Buying crisps and sweets online may seem simple, but the wide range of options can make comparing products difficult. A large bag is not automatically better value, a striking flavour says little about the ingredients, and packaging that appears suitable for sharing may still contain one large portion.
With a few simple checks, you can avoid disappointing purchases. This makes it easier to choose between savoury snacks, sweet snacks, biscuits, Asian snacks and multipacks for home, a film night or a party.
A 185 or 200 gram bag may seem more appealing than several smaller packs. However, small portions can be more practical when different people want to open their own snack. When buying a snack box, it is therefore important to look not only at the total contents, but also at the number of packs and the weight per portion.
A multipack can also help you try different flavours without opening several large bags.
Words such as “hot”, “honey butter”, “cheese” or “fruit” mainly describe the flavour profile. Check the ingredients list as well. This will show, for example, whether a product contains milk, soya, wheat, mustard, nuts or sulphites.
Ingredients and allergens in international products may differ from what you are used to. Always read the Dutch-language product information and the packaging before ordering or serving.
A product without artificial colourings or with a particular Nutri-Score is still a snack. Check the nutritional value per 100 grams as well as the actual portion size. For example, according to the product information, Lay’s Max Joppie contains 514 kcal and 0.71 grams of salt per 100 grams. Pringles Red Pepper lists 522 kcal and 1.3 grams of salt per 100 grams.
These figures are useful for comparison, but they do not indicate which snack is suitable for everyone. If you want to make informed choices, also consider how much is actually eaten.
First, decide what you need the snacks for:
When choosing a multipack of crisps, pay attention to the difference between the total number of items and the weight per item. According to the product description, the Lay’s Cheetos Doritos Mega Box contains 20 individual packs, including paprika, original and cheese flavours. This makes the box suitable for variety, although the bags are relatively small.
The 14 main allergens must be clearly declared in the EU. Pay particular attention to:
For example, according to the product information, Haitai Honey Butter Chips contain milk, wheat and soya. Lotte Pepero Almond & Chocolate contains wheat, milk, soya and almonds. If you are buying snacks for a group, it is a good idea to keep the packaging visible.
Crisps and sweets should generally be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Moisture reduces the crispness of crisps and biscuits. Seal opened bags securely and check on delivery that the packaging is undamaged.
The shelf-life information is shown on the packaging. With foreign snacks, the date or additional information may appear in a different place from where you would find it on products from the UK. Always check the actual packaging rather than relying solely on the product image.
Why it suits this profile: This box combines paprika, original and cheese flavours in 15 small packs. That is practical when you want to order snacks for several people without immediately buying several different large bags.
The number of packs and the different flavours are clearly specified. This means you can assess the portions and variety in advance.
15 individual portions, three snack varieties and a box that is easy to store.
Why it suits this profile: This Korean snack is made for lovers of sweet-and-savoury flavour combinations. At 60 grams, the pack is a manageable size for a snack break or tasting session.
The product information specifies the weight, nutritional value and allergens, including milk, wheat and soya.
Korean origin, 60 grams of product and a clearly defined honey-butter flavour profile.
Why it suits this profile: The twelve 40-gram portions are suitable for meetings, parties, treats or a cupboard where you want to be able to reach for small packs regularly.
The packaging makes the number of portions and the weight per pack clear, rather than showing only one large total weight.
12 individual packs, 40 grams each and a familiar pepper flavour.
Why it suits this profile: Ten small portion packs containing sweet laces and sour strips give children and adults several flavours to choose from at a party or at home.
The ten portions make sharing easier than with one large bag. The product information also lists wheat as an allergen.
215 grams in total, ten small packs and a combination of fruity and sour sweet flavours.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
For a film night with several people, a multipack is often the most convenient option. Everyone can open their own portion, while unopened packs stay sealed for longer. For a small group, one larger bag may appear better value, but pay attention to whether it can be resealed and to the total weight.
Look at individual packs, the number of portions and the variety of flavours. Products such as Look-O-Look Top Mix and the Lay’s Fun Mix Box are practical choices. When buying snacks for children, also check the warnings on the packaging. According to the product information, for example, Chupa Chups lollipops are not suitable for children under three because of the risk of choking.
This depends on the product and storage conditions. Crisps and biscuits mainly lose their crispness when exposed to moisture. Sweets can become sticky when the bag is left open. Store snacks in a dry place, seal the packaging properly and follow the shelf-life information on the label. The date does not guarantee the same quality once a pack has been opened.