Buying crisps and snacks seems straightforward, but online you can quickly find large packs, attractive multipacks and unfamiliar international flavours mixed together. As a result, you may pay for more portions than you need, choose a flavour that does not suit your group or only discover important allergens once you get home.
Use these practical checks to compare a crisps assortment, snack box or individual bags based on the contents, occasion and product information.
A crisps multipack can be ideal for a party, but check the total weight and number of portions first. For example, twenty small bags are convenient to hand out, while one large bag may sometimes work out cheaper per gram. So do not only look at the price per pack, but also consider:
Smaller packs do reduce the risk of an opened bag quickly going soft. This makes them practical for school, work, film nights or drinks with several guests.
Spicy crisps can have a fresh, sour, sweet or smoky flavour. According to the product description, Pringles Hot Mexican Chili & Lime combines chilli and lime with smoked paprika, cumin and cayenne pepper, among other ingredients. Lay’s Sensations Thai Sweet Chili places more emphasis on sweet onion, aromatic herbs and chilli.
If you only look at the word “hot”, you may therefore expect a different flavour from the one you receive. Check the flavour description and ingredients when buying snacks for a mixed group.
A photo does not always make it clear whether you are buying potato crisps, corn snacks, biscuits or sweets. The number of items can also be confusing. A box with 15 or 20 small bags is very different from one 150-gram bag.
Always check:
With international products, the packaging may also contain different or more extensive information than the online product page. Always check the physical label when your order arrives.
For a film night for two, one 150- to 200-gram pack is often enough. For a birthday or drinks party, party snacks with multiple portions are easier to share out. According to the product description, the Croky Sharing Mix contains six small bags in three flavour varieties: paprika, bolognese and ready salted.
A snack box with individual portions also makes it easier to cater for different preferences without opening several large bags.
With crisps and corn snacks, pay particular attention to milk, soya, wheat and gluten. According to the listed ingredients, Doritos Nacho Cheese contains milk derivatives and may contain cereals containing gluten and soya. Pringles Sour Cream & Onion contains wheat and milk and may contain soya. Orion Turtle Chips Choco Churros lists gluten from wheat, soya and milk.
Allergen information is specific to the product and batch. Use the packaging as your main source of information, especially when buying for someone with an allergy or intolerance.
Store crisps and snacks according to the product information in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, heat and moisture. Seal opened packs securely. A resealable container, such as a Pringles tube, can be practical for several snacking occasions, but check the seal and best-before date there too.
Once opened, a bag without a proper seal will usually lose its crunch more quickly. For a party, it is therefore better to buy several smaller bags if everything will not be eaten straight away.
Why it suits this profile: The box contains 20 small portions, including paprika, ready salted and cheesy corn snacks. This makes it easy to try a selection of familiar snack brands.
The number of items and the listed flavours are clearly stated in the product information, so you can check the contents of the multipack in advance.
20 individual packs, several flavours and practical portions for sharing or storing.
Why it suits this profile: The recognisable stacked crisps and pesto flavour with garlic and basil offer a distinctive alternative to standard paprika or ready salted crisps.
The product description states the flavour profile, 165-gram contents and allergens, so you do not have to rely on the packaging alone.
165 grams, a resealable tube and a savoury pesto variety for drinks and nibbles.
Why it suits this profile: The six-bag format is designed for parties, drinks or groups where you want to serve snacks on several occasions.
The six portions prevent one large bag from being left open for too long. The three listed flavours make the contents clear in advance.
180 grams in total, six small bags and paprika, bolognese and ready salted crisps.
Fans of Japanese snacks may enjoy Glico Pocky Strawberry and Pocky Chocolate, compact biscuit sticks with strawberry and chocolate flavours respectively. Orion Turtle Chips Choco Churros is a Korean snack that, according to the product description, combines a multi-layered crunchy texture with chocolate, churros and cinnamon.
If you prefer serving sweet snacks, take a look at Look-O-Look Top Mix. This pack contains ten small portions, including sweet ribbons and sour strips. Pay extra attention to wheat, milk and soya with these products, as international recipes and labels may vary.
We have compiled a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Choose one or two flavours that everyone knows, complemented by something different such as spicy crisps or an international snack. A 150- to 200-gram pack is often practical for a small group. Individual portions are easier to manage when serving several people.
Keep the pack in a cool, dry place and seal the bag as securely as possible. Ideally, eat opened crisps within a short time to preserve their crunch. Always check the specific instructions on the label.
It depends on the product. Compare the price per 100 grams as well as the amount of packaging material. A multipack may offer an attractive price per portion and is easy to hand out, while a large bag may sometimes provide more contents for the same price.