: there are no pre-portioned packs ready to put in your lunchbox.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Individual portions | The number of individual packs, the weight per item and whether they’re bags or tubes. | If I’m packing crisps in my lunchbox for several study days, I don’t want to divide up a large bag each time. For around 42% of consumers, individual portions are the main priority. |
| Flavour selection | Which flavours and snack types are in the box, and how many of each it contains. | If I’m sharing the snacks at home, I want to know in advance whether the mix suits everyone’s tastes. Around 25% of consumers choose a product primarily for its variety of flavours. |
| Quantity | The total weight and how many individual portions you actually want to use. | For my study days, I want a pack with a number of portions that suits my plans. For around 17% of consumers, quantity is the deciding factor. |
| Label for each variety | The ingredients, allergens and nutritional information, including salt per 100 g, on the packaging for each variety. | If ingredients or allergens are important to me, I also want to be able to check the other flavours in a mixed box. For around 16% of consumers, label information is the top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming every multipack contains the same portions
A mixed box of bags and a multipack of tubes differ in packaging, flavour selection and quantity per item. That matters if you want to put a portion in your lunchbox.
Check the number of items, the weight per item and the types of packaging before you choose.
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Checking just one label in a mixed box
Different varieties in the same box may contain different ingredients and allergens. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly listed on the labels of prepacked foods.
Check the information for each variety, and read the label on the pack you receive too.
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Assuming a retailer’s listing means the product is in stock
A product or range listing doesn’t necessarily mean the multipack will be available when you want to buy it.
Check the retailer’s current range shortly before buying.
Brands to consider
Compare the specific pack: the number of items, flavours and type of packaging can vary within the same brand.
Lay's
Albert Heijn describes its Mega Box as containing 20 items, while Jumbo describes a Family Box with 15 bags. Both are worth considering if you’re looking for individual portions and a choice of varieties.
- Individual packs make it easy to spread portions across several study days.
- Check the contents and ingredients for each variety; a mixed box doesn’t have one shared list of ingredients.
Pringles
Albert Heijn lists an Original 12-pack containing twelve 40 g tubes in one flavour.
- An option to consider if you want individual tubes and one familiar flavour.
- A tube is a different shape from a bag, so check it will fit in your lunchbox and read the label.
Jumbo huismerk
Jumbo lists a multipack of 15 x 25 g bags in paprika and ready salted flavours.
- Two listed flavours in individual bags.
- Before buying, read the ingredients, allergens and other information on the relevant packaging.
Snack Day
Snack Day is Lidl’s own brand. Lidl has listed a mix of 15 bags of crisps.
- A type of packaging to compare if you’re looking for a mixed selection of bags.
- Check the current range and the label on the pack you choose.
Crisps multipacks at Joybuy
These products offer individual portions for study days, with mixed boxes alongside single-flavour multipacks in bags or tubes. Choose the type of packaging you want to take with you, and check the information for each variety in mixed boxes.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box, 2 x 15 items
For anyone looking to spread a mixed box across several study days. The pack contains two sets of 15 items; check the box you receive to see which varieties are included, and read their labels.
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Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box, 20 items
For anyone who wants to take or share individual snacks in a range of varieties. The box contains 20 items; check the selection and the ingredients and allergens for each variety on the packaging.
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Pringles Hot & Spicy, 12 x 40 g
For anyone who wants individual portions in one spicy flavour rather than a mix. This multipack contains 12 x 40 g; check the type of packaging and the label if you plan to take them with you.
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Lay's Sensations Thai Sweet Chili, 10 x 40 g
For anyone who wants to take portions in one familiar flavour. The multipack contains 10 x 40 g; read the ingredients and allergens on the pack you receive.
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Pringles Original, 12 x 40 g
For anyone who wants one flavour in individual tubes. This pack contains 12 tubes of 40 g, not bags; check that they’ll fit in your lunchbox and read the label.
Frequently asked questions
Are small bags of crisps more convenient for a lunchbox than a large bag?
Yes, if you want to take a pre-packed portion with you without having to divide anything up yourself. A large bag may also suit study days at home, but it won’t give you individual lunchbox portions automatically.
Can I rely on one allergens list for a mixed box of crisps?
Check the information for each variety separately. Ingredients and allergens may differ from one snack to another, so read the labels on the pack you receive too.
Which information should I follow if an online description differs from the packaging?
Before eating the product, read the packaging of the item you actually bought. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that mandatory food information, including allergen information, should appear on the label.
How should I store a multipack during a longer study period?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging. Jumbo says to store the Lay's Cheetos Family Box in a cool, dry place; for opened packs, check the instructions for the specific product.
What should I look for when comparing the nutritional information on crisps?
Compare the same nutritional values on the same basis, such as salt per 100 g, and also check the quantity per pack. Nutritional information may vary between varieties in a mixed box.