For busy mornings
You want something quick to take with you, but not as a substitute for breakfast. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends choosing breakfast foods from the Wheel of Five; crisps are not included.
Who is this choice relevant to?
For households sharing out individual bags
You want to know in advance how many packs there are and which types everyone is taking. Ingredients and allergens can vary between varieties in a selection box, so check each label separately.
For sharing a larger bag at home
You’d rather have one larger pack and portion it out yourself at home. Compare the total weight with the number and size of any individual bags, so you can choose a pack that suits how you’ll use it.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide what you’ll take for breakfast. Then choose whether you want to portion out crisps at home as an occasional extra, take individual bags with you or have a choice of different varieties.
Large sharing bag
Best for: sharing at home or setting some aside in advance.
The trade-off: you won’t have a separately sealed bag to take with you.
Individual bags
Best for: a sealed bag that’s ready to pop straight into your bag.
The trade-off: the weight of each bag varies between packs.
Variety box
Best for: households that genuinely want a choice of different flavours or types of snacks.
The trade-off: contents and allergens can vary between varieties.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast and crisps | Decide what you’ll take for breakfast and whether crisps are just an occasional extra. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, crisps are not part of the Wheel of Five. | When I’m in a rush, I don’t want a bag of crisps to end up replacing my whole breakfast without me realising. This breakfast consideration comes first for around 45% of consumers. |
| Taking them along and portion size | Check how many bags there are, the weight of each one and which varieties are included in a selection box. | A sealed bag is handy when I don’t want to portion anything out while I’m out and about; around 33% of consumers prioritise this convenience and a set portion size. |
| Sharing at home | Compare the total weight and decide whether you can portion out and finish a large bag at home. | At home, I can portion it out myself, and I want to know how much the pack contains for the household. This is the main consideration for around 22% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Treating a box of crisps as breakfast
A pack containing several bags makes crisps easy to take with you, but it doesn’t change their place in a meal. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a 40 g bowl of plain crisps contains 216 kcal, 13,4 g of fat and 0,45 g of salt; crisps are not part of the Wheel of Five.
Sort out a breakfast you can take with you first, such as wholemeal bread or yoghurt with fruit. Treat crisps as an occasional extra at most.
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Comparing only the number of bags
Two boxes with the same number of bags don’t necessarily contain the same amount of crisps. The contents can also vary between snack types in a selection box.
As well as the number of bags, check the weight of each one, the total weight and the varieties in the box.
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Assuming a variety box has just one ingredients list
Different flavours and snack types can contain different allergens. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be clearly identifiable on the label.
Check the nutritional information and allergen details for the specific variety you want to take with you, not just the front of the box.
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Assuming a familiar brand will have the pack size you need
A brand that sells standard bags won’t necessarily offer the size you want to take along or share. For example, Jumbo listed Smiths Sticks in 100 g bags.
Check each product to see whether it’s a sharing bag, individual bags or a variety box, and how much it contains.
Brands and retailers to consider
Lay's
Albert Heijn and Jumbo list Lay's in a range of pack sizes, including a 300 g bag of Naturel and individual bags.
- You can compare a large bag with individual bags by contents and when you plan to use them.
- For a variety box, check which snack types and flavours it contains; their ingredients may differ.
Pringles
Albert Heijn lists Pringles Original in a pack of 12 × 40 g.
- The number of packs and the weight of each one are specified for this Original format.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for the flavour you choose; the information for Original won’t necessarily apply to other varieties.
Smiths
Jumbo listed Smiths Sticks Barbecue and Paprika in 100 g bags.
- These are specific pack sizes to consider if you want to share a bag at home.
- Check separately whether the retailer also stocks the multipack size you’re looking for.
Albert Heijn
The retailer lists product information for items including Lay's packs and a 12-pack of Pringles Original.
- The quantities and weights shown can help you distinguish between pack sizes.
- When buying, compare the listing with the label on the variety you’ve chosen, especially for ingredients and allergens.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists individual bags, Lay's packs and Smiths Sticks, among other products.
- For individual bags, check the number of bags and the flavours listed.
- Check the current pack size and availability for each product at the retailer you’re buying from.
Lidl / Snack Day
Lidl Netherlands presents Snack Day as its own brand of crisps and other savoury snacks.
- A range of crisp flavours is listed, including plain and paprika.
- Check the pack to see whether your chosen flavour comes in a large bag or as individual bags.
Crisps packs for taking along or sharing
These Joybuy products include individual portion packs and boxes with several types of snacks, for the occasional trip or sharing alongside breakfast. For a variety box, check that the pack includes the individual bags and quantities you need.
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Lay's Sensations Thai Sweet Chili, 10 × 40 g
For anyone who wants to take an individual bag along with breakfast now and then. The product name states that the pack contains ten 40 g portions; if you have allergies, check the current label for this flavour.
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Pringles Texas BBQ Sauce, 12 × 40 g
For anyone who wants set portions ready to take along. The product name states that the pack contains twelve 40 g packs; check the ingredients and allergens on the label for this BBQ variety.
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Lay's Family Box, 15 stuks
A box to consider if your household wants a choice of different types of snacks. The product name states that it contains 15 pieces; check the contents and allergens for each variety before sharing out the bags.
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Croky Sharing Mix, 180 g
For anyone who wants to share a mix of crisps or portion it out for separate trips. The product name states a total weight of 180 g; check how the contents are divided between the bags and read the labels for the different flavours.
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Lay's, Cheetos en Doritos Mega Box, 20 stuks
For a household that wants a choice of different types of snacks. The product name states that it contains 20 pieces; check how many individually sealed bags are in the box, what they contain and which allergens apply to each variety.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take a bag of crisps with me as a quick breakfast?
Not as a replacement for breakfast. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, crisps are not part of the Wheel of Five. Sort out something for breakfast first, such as wholemeal bread or yoghurt with fruit, and treat crisps as an occasional extra at most.
When should I choose a large bag instead of individual bags?
A large bag is a good choice if you can share it at home or portion some out yourself. If you want a sealed pack that’s ready to take with you, look for individual bags and check the weight of each one.
Do I need to check every bag in a variety box for allergens?
Yes, check the allergen information for every variety that’s relevant to the person who’ll be eating it. Ingredients can vary between flavours and snack types; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly identifiable on the label.
Does a smaller bag or a light version make crisps suitable for breakfast?
No. A smaller pack or a light label doesn’t make crisps part of a Wheel of Five breakfast. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, neither regular nor light crisps are included; consider your breakfast as a whole, not just the wording on the crisp packet.