Families stocking up for several snack occasions
If everyone in the family is sharing from one bowl, you’ll want to know how many crisps are in a bag and which flavour you’d all like to share.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Parents who want to portion out snacks
For a day out or a playdate, individual bags or tubes may be more convenient than opening one large pack.
Shoppers who put the label first
If ingredients, nutritional information or allergens are a deciding factor, check the information for the exact flavour and pack you’re considering.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’ll serve the crisps for everyone to share or portion them out individually. Then compare the pack sizes and check the nutritional information for the product you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Amount for sharing | Check the net weight and choose the type and flavour of crisps you want. | If several people are sharing from one bowl, I want enough of a flavour we all like. Around 40% of consumers put pack size first. |
| Individual portions | Check how many packs there are, the weight of each one and what’s included in any mixed pack. | For a day out, I want to be able to take something along for each child or activity. This is the most important consideration for around 30% of consumers. |
| Nutritional information | Check the fat and salt per 100 g on the exact pack, and look at the portion size too. | If I’m serving crisps to children, I want to make an informed choice about the product and quantity. This is the first consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack for the exact flavour. | If I have a food allergy, I need to know what this product contains before eating it. Around 10% of consumers give this check top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a multipack contains only crisps
A mixed snack box may contain other snacks as well as potato crisps. So the number of packs doesn’t tell you how many bags of crisps you’ll get.
Check how many of each type of snack are included before planning portions for an activity.
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Relying on a ‘lower fat or salt’ claim
This claim doesn’t replace the nutritional information for a specific flavour. Products and portion sizes can vary.
Check the values per 100 g on the exact pack and decide how much you want to serve.
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Assuming one flavour has the same allergens as another
Ingredients can vary between products or change over time. A previous purchase or product page is no substitute for checking the current label.
Before eating, check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you’ve bought.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
The AH own-brand range is worth considering if you want to compare everyday crisps, individual snack packs and specific varieties.
- Albert Heijn offers, among other things, paprika crisps and a separate range of crisps with less fat or salt.
- Features of one AH product don’t necessarily apply to other flavours; check the pack.
Jumbo
The Jumbo own-brand range includes classic paprika crisps and ridged crisps with paprika flavour.
- You can compare classic crisps and a ridged variety as different snack styles.
- The shape alone doesn’t tell you anything about the ingredients or nutritional values.
Snack Day
Snack Day is Lidl’s own snack brand, with options including ready salted, paprika and ridged varieties.
- There are different flavours and shapes to choose from.
- For information on the ingredients, allergens and nutritional values of food products, Lidl refers shoppers to the packaging.
Lay's
According to Lay's, its range includes classic crisps, MAX, Sensations and Oven Baked.
- A sharing bag, an Oven Baked variety and a mixed box suit different snack occasions.
- If you’re buying a mixed box, check which packs actually contain potato crisps.
Pringles
Pringles is a good option if you’re looking for a tube or individual mini tubes.
- Options include 165 g tubes and multipacks of smaller packs.
- Check the ingredients and allergen information for each flavour and pack.
Smiths
Smiths Sticks are worth considering if you’re looking for crisps in stick form rather than classic flat crisps.
- The sticks offer a different snack style if that’s what you’re looking for.
- Assess the pack as crisps in stick form, rather than as a bag of classic potato crisps.
Crisps and snacks for different occasions
This selection of Joybuy products includes individual portions, sharing bags and a mixed snack box. If you’re only looking for crisps, check the contents of the mixed box carefully.
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Pringles Original Crisps 12 × 40 g
The individual tubes are handy if you want to divide snacks between people or different outings.
The product name states that the pack contains 12 tubes of 40 g. If you have an allergy, check the label on the exact pack.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box Crisps 2 × 15-pack
This mixed box is a good choice if you want to portion out different snacks for several occasions.
It doesn’t contain crisps only: the mix also includes corn snacks. Check the contents if you need a particular type or flavour of snack.
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Lay's Paprika Crisps 300 g
A sharing bag for anyone who’d rather serve paprika crisps together than hand out individual packs.
The net weight is 300 g; the bag doesn’t contain pre-portioned individual servings.
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g'woon Ridged Paprika Crisps 250 g
This bag is ideal for sharing if you’re specifically looking for ridged crisps with paprika flavour.
The net weight is 250 g. If you have an allergy or intolerance, check the ingredients on the current packaging.
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Lay's Oven Baked Paprika 150 g
This variety is worth considering if you want to compare the nutritional information of different paprika crisps.
The bag contains 150 g. Check the fat and salt values per 100 g on the packaging; the product name alone doesn’t give you a complete nutritional comparison.
Frequently asked questions
When are individual packs more convenient than a large bag of crisps?
Individual packs are more convenient if you want to portion snacks out in advance for each child, day out or snack occasion. Check how many packs are included and whether all the flavours suit what you’re taking with you.
Are all the packs in a snack mix potato crisps?
No, not necessarily: the Lay's Fun Mix Box in this selection also contains corn snacks. If you’re only looking for potato crisps, check the contents of the exact box.
Can I rely on allergen information for a different flavour?
No, check the packaging for the exact flavour before eating. Ingredients can vary between products or change over time; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights that allergens must be listed on the label.
How do crisps fit into snacks for children?
Crisps aren’t an obvious everyday snack choice. The Voedingscentrum recommends fruit and vegetables as good snacks for children aged 4 to 12; if you serve crisps, you can decide in advance how much to put out.