Lunchbox and portion planners
You want individual packs that you can divide between lunchboxes or pop in a bag, without having to open a large bag every time.
Which size is right for you?
Families who like a bit of variety
You’re buying for several people with different tastes. With a mixed box, the number of each flavour and snack type matters just as much as the total number of packs.
Shoppers who compare labels
You check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information before making a larger purchase. With a mixed box, you’ll need to do this for each individual snack type.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how you’ll use the individual packs. Then choose between a mix of flavours and one regular flavour, and check the label for the varieties in the box.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Lunchbox portions | Count the individual packs and compare the weight of each one with the snack occasion you have in mind. | For lunchboxes, I want portions I can prepare without having to reseal a large bag. Portion planning is a top priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Variety for sharing | Check how many packs of each flavour and snack type are in the box. | When several people are sharing, I don’t want to put out packs of just one flavour. Variety is a top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Label and ingredients | Read the ingredients and allergens for each type; compare nutritional values per 100 g. | When buying a larger stock, I want to know what’s in every variety before I buy it. For around 30% of consumers, label information is the main priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a mixed box contains only potato crisps
A box with Lay's in the name may also contain Doritos, Cheetos, Bugles or other snacks. This means the flavour, ingredients and allergens can vary from one item to another.
Check the product breakdown and read the ingredients and allergen information for every type included, not just the front of the box.
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Comparing only the number of packs or the box weight
Two boxes with different numbers of packs may also contain different portion sizes. So the number of bags alone doesn’t tell you how much you’ll be taking for each lunchbox or snack occasion.
Compare both the number of individual packs and the weight of each one with how you plan to use them.
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Buying a larger stock without comparing labels
Ingredients, allergens and nutritional values can vary between flavours and snack types. One label or product name doesn’t necessarily describe every item in a mixed box.
Read the allergen information for each variety and compare salt, fat and saturated fat using the nutritional values per 100 g.
Brands to consider
Lay's
If you’re looking for individual bags in a range of flavours, Lay's mixed boxes are worth a look.
- Albert Heijn offers, among others, a Celebration Box with 30 bags and a Mega Box with 20 packs.
- These boxes also include snacks from other brands or categories. Check the contents and allergens for each item.
Pringles
Pringles Original is an option if you’re looking for individual packs of one flavour.
- Joybuy describes the Original variety as 12 packs of 40 g in resealable tubes.
- For this variety, Joybuy lists wheat and gluten, and possible traces of milk and soya. Don’t assume other flavours have the same ingredients.
Snack Day
Snack Day is Lidl’s own brand, offering a range of crisps and other savoury snacks.
- Lidl describes a range that includes several flavours and types of snack.
- If you’re looking for individual portions, check the number of packs, flavours and ingredients on each product.
Crisps multipacks on Joybuy
This selection includes mixed boxes of individual snacks and a multipack in one flavour. For lunchboxes, compare the number of packs and the portion size; for sharing, also check the mix of flavours and snack types.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box, 15 pieces
Ideal if you want to hand out individual portions and fancy a mix. The Fun Mix Box contains 15 pieces; check which types are included and read the ingredients and allergen information for each one.
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Pringles Original 12 x 40 g
Ideal if you want individual portions in one regular flavour. The multipack contains 12 resealable tubes of 40 g. For this Original variety, Joybuy lists wheat and gluten and warns of possible traces of milk and soya.
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Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box, 20 pieces
Ideal if you want to offer a variety of snacks when sharing. This Mega Box contains 20 pieces; check how many packs of each type you’ll get and read the ingredients and allergen information for every item.
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Lay's Doritos Chill Box, 12 pieces
Ideal if you want to divide a smaller mix between several snack occasions. The Chill Box contains 12 pieces; check the portion size, ingredients and allergens for each item if you’re choosing the packs for lunchboxes.
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Lay's Family Box, 15 pieces
Ideal if you want to portion out bags in advance or hand out a variety of snacks. According to Joybuy, this Family Box contains 15 bags of Lay's, Cheetos and Bugles. Compare the weight of each bag and read the ingredients and allergen information for each type.
Frequently asked questions
Which crisps multipack is best for lunchboxes?
Choose individual packs if you want to portion them out in advance, and compare the weight of each one. For example, Joybuy describes a Lay's Family Box with 15 bags and Pringles Original as 12 packs of 40 g. The number of packs alone doesn’t tell you how large each portion is.
How do I choose a box to share with a group?
Choose a mixed box if people want different flavours, but check the contents breakdown first. According to the product information, the Lay's Mega Box at Albert Heijn contains 20 pieces, with a mix of Nibbit, Lay's Max, Doritos and Bugles. If you’re looking for potato crisps only, check which items in the mix fit the bill.
Should I check the allergens for every type of snack?
Yes. For a mixed box, check the ingredients and allergen information for every type it contains. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergens in prepacked foods must be clearly identifiable in the ingredients list on the label. Different items in a mix may have different ingredients.
How do I compare salt and fat in two multipacks?
Compare the nutritional values per 100 g so that different portion sizes don’t skew the comparison. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends using the label to compare things such as salt and saturated fat. Also check the weight of each individual pack to see how much you’re choosing for each snack occasion.