For lunchboxes and days out
Want to set aside bags for a lunchbox or take them in a bag after picking up your fish and chips? Small, individually packed portions are handy for this. Lay’s also says its small bags are suitable for sharing.
Who are individual bags useful for?
Individual bags are particularly useful if you don’t want to serve all the crisps from one large bag at the same time. With a mixed box, the amount of each variety also determines whether there’s something for everyone.
For families and small groups
If everyone wants a different flavour, check how the varieties are split across the box. The Lay’s Mega Box and Celebration Box described by Albert Heijn combine different types of crisps and snacks, so there may only be a limited number of bags of your favourite variety.
For anyone who needs to check ingredients
If you’re buying for someone with an allergy, assess each relevant variety separately. Ingredients and allergens can differ from bag to bag in mixed boxes. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergens must be listed on labels. Check the packaging of the product you’re actually buying.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you mainly want portions to take with you, a range of flavours to share, or enough bags for several occasions. Then check the contents of each pack: a higher number of bags doesn’t, by itself, tell you how large each portion is.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Individual portions | Check whether the bags are individually wrapped and how many grams each contains. | If you want to hand out crisps after picking up your fish and chips or save them for a lunchbox, a handy portion matters more than a large sharing bag. This is the main priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Choice of flavours | Check which types of snacks are included and how many bags of each variety you get. | If everyone at the table doesn’t want the same flavour, look for a mix that includes the group’s preferences. This is the main concern for around 33% of consumers. |
| Getting the right amount | Compare the number of bags and the total weight with the number of people and the occasions you have in mind. | You don’t want to be left with lots of spare bags if you’re buying for a few people, but for a group you’ll need enough to go round. This is the deciding factor for around 27% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and nutritional information | Read the ingredients and allergen information for each variety. If needed, compare the nutritional values per 100 g and per portion. | If you’re buying for someone with an allergy or want to know what’s in every bag, you’ll also need to check the other varieties in the box. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming every bag in a mixed box contains the same crisps
A box may include potato crisps, tortilla chips and other snacks. Ingredients and allergens can therefore differ between varieties; one suitable bag doesn’t mean the whole box is suitable for someone with an allergy.
Before buying, check how the contents are split and read the ingredients and allergen information for every variety that person might eat on the current packaging.
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Comparing only the number of bags
The number of portions doesn’t tell you how many crisps are in each bag. For example, Albert Heijn lists a Lay’s Paprika 6-pack with 25 g bags, while the larger mixed boxes described also contain other snacks.
Compare the number of bags, the weight of each bag and the total weight with what you need for the people you’re buying for and any lunchboxes.
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Assuming an old product listing reflects the current packaging
A listing doesn’t necessarily mean the same product is still available or that its ingredients and nutritional information haven’t changed. Jumbo noted that its Lay’s Classic Mix 12-pack was no longer in its online range.
Check the current range and read the packaging when you buy, especially if a particular flavour or allergen listing is important to your choice.
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Assuming a small bag means a different nutritional value
The packaging divides the crisps into portions, but it doesn’t change the nutritional value of what’s inside. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives an average of 215 kcal for 40 g of crisps; that figure doesn’t automatically describe the bag you choose.
Check the weight of the bag you’ve chosen and its nutritional values per 100 g and per portion on the packaging.
Brands and retailers to consider
A brand or retailer name alone won’t tell you which multipack is right for your takeaway. Compare the specific pack size and contents.
Lay's
Lay’s offers small multipack bags and mixed boxes that may also contain other types of snacks.
- The Mega Box described by Albert Heijn contains 20 bags, while the Celebration Box contains 30, with a range of varieties to share.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for each variety; the contents aren’t the same throughout a mixed box.
Pringles
Pringles sells crisps in tubes. For Original, the brand lists 40 g, 70 g and 165 g sizes.
- A tube is another option if you’re looking for a particular flavour and size.
- If you need individual bags for lunchboxes, check the packaging: a tube won’t necessarily serve that purpose.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists Lay’s packs of 6, 20 and 30 bags on its product pages, among other options.
- The listed quantities and contents make it easier to compare a small pack with larger mixed boxes.
- Check the current packaging for ingredients, allergens and nutritional information when you buy.
Jumbo
Jumbo has product listings for multipacks and bags for sharing.
- Individual bags are worth considering if you want to take crisps with you or hand them out.
- A listing for the Lay’s Classic Mix 12-pack said the product was no longer available online; check the current range.
Lidl
Lidl describes a 15-bag multipack as an in-store-only product.
- The listed quantity is a useful starting point if you’re buying for several people.
- In store, check the types of snacks, weights, ingredients and allergens before comparing this size with another box.
Multipacks and mixed boxes at Joybuy
These products are mixed boxes and packs for anyone who wants to hand out individual bags or set them aside when picking up fish and chips. Choose based on the pack size listed, and check which varieties are included in mixed packs.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box Crisps, 2 × 15-pack
Worth considering if you want to hand out bags to several people or set some aside.
The product name lists two packs of 15. Before choosing the mix for everyone, check the contents of each variety and the latest allergen information.
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Croky Sharing Mix 180 g
A mix to consider if you want to share crisps with your fish and chips.
The product name lists a total weight of 180 g. Check the packaging to see how many individual portions and which flavours are included. If you have an allergy, check the ingredients too.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box Crisps 15-pack
This size suits anyone who wants to hand out bags on different occasions without opting straight away for the version with two 15-packs.
The product name lists 15 bags. Check the current packaging to see which varieties are included and the ingredients and allergens for each one.
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Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box 20-pack
A box to compare if several people want different types of snacks.
The product name lists a 20-pack with Lay’s, Cheetos and Doritos. Check how many bags of each type you get, the weight of each bag and the allergens in each variety.
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Lay's Family Box, 15 pieces
A size for anyone who wants to share out bags among a group when picking up fish and chips.
The product name lists 15 pieces. Check the packaging to see which snacks and portion weights the box contains, and check the allergens for every relevant variety.
Frequently asked questions
When should I choose a multipack instead of one large bag to go with my fish and chips?
Choose a multipack if you want to take crisps in individual bags, hand them out or save them for later. Just check how many bags you need: a larger box won’t automatically be right for a small group.
Do all the bags in a mixed box have the same ingredients?
No, ingredients can differ between varieties. The Lay’s Mega Box and Celebration Box described by Albert Heijn contain different types of snacks. If you have an allergy, check the ingredients and allergens for every relevant bag on the current packaging.
Are allergens listed on the label of packaged crisps?
Yes. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that information must be provided on the label for the 14 allergens that have to be declared. For a mixed box, check the information for each variety rather than relying on the label of a single bag for the whole box.
Is a small bag of crisps automatically a light portion?
No, the size of the bag alone doesn’t tell you its nutritional value. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 215 kcal for 40 g of average crisps; check the weight of your chosen bag and the nutritional information on its label.