Hosts who want to share one flavour
If the group agrees on a flavour, compare the net contents of large bags with the number of players and the other snacks on the table.
Who are the different pack sizes useful for?
Groups with different snack preferences
Individual bags make it easier to hand snacks round and let players choose from several options.
Dippers and label-readers
If you’re serving dip, think about the type of crisps and what else you’ll need on the table. If anyone has allergies or specific dietary requirements, check the ingredients and allergens for each product you choose.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to share one bag, hand out snacks to each player or serve dip. Then compare the contents and check the nutritional information on the packs you’re considering for your group.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Compare the net contents with the number of players and the other snacks you’re serving. | If one bag is going round, I want to know there’s enough to go around without relying on a set number of portions per player. For around 36% of consumers, getting enough in the pack is the top priority. |
| Variety and sharing | Check the number of bags, the contents of each bag and the varieties in a mixed pack. | Not everyone at the table wants the same snack, so individual bags let us each choose. Around 29% of consumers prioritise variety or individual portions. |
| Dipping | Check which type of crisps you’re choosing, and remember to plan for the dip and serving dishes. | If dip is part of our games night, I look for crisps we can use for dipping. Dipping is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Label information | For every flavour, read the ingredients, allergen information and nutritional values per 100 g or per portion. | If someone at the table needs to avoid an ingredient, I don’t want to rely on the name of a mixed box. For around 14% of consumers, checking the label comes first. |
Common mistakes
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Looking only at the size of the pack
A tube, large bag and multipack divide the crisps up in different ways; the front of the pack doesn’t always tell you how much each player will get.
Compare the net contents and, for a multipack, check the number of packs and the contents of each one too.
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Treating a mixed box as a single product
A box may contain snacks with a range of ingredients. One suitable option doesn’t automatically make the other varieties suitable for everyone.
Read the ingredients and allergen information for every item before choosing snacks for the group.
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Planning to serve tortilla chips without thinking about the dip
If you’re planning to serve dip, a bag of crisps on its own won’t give you everything you need for that snack.
Choose the dip separately and check its ingredients and nutritional information too.
Remember bowls and, if needed, napkins too.
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Leaving leftovers in an open bag
An opened bag that isn’t sealed properly can affect the quality of the crisps.
Seal any leftover crisps well and store them somewhere cool, dry and dark, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.
Brands to consider
Lay's
Worth considering if you’re choosing between a large bag of one flavour and a box of individual snacks.
- Jumbo lists Lay's Ready Salted and Paprika crisps in 300 g bags; Albert Heijn lists a Family Box with 15 bags and five varieties.
- For a mixed box, check the ingredients of every item; its contents and varieties may differ from those of a single bag.
Pringles
A tube could be a good fit if your group prefers this type of packaging, or as an addition to other snacks.
- Pringles lists Original tubes in 165 g, 70 g and 40 g sizes.
- Pringles says Original contains ingredients including wheat flour. Check the label for the flavour you’ve chosen rather than assuming the ingredients in Original apply to other varieties.
AH (Albert Heijn eigen merk)
A large bag of ready salted crisps for a group who want to share the same flavour.
- Albert Heijn lists AH Ready Salted Crisps in a 250 g bag and describes this specific variety as vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free.
- These descriptions don’t automatically apply to other AH flavours or pack sizes.
Jumbo eigen merk
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a share bag of potato crisps or corn chips for dipping.
- Jumbo lists, among other options, 250 g potato crisps, 335 g ridged crisps and 300 g Plain Tortilla Chips; Jumbo describes those tortilla chips as suitable for dipping.
- Potato crisps and tortilla chips are different products. Choose according to what you want to serve, and check the label for the exact variety.
Snack Day (Lidl eigen merk)
A brand to consider when choosing between classic crisp flavours.
- Lidl Netherlands lists Snack Day as a snack brand offering different types of crisps.
- Check the net contents, ingredients and nutritional information on the bag you choose; these vary by product.
Crisps and portion packs on Joybuy
These products show different ways to share snacks: one large bag, individual bags, a mixed box and small tubes. Choose the format that suits your group, and check the contents of each variety in mixed packs.
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Pringles Red Pepper, 12 × 40 g
For a games night when you want to hand out individual tubes. The pack contains 12 tubes of 40 g; if anyone at the table needs to avoid an allergen, check the ingredients for this Red Pepper variety.
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Takis Blue Heat corn chips, 18 × 100 g
For a group who want to share individual bags of corn chips. The pack contains 18 bags of 100 g, 1,800 g in total; check that the flavour suits the players and read the allergen information on the packaging.
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Lay's Paprika Crisps, 300 g
A bag to share when the group wants paprika crisps. The bag contains 300 g in one flavour, with no individually wrapped portions; check the label on this pack for the ingredients and nutritional information.
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Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box, 20 items
For players who want to choose from a selection of individual snacks. The box contains 20 items; check the contents of each variety and the labels on all the items before deciding whether the mix is suitable for your group.
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Lay's Family Box, 15 bags
For a games night when you want to hand out snacks to each player. The box contains 15 individual bags; check the contents of each bag, and the ingredients and allergens for the varieties in this specific box.
Frequently asked questions
How many crisps do I need for a games night?
Look at the net contents, the number of players and what else you’re serving; there’s no set amount for every games night. Jumbo lists 30 g portions for its 300 g Plain Tortilla Chips, while the Netherlands Nutrition Centre uses a 40 g bowl of standard crisps as a reference. These portion sizes can help you compare products, but they don’t determine how much your group will eat.
When should I choose individual bags instead of one large bag?
Choose individual bags if players want their own pack or a choice of different snacks. If everyone wants to share the same flavour, a large bag may be enough; either way, compare how much the pack contains.
Which crisps go well with dip?
Tortilla chips are an option when dipping is the main event: Jumbo describes its 300 g Plain Tortilla Chips as suitable for dipping. Choose the dip separately, and read its ingredients and nutritional information too.
What should I look for in the allergen information on a mixed snack box?
Check the ingredients and allergen information for every variety in the box, not just the name on the outer packaging. This is especially important if someone at the table needs to avoid an ingredient; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights the importance of allergen information on labels.
How should I store crisps left over after games night?
Seal the crisps well and store them somewhere cool, dry and dark, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Also follow the storage instructions on the pack you’ve chosen.