Shopping for a sharing occasion
You’re picking up crisps for several people at the last minute. Check the bag size and think about how much you’ll need for that occasion.
Who is this relevant to?
Shopping for one snack occasion
You only need a small amount and don’t want to be left with a large, opened bag. Compare the net weight of the available sizes.
Checking the packaging and label
You’re also choosing based on flavour, portability or whether the pack can be resealed. If ingredients or allergens matter to your choice, read the label on the exact variant.
What should you look for when choosing?
Work out how many crisps you need for the occasion, then choose a pack and variant to suit.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| How much you need to share | Compare the net weight of bags containing the same type of crisps and estimate how much you’ll need to share. | When I’m buying crisps for several people, I want to take enough without having a large amount left over to store; around 50% of consumers put sharing size first. |
| Size for one occasion | Check whether the amount is right for one snack occasion, or whether individual bags would be more useful. | For a one-off snack, I’d rather have a suitable amount than a large, opened bag; this is the most important factor for around 30% of consumers. |
| Packaging and product information | Check the type of packaging and read the ingredients, nutritional information and allergen details for the variant you’ve chosen. | If I want to take crisps with me or need to avoid certain ingredients, the packaging or label will determine my choice; around 20% of consumers prioritise this. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming special packaging is automatically the better choice
A tube or multipack of smaller bags is most useful if you want to take the crisps with you, store them or hand them out. For sharing at one snack occasion, a standard bag may be a better fit.
Start by thinking about when you’ll eat them, then check the size and type of packaging.
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Relying on a different flavour or an old product page
Ingredients and allergen information can vary between variants and may change. Information about one flavour is not a substitute for checking the label on another.
If you have allergies or need to avoid certain ingredients, check the information on the exact pack before buying.
Brands compared
These brands offer a range of crisp types and packaging; the right choice depends on the specific variant you want to buy.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s own-brand range includes, among other options, ready salted and ridged crisps.
- A standard bag or ridged variety gives you a choice of texture and size.
- Compare the flavour and size you’ve chosen; features of one variant don’t necessarily apply to another.
Albert Heijn
The AH range includes standard crisps, ridged crisps and flavoured varieties.
- Options such as AH Chips bolognese 250 g and AH Ribbelchips peper & zout 250 g show that flavour and texture are separate choices.
- Check which variant and size suit your snack occasion.
Lidl Snack Day
Snack Day is Lidl’s own snack brand, with a range of crisp flavours.
- In store, you can choose from flavours such as ready salted and paprika.
- Check the size and product information on the pack you’ve chosen.
Lay's
As well as standard crisps, Lay's offers ranges such as MAX, Sensations and Oven Baked, along with packs for sharing.
- Flavour, texture and packaging type each give you a different way to narrow down your choice.
- Product information for a special range doesn’t automatically apply to standard Lay's crisps or another variant.
Pringles
Pringles Original comes as stackable crisps in a resealable tube.
- The tube can be handy if you want to take the crisps with you or close the pack after opening.
- Check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variant and pack; information about a different size may not apply.
Crisps and packs at Joybuy
These options range from a bag for one snack occasion to packs you can split across several occasions. Use the stated size to decide which one suits your plans.
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Pringles Original Crisps – 3 × 165 g
A pack for anyone who wants to enjoy the crisps over several occasions. The product name states that it contains three tubes, each weighing 165 g.
If you have allergies, check the label on the exact pack.
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Lay's Oven Baked Natural – 150 g
A 150 g bag for anyone looking specifically for the Oven Baked Natural variant. If nutritional information matters to your choice, check the details on the pack you’ve chosen.
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Croky Sharing Mix – 180 g
A mix for anyone who doesn’t want to choose just one flavour for a sharing occasion. The product name states a total weight of 180 g; check the pack for details of the contents.
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Farmhouse Biscuits Sea Salt Chips – 150 g
A 150 g bag of sea salt crisps for anyone looking for this flavour and size. If you have allergies, don’t rely on general information for the range: check the label on the exact pack before choosing.
Frequently asked questions
What size of crisps should I buy for a small top-up shop?
Choose the size based on how many people are eating and when you plan to snack. A small pack may be enough for a one-off snack; for sharing, a larger bag or multipack of individual portions can be more practical if you’ll use those portions.
Should I check allergens again for every flavour of crisps?
Yes. If you need to avoid certain allergens, check the exact flavour and pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be listed on labels; you can’t rely on the ingredients of a different variant.
How should I store crisps after opening?
Follow the storage and best-before information on the pack, and seal an opened pack securely. Check the instructions for the variant you’ve chosen rather than assuming they’re the same as those for another bag or tube.