For a party spread, the biggest bag doesn’t automatically offer the best value: consider the type of crisps and how you plan to serve them, too. Classic potato crisps work well in a sharing bowl, while tortilla chips are a separate option if you’re serving dip. If you’re catering for a mixed group, bear taste preferences and the current packaging information in mind as well.
If you’re filling several bowls, the contents of each pack and the type of crisps you choose both matter. A larger bag of ridged crisps won’t necessarily replace the same amount of classic potato crisps for the same purpose.
A bowl of dip calls for a different choice from crisps served on their own. Tortilla chips are a separate product type, with their own flavours and pack sizes.
If allergens or the ingredients in a particular variety matter, check the packaging for that exact flavour. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights the requirement to list allergens on the labels of pre-packed foods.
First, work out how many people you’re catering for and whether you’ll be serving dip. Then choose flavours to suit your guests and, where necessary, check the ingredients and nutritional information on each individual pack.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Compare the net weight of the packs and decide how many different types you want to serve. | When I’m pouring drinks and putting snacks out for several guests, I want enough crisps without having to open lots of different bags unnecessarily. Around 33% of consumers prioritise quantity. |
| Flavour variety | Consider which flavours you’re combining and how much each pack contains. | When I’m hosting a group with different tastes, I don’t want to serve just one strong flavour. Around 27% of consumers prioritise a suitable mix of flavours. |
| Dip and crisp shape | Decide whether you’ll serve the crisps on their own or with a dip; keep tortilla chips, ridged crisps and classic potato crisps distinct when choosing. | If I’m serving dip, I want to choose a type of crisp that suits the way it’ll be served. That’s the first consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
| Label | For your chosen flavour, read the ingredients, allergen information and salt content per 100 g or per serving. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to be able to check the current packaging before serving anything. Around 20% of consumers prioritise checking the label. |
More in the bag can help when you’re catering for a bigger group, but ridged crisps, tortilla chips and classic potato crisps don’t necessarily serve the same purpose on the table.
Decide what you want to serve first, then compare pack sizes within that category.
A sharing bowl without dip calls for something different from a spread with dip. Flavour and shape can also make a difference to your guests.
Decide whether you’ll serve the crisps on their own, with dip or alongside other snacks before comparing different varieties.
If someone has a food allergy, information from a previous purchase isn’t a substitute for checking the packaging of the product you’re serving now.
Check the ingredients and allergens for every flavour you choose on the current packaging. If in doubt, check with the guest concerned.
If salt is a consideration, remember to include the other salty snacks on the table. The salt content of one product doesn’t tell you about the whole spread.
Read the nutritional information for the crisps you’ve chosen and consider it alongside everything else you’re serving.
Supermarket own-brand range that includes classic potato crisps and ridged crisps.
An own-brand option offering both potato crisps and tortilla chips for a party spread.
Lidl own-brand range featuring a variety of savoury snacks.
Crisps brand with a range of flavours and product lines.
A brand of stackable crisps in a tube, available in different flavours and sizes.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a particular savoury snack.
These Joybuy products offer options for a sharing bowl of potato crisps, crisps to serve with dip and individual portions. Compare the type of crisp and pack size with what you want to put on the table.
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Paprika crisps for a sharing bowl. Pack size: 200 g. If you have allergies, check the current packaging.
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Nacho chips for a party spread with dip. Pack size: 475 g. If you have allergies, read the label for this variety.
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Paprika crisps if you’d like to add this Lay's variety to your party spread. Pack size: 300 g. Check the current packaging for ingredients and allergen information.
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Individual packs for sharing out crisps rather than filling a single bowl. This variety comes in 12 packs of 40 g. If you have allergies, check the current label.
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Paprika-flavoured ridged crisps for your party spread. Pack size: 250 g. If you have allergies, check the ingredients on the current packaging.
Not for every way of serving them. Tortilla chips are a separate option when you’re serving dip; classic potato crisps can also be served on their own in a bowl. Decide what you want to offer first, then compare the pack sizes of suitable varieties.
Read the label on the exact flavour and pack you plan to serve. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly listed on the labels of pre-packed foods. If someone has an allergy, don’t rely on the product type or a previous purchase alone.
Consider the salt content of the crisps alongside the rest of the spread. The packaging shows nutritional information per 100 g and, where provided, per serving.
Use online information to help you compare products, but read the current packaging before serving the crisps. Albert Heijn also recommends checking the packaging before consumption.
