If you want to serve one flavour
A bag of plain crisps is a simple choice for sharing at a get-together. Check the net weight and bear in mind what else you’re serving.
Which pack works best for you?
If you’re serving crisps with dip
If salsa or guacamole is a key part of your spread, you could choose tortilla chips made for dipping, such as Jumbo’s plain variety.
If you want a choice of flavours or crisps to keep
Individual bags give guests a choice and are easy to hand out. If you expect to have some left over, a resealable tube may be more practical; just check how much it contains.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’re sharing one flavour, serving crisps with dip or offering individual portions. Then compare the quantity and the information on the label.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Amount to share | Compare the net weight in grams with the number of guests and the other snacks you’re serving. | If I’m serving one flavour, I want to know whether the bag will be enough for the group. For around 33% of consumers, having enough to go round is the top priority. |
| Crisps for dipping | Decide whether you want to serve tortilla chips for dipping or mainly offer potato crisps on their own. | If I’m serving salsa or guacamole, I want to choose crisps made for dipping. Suitability for dipping comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
| Variety and storage | Choose between individual bags, a selection of flavours and a resealable pack. | My guests don’t all want the same flavour, or I expect to have some crisps left over. This is the deciding factor for around 25% of consumers. |
| Nutritional information and allergens | Compare salt and fat per 100 g, and read the ingredients and allergen information for each flavour you choose. | If a guest has an allergy or I want to compare nutritional values, I need to be able to check the exact product. This is the main concern for around 17% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Choosing any old crisp to serve with dip
When dip is the star of the show, the type of crisp affects how you serve your spread. Jumbo describes its Tortilla Chips Naturel as corn chips for dipping.
Decide first whether you’re serving crisps with dip or mainly on their own, then choose the type to match.
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Assuming allergens are the same across flavours
Ingredients can vary between varieties. For example, the product information for Croky Sharing Mix lists soya in the bolognese flavour.
Before serving, check the current label for every flavour in a multipack, not just the outer packaging or the label for a different variety.
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Relying on out-of-date product information
Product ranges and information can change. So a listing in a shop or on a product page doesn’t necessarily tell you what’s available when you’re ready to buy.
Check the current packaging and availability when you buy your crisps.
Brands to consider
Lay's
Lay's offers classic bags, ridged crisps and multipacks of individual bags.
- Lay's describes the individual bags in its multipacks as handy for sharing.
- Choose a specific variety based on its size, flavour and label; the brand name alone won’t tell you which pack is right for your get-together.
Pringles
Tube crisps for anyone looking for a pack that can be resealed.
- Joybuy’s product information describes the 165 g Pringles Original tube as resealable.
- It contains less than the 250–335 g bags in the Jumbo examples mentioned. If you have allergies, check the label for the flavour you choose.
Jumbo
A supermarket own brand offering plain crisps, ridged crisps and tortilla chips.
- Jumbo lists 250 g bags of plain crisps, 335 g bags of ridged crisps and 300 g bags of tortilla chips.
- Tortilla chips and classic potato crisps don’t necessarily serve the same purpose at a get-together; choose based on how you plan to serve them.
Snack Day
Lidl’s crisps and snacks brand, with options including plain and paprika flavours.
- Lidl lists a 250 g bag of Snack Day plain crisps.
- Check current availability: Lidl listed this variety as an in-store product.
Croky
An option for a get-together where you want to offer a selection of flavours in individual bags.
- According to the product information, Croky Sharing Mix contains six bags in plain, paprika and bolognese flavours, with a total net weight of 180 g.
- The total amount is less than in the large bags mentioned; if you have allergies, check the label for each flavour.
Comparing different pack formats
This list compares four ways to serve crisps: a large bag, crisps for dipping, a tube and individual sharing bags. It’s an editorial guide based on how they’re used, not a ranking by quality.
| Order | Product | Features | Why compare them | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lay's Plain Crisps 300 g | Bag of plain potato crisps; 300 g. | Jumbo lists this variety as a large bag for sharing if you want one classic flavour. | Jumbo |
| 2 | Jumbo Tortilla Chips Naturel 300 g | Corn chips; 300 g. | Jumbo describes this variety as crisps for dipping, making it a good option when dip takes centre stage. | Jumbo |
| 3 | Pringles Original 165 g | Resealable tube; 165 g. | Joybuy describes the tube as resealable; it contains less than the two bags above. | Joybuy |
| 4 | Croky Sharing Mix 180 g | Six individual bags; plain, paprika and bolognese. | Joybuy lists three flavours in individual bags, for anyone who’d rather hand out portions than open one large bag. | Joybuy |
Crisps and sharing packs on Joybuy
Here you’ll find bags of plain crisps to share as well as packs with individual portions. Choose based on how you’ll serve them, and check the quantity for each variety.
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Pringles Red Pepper, 12 × 40 g
For anyone who wants to hand out individual portions rather than open one large bag.
The pack contains 12 tins of 40 g in Red Pepper flavour.
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g'woon plain crisps 250 g
A bag of plain crisps for sharing one flavour with the group.
The net weight is 250 g; consider how many guests you’re catering for and what else you’re serving.
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Croky Sharing Mix 180 g
For a get-together where you want to hand out individual bags and let guests choose from several flavours.
The mix contains six bags in plain, paprika and bolognese flavours, with a total net weight of 180 g. If you have allergies, check the label for each flavour.
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Croky plain potato crisps 200 g
A plain variety to share if a 200 g bag is right for your get-together.
It contains less than the large 250–335 g bags mentioned above.
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Lay's, Cheetos and Doritos Mega Box, 20 packs
For anyone who wants to offer a selection of crisps and snacks in individual packs.
The box contains 20 packs. Check the mix of products and the total net weight to work out how much to put out for the group.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out how many crisps I need for a get-together?
Choose the net weight based on the number of guests and what else you’re serving. For example, Jumbo lists plain crisps in 250 g and 300 g bags. Pack sizes give you a more useful basis for comparison than simply counting the bags.
Which crisps should I choose if I’m serving dip?
Tortilla chips are a good choice when dip takes centre stage. Jumbo describes its 300 g Tortilla Chips Naturel as corn chips for dipping. If you’re mainly serving crisps on their own, you could also choose a classic bag of potato crisps.
How do I compare the salt and fat content of crisps?
Compare the nutritional information for each variety per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends using this measure because information per portion can make comparisons less straightforward.
What should I check if a guest has a food allergy?
Read the current label for the exact flavour and variety, including the label on each individual bag in a mix. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that 14 allergens must be clearly identified on labels. Don’t assume the ingredients are the same as in another flavour.
When should I choose a tube instead of a large bag?
A resealable tube is a good fit for a get-together where you expect to have crisps left over; choose a larger bag if having enough to share matters more. Joybuy describes the 165 g Pringles Original tube as resealable, while the large bags mentioned contain 250–335 g.