People who want their own portion
If you’re taking crisps with you and would rather not share from one open bag, you can hand out individual bags to the group. Albert Heijn and Jumbo both list these multipacks in their ranges.
Who are individual bags handy for?
Groups with different flavour preferences
A mixed box lets people choose from the flavours or snack types listed. Check what’s inside: a box doesn’t necessarily contain the same number of bags of each type.
Groups happy to serve themselves
If you can fill bowls at the table, you could also consider a large bag. Compare the total weight with what your group needs, and remember that you’ll have to divide it up yourself.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether everyone needs their own bag. Then choose between a single flavour and a mix, and check the exact pack you plan to take with you.
Mixed multipack
Choose it when: people in the group want their own bag and a choice of flavours or snack types.
Things to consider: the selection determines how many bags in the box match each person’s preference.
Large sharing bag
Choose it when: you can serve portions at the table and don’t need individual bags.
Things to consider: you’ll need bowls or another way to serve the crisps, and everyone will share from one opened bag.
Resealable tube
Choose it when: you want to reseal the pack after opening and find a tube convenient to carry.
Things to consider: a tube doesn’t automatically give everyone in the group an individual portion. Check the label of the option you choose, too.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Individual portions | Check the number of bags and how much each one contains. | If I’m taking crisps with me, I want to give everyone in the group their own bag without having to serve them there and then. Around 25% of consumers prioritise individual portions. |
| Choice of flavour | Check which flavours or snack types are in the box and how many bags there are of each. | When people at the table have different preferences, I want them to be able to choose something they like. For around 31% of consumers, this choice is their main concern. |
| Enough for the group | Compare the total weight with the number of portions you want to serve yourself. | If we’re eating straight from bowls, I mainly want to have enough to go round, so individual packs matter less. Around 25% of consumers give this top priority. |
| Label | Check the ingredients, allergen information and nutritional details per 100 g or per portion for each option. | If ingredients or nutritional values affect my choice, I want to be able to check the specific pack before I pick one. Around 19% of consumers put checking the label first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a bigger box means more crisps
The size of a box doesn’t tell you how many crisps are in each bag. For a group, both the number of bags and the amount in each one make a difference.
Check the total weight and the amount in each bag before deciding how many packs you need.
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Relying on the brand name when checking allergens
Ingredients can vary by product and flavour. For example, Joybuy’s product information for Pringles Original 12 x 40 g lists wheat and gluten, and possible traces of milk and soya.
Check the allergen information on the pack of the specific option you’re buying.
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Assuming a small pack means a small portion
Not all bags contain the same amount. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre uses a 40 g bowl as a reference for an average portion of crisps; that doesn’t tell you how much is in another bag.
Compare the number of grams per bag and check the nutritional information per portion if it matters to your choice.
Brands compared
Lay's
Worth considering if you’re looking at individual bags and a mix of snacks.
- Albert Heijn lists a Mega Box with 20 bags and a Celebration Box with 30 bags.
- Check the snacks and quantities in each box; a mix doesn’t mean there’ll be the same number of each type.
Pringles
An option if you’re considering a resealable tube or a multipack.
- Joybuy describes a resealable pack and a Pringles Original option containing 12 x 40 g.
- The information for this option lists wheat and gluten, and possible traces of milk and soya. Check the label on the pack you choose.
Jumbo
A supermarket own brand with both sharing bags and individual bags to compare.
- Jumbo lists, among other options, 250 g plain crisps and a multipack of paprika and plain crisps with 15 x 25 g bags.
- You’ll need to serve crisps from a large bag yourself; for a multipack, check that both flavours suit the group.
Albert Heijn
An own brand to include when comparing types of crisps and pack formats.
- Albert Heijn lists product pages for options including AH Plain Crisps and AH BASIC Crinkle Plain Crisps.
- Check the pack of the option you choose if you’re looking for individual portions.
Snack Day
Lidl’s own brand for anyone considering a standard sharing bag, too.
- Lidl lists a 250 g Snack Day option of plain ridged crisps.
- Lidl says this option is only available in store. It’s a sharing bag, not a box of individual portions.
Individual bags and multipacks on Joybuy
These products are aimed at taking crisps with you and sharing them in individual portions. When choosing, check the number of packs, the stated contents and whether the flavours will suit your group. A large sharing bag and a resealable tube are other pack options.
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Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box, 20 pieces
For a group that wants to hand out individual snacks and choose between different types. The pack states that it contains 20 pieces; check the selection and allergen information for the box you buy.
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Lay's Sensations Thai Sweet Chili, 10 x 40 g
For anyone who wants to hand out individual bags and choose one flavour for the group. This pack contains 10 portions of 40 g; it isn’t a mixed box.
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Lay's Family Box, 15 pieces
For a group that wants to share small, individually packed portions. The box states that it contains 15 pieces; check the label if the amount per bag or the ingredients will affect your choice.
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Croky Sharing Mix, 180 g
For anyone who wants to share crisps in small packs and is considering a mix. The stated total weight is 180 g; check the pack for the amount in each bag and how the flavours are divided.
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Lay's Doritos Chill Box, 12 pieces
For a group that wants individual bags and a choice of different types. The box states that it contains 12 pieces; check the amount in each bag and the flavour selection if you want to take a suitable portion for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out how many crisps to take for a get-together on the patio?
Start with the number of people who want a portion, then check the number of bags or the total weight. With a sharing bag, you decide how much to put in the bowls; with a multipack, also check the number of grams in each bag.
Is a resealable Pringles tube more convenient than individual bags?
A resealable tube is a good fit if you want to close the pack again after opening; individual bags are better if everyone needs their own portion straight away. Joybuy describes the Pringles Original 12 x 40 g pack as resealable, but check which pack format you’re actually choosing.
What should I check if someone needs to avoid allergens?
Read the allergen information on the pack of each individual option before sharing it. The product information for Pringles Original 12 x 40 g lists wheat and gluten, and possible traces of milk and soya; don’t assume this applies to other flavours or brands.
Which ingredients information should I use: the product page or the pack?
Check the pack you’re actually buying before serving or eating the crisps. Product information can vary by option; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) says that allergens must be listed on the label of prepacked foods.