Holidaymakers buying for a group
You want enough crisps for several people or snack breaks. Compare the net weight of similar bags and consider how much you can store once a pack is open.
Which pack is best for you?
Sharers and picnickers looking for individual portions
You want to take crisps with you or hand them out without opening one large bag. Small bags or a tube may suit your plans better.
Shoppers who need to check the label
Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for each specific flavour and pack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends comparing nutritional values per 100 g, as portion sizes vary between manufacturers.
What should you look for when choosing?
Decide how many people will be sharing the pack and how you’ll take the crisps with you. Then compare the contents and label of the varieties that suit the occasion.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Amount for a group | Compare the net weight of similar types of crisps and choose the number of packs to suit your group. | If several people are eating the same crisps, I want to take enough without having lots left over. This is the main consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Size for taking on the go | Check the number of individual bags or tubes, the contents of each, and whether the pack can be resealed. | On a day out, I want to be able to hand out portions or save some for later. For around 25% of consumers, this practical format is the deciding factor. |
| Flavour and variety | Check which flavours and types are actually included in a mix. Also consider the shape and texture of the crisps. | For a group with different preferences, I want more choice than just one flavour. Variety is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and nutritional information | Read the allergen information and compare salt and saturated fat per 100 g on the current pack. | If I need to take ingredients or allergens into account, I want to be able to check the exact variety. For around 17% of consumers, checking the label comes first. |
Common mistakes
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Looking only at the number of bags
A multipack with lots of bags doesn’t necessarily contain a large total amount of crisps. A large bag and individual portions also suit different snacking occasions.
Check the net weight of the whole pack and, for a multipack, the contents of each individual bag.
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Assuming one flavour’s label applies to another
Ingredients can vary from product to product. For example, Pringles lists wheat flour in Original; this doesn’t automatically apply to every other variety.
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack of the exact flavour you’re buying.
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Relying on the front of the pack
A description of how a product is made or the name of a variety doesn’t replace its nutritional information. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says the clearest way to compare nutritional values is per 100 g.
On this basis, compare salt and saturated fat, for example, if these values matter to your choice.
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Opening a large bag without a way to store it
If not everyone is eating at the same time, you’ll be left with an open pack.
Choose a size that suits the number of snack breaks and follow the storage instructions on the label once opened.
Brands and own-label options to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn has its own-label crisps, including AH Chips naturel 250 g.
- A plain variety gives you a familiar starting point when comparing packs of the same type.
- Always check the label for other flavours and packs; information about the plain variety doesn’t necessarily apply to the whole range.
Jumbo
Jumbo has its own-label crisps in different shapes and packs, including Jumbo Chips Naturel 250 g.
- Explore the range to find a type and size that suit a shared snack break.
- Compare the contents and label of each product; a plain bag is different from a ridged variety or a sharing pack.
Lidl Snack Day
Snack Day is Lidl’s own-label range of crisps and other savoury snacks.
- The range includes crisps in different flavours, so you can choose according to taste.
- Check the contents and ingredients of the exact pack you choose.
Lay's
Lay's offers, among other products, Naturel potato crisps and the ridged MAX Naturel variety.
- The difference between regular and ridged crisps gives you a clear choice of texture.
- A familiar brand variety doesn’t tell you the contents, ingredients or nutritional information of a different Lay's pack.
Pringles
Pringles sells stackable crisps in tubes, including Original in different sizes.
- A tube can be handy if you want to reseal the pack while you’re out.
- Pringles lists wheat flour in the ingredients for Original. Check the current label for other flavours and sizes.
Crisp packs for sharing and taking with you
These Joybuy products are mix packs and individually portioned packs for several snack breaks or sharing. If you’d rather take one large bag of the same flavour, you’ll need to choose a different pack size.
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Croky Sharing Mix 180 g
A mix of crisps to share. The pack contains 180 g; check the individual flavours and their ingredients if anyone has specific dietary requirements.
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Lay's Sensations Thai Sweet Chili, 10 x 40 g
For anyone who wants to enjoy the same distinctive flavour over several snack breaks. The pack contains ten 40 g bags; check the label for this flavour for ingredients and allergens.
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Pringles Red Pepper Flavoured Potato Chips, 12 x 40 g
Individual portions for days out or several snack breaks. The pack contains twelve 40 g portions; check the Red Pepper label for ingredients and allergens.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box Chips, 15-pack
A mixed pack for a group with different flavour preferences. The box contains fifteen packs; check the contents and label of each variety individually.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare crisps when packs come in different sizes?
Check the net weight of similar types of crisps and how many people will be eating them. For nutritional values, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends comparing per 100 g, as manufacturers set their own portion sizes.
Where can I find allergen information for pre-packed crisps?
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, this information should be on the pack label. Check the label for the exact flavour you want to buy, even if you’ve tried another variety from the same brand before.
Do Pringles Original contain wheat?
Yes, Pringles lists wheat flour in the ingredients for Original. Check the current label on the exact pack if wheat or other allergens are relevant to your choice.
How should I store an opened bag of crisps while on holiday?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack and seal the bag securely after use. Before you buy, consider whether your group will finish the whole bag or whether you’ll need to store an opened pack for later.