Picnic organisers who want to hand out snacks in advance
If you know how many people are coming, you can pack a sealed bag for each person instead of sharing one opened bag. Lay's Netherlands describes its small bags as handy for handing out.
Who are individual bags useful for?
Groups with different flavour preferences
A mix gives everyone a choice without you having to bring a separate large bag for each flavour. Check how many bags of each flavour or snack type are in the box.
Shoppers comparing packaging and labels
You’ll want to know how many bags you’re taking and which ingredients and allergens are in the mix you’ve chosen. To compare nutritional values, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends looking at the figures per 100 g; serving sizes can vary between manufacturers.
What should you look for in picnic crisps?
First, count how many people are coming and decide whether everyone will get a bag. Then check the flavour mix and the label on the pack you’re planning to take.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| An individual portion | Count the individual bags and check how many grams each one contains. | I want to be able to give everyone in the park a sealed bag, rather than passing round a sharing bag. Around 36% of shoppers prioritise individual portions. |
| Flavour variety | Check which flavours or snack types are included and how many bags of each you’ll get. | If the group has different tastes, I don’t want to end up with mostly bags of one flavour. Around 29% of shoppers say variety matters most. |
| Label information | Read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact mix; compare the nutritional values per 100 g. | If someone in the group has an allergy or I want to compare nutritional values, the label takes priority over choosing a flavour. This is the top priority for around 21% of shoppers. |
| The right quantity | Compare the number of bags with the size of your group and decide whether you want any spare bags. | For a small group, I don’t want to bring many more bags than we’ll use; for a larger group, there needs to be one for everyone. Around 14% of shoppers prioritise getting the right quantity. |
Pitfalls to avoid when choosing
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Handing out a flavour mix without checking the labels
Different snacks in one box may contain different ingredients. Jumbo lists milk in Lay's Party Mix and warns that it may also contain, among other things, cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat.
If anyone has an allergy, check the current ingredients list and allergen information on the exact pack and the individual bags in question before handing them out.
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Comparing nutritional values per serving directly
Serving sizes vary between products. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the nutritional values per 100 g provide a fair basis for comparison.
For example, compare salt and saturated fat per 100 g, then check the contents of each individual bag separately to work out how much you’ll be taking.
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Choosing a box without counting the group
A box of 15 bags and a box of 30 bags suit different group sizes and different needs for spare bags. Lay's Benelux describes boxes containing both 15 and 30 individual bags.
Count how many people will get a bag, then decide whether you want to bring extra bags for more flavour choice or for anyone who arrives late.
Brands worth comparing
Lay's
Lay's offers several boxes of small bags. According to Lay's Netherlands, they’re handy for handing out.
- According to Jumbo, Party Mix contains 15 bags, with paprika, ready salted and Bugles Nacho Cheese.
- That Party Mix contains milk and may contain cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat. Check the label on the current pack.
Pringles
Pringles sells stacked crisps in a tube: a different format from a box of individual bags.
- A tube is an option if you’d prefer this format and want to take one chosen flavour.
- If individually packed portions are essential, don’t choose this option just because it comes in a tube.
Jumbo
Jumbo has its own-brand sharing pack of ready salted and paprika crisps.
- According to Jumbo, the sharing pack contains 15 bags of 25 g: eight ready salted and seven paprika.
- Jumbo lists milk as an allergen in this sharing pack. The box offers two flavours, so check that the mix suits your group.
Snack Day
Snack Day is a Lidl own brand with a range of crisp flavours.
- Lidl’s range includes ready salted, paprika, Bolognese and cheese and onion, among other flavours.
- If everyone needs their own bag, check that the pack you choose actually contains individual portions.
Crisps and snack mixes on Joybuy for your picnic
These crisp and snack mixes are handy for taking along and sharing out at a picnic. Choose a pack size to suit your group, and check the current ingredients and allergen information for each mix.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box, 2 × 15-pack
For a group when you want to pack plenty of individual portions in advance. The product name lists two 15-packs; check the flavour mix and allergen information on the current pack.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box, 15-pack
For a picnic group that wants to portion out snacks in advance and enjoy a mix of flavours. The product name lists a 15-pack; if anyone has an allergy, read the label on the box you choose.
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Lay's Family Box, 15 pieces
For a group that wants to take a box of individual snacks. The product name lists 15 pieces; check the contents of each bag and the allergen information before handing them out.
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Lay's Doritos Chill Box, 12 pieces
For a group that wants a variety of snacks to share out. The product name lists 12 pieces; check the flavour breakdown and the labels on the snacks in the box.
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Croky Sharing Mix, 180 g
For a smaller group that wants to take along a mix. The product name lists 180 g; if everyone needs their own portion, check how many individual bags the pack contains, and read the label if anyone has an allergy.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare the salt and saturated fat in crisps?
Compare the nutritional values of similar crisps per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that manufacturers set their own serving sizes, so use the figures on the label of the specific bag you’re considering, not just the values per serving.
Should I check the allergens in every bag in a crisp mix?
Yes. If anyone has an allergy, check the current labels on the snacks you want to hand out. A box may contain different types of snacks: Jumbo lists milk in Lay's Party Mix and says it may contain cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat.
How many individual bags should I take to the park?
Count the people coming and allow one bag per person if everyone is having their own portion. Then decide whether you want spare bags or extra flavour choices; Lay's Benelux describes boxes containing both 15 and 30 bags. Check the nutritional serving size separately on the label.
How should I store the bags until the picnic?
Follow the storage advice on the pack you’ve chosen. Jumbo says to store its individual bags in a cool, dry place and refers you to the back of the pack for the best-before date. Keep the bags sealed until you hand them out.