Buying crisps and snacks online might seem straightforward, but the range varies widely in flavour, size, ingredients and shelf life. A large bag isn't always better value if you're only after a small portion. And a catchy flavour name doesn't tell you much about allergens or nutritional values.
With this practical buying guide, you can compare potato crisps, tortilla chips, rice crackers and Asian snacks on the points that really matter when you're shopping.
A 200g bag might seem ideal for a film night, but once opened, the crunchiness soon fades. For individual use, packs of 30 to 70g are often more convenient. A crisps multipack with small bags can also help reduce waste and is handy for school, the office or on the go.
When looking at multipacks, check:
Words like "sweet chilli", "BBQ", "pesto" or "grilled squid" give you a good initial idea of the taste, but they don't tell you everything about the ingredients. So always check the ingredients and allergens. Various products may contain gluten, wheat, soya, milk, mustard, sesame or molluscs.
For example, Doritos Sweet Chilli Pepper states that the product contains gluten and soya. Lay's Patatje Joppie lists mustard as an allergen. Lay's Grilled Squid mentions milk, soya, sesame and squid among its ingredients.
Some brands emphasise that their crisps are baked rather than fried. That's a verifiable production method, but you should also look at the nutritional information table. The Yan Jin Pu Zi O'Potato variants, for instance, list 24g of fat per 100g for the tomato and BBQ flavours. The Original variant lists 32g of fat per 100g.
So don't use terms like "lighter" as a general health claim. Instead, simply compare energy, fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt per 100g.
Choose the size based on the occasion:
A Lay's Big Wave pack contains 70g and, according to the product information, is intended as a sharing pack. Lay's BBQ Chips at 200g is described as roughly six to seven portions of around 30g each. A small bag of Doritos Bits Honey BBQ contains 30g, making it easy to pop into a bag or lunchbox.
Don't just think about "salty" or "spicy" – also consider the texture you're after:
With international products, the flavour can be quite different from what you're used to in British supermarkets. Lay's Lime, for example, combines citrus with savoury herbs. Pringles Hot Mexican Chilli & Lime uses, according to the label, chilli, lime-based acids, smoked paprika and cayenne pepper.
Always check the current packaging before ordering. Product information can vary by country, batch or import packaging. Pay particular attention to:
Store opened crisps and snacks in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and moisture. Seal bags tightly. With products like Pringles, the tube helps you reseal the packaging, whereas loose bags can lose their crunch more quickly once opened.
Why this fits the profile: The 200g size is ideal for sharing during a film night or casual get-together.
The product information states roughly six to seven portions of 30g, so you can better control your portions from the large bag.
200g contents; BBQ flavour; according to the product description, no artificial colours or preservatives.
Why this fits the profile: The tube and stacked shape are practical for serving, storing and sharing.
The packaging stops you relying solely on the flavour name: the product page lists milk and gluten as allergens.
165g; pesto seasoning with garlic and basil according to the product description; resealable tube.
Why this fits the profile: This Asian snack is designed for fans of a spicy flavour and a soft, chewy wheat-based texture.
The product page clearly lists wheat, soya and sesame. This means you can check beforehand whether the snack suits your diet.
106g; ready to eat; pronounced chilli seasoning and wheat gluten as the base.
Why this fits the profile: Fifteen small bags including paprika, cheese and ready-salted crisps make it easy to cater for different tastes.
The small bags solve the problem of a large opened bag sitting around for too long.
15 portions; multiple snack types; cardboard box that's easy to store and take with you.
We've put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and current European safety regulations.
Small packs of around 30 to 70g are the most practical. Doritos Bits Honey BBQ at 30g, Doritos Sweet Chilli Pepper at 44g and Yan Jin Pu Zi O'Potato at 62g take up very little space. On warm days, just make sure the snack is stored in a dry place away from direct sunlight.
Seal an opened bag as airtight as possible and store it in a cool, dry place. A Pringles tube can be resealed after opening. Rice crackers and seaweed snacks are especially sensitive to moisture; it's best to store any leftovers in a well-sealed container.
That depends on the price per 100g, the number of portions and how much you'll actually use. So don't just compare the total price. A multipack is particularly handy when you want to offer several flavours, divide up portions, or need snacks for a party and on the go at the same time.