Joybuy Insights

Buying snacks: how to choose the right options for home and on the go

Buying snacks may seem straightforward, but attractive packaging doesn’t always tell the whole story. A bar labelled “protein”, “organic” or “no added sugar” may still contain plenty of carbohydrates, allergens or calories. Portion sizes are often overlooked too.

For families, sportspeople and anyone who’s often on the go, making a good choice is about more than taste. Check the ingredients, nutritional values, allergens, portion packaging and shelf life. That way, you can avoid buying a large pack that doesn’t suit when you’ll be eating it or your diet.

Common pitfalls when buying snacks

1. Mistaking marketing claims for nutritional information

“Source of fibre”, “high in protein” and “less sugar” don’t give you the full nutritional picture. Always check the table per 100g and, if provided, per portion. A product may contain relatively high levels of sugar per 100g, even if the portion looks small. Equally, a large portion can add up more than you realise.

For claims about benefits or nutritional value, check the packaging and official product information. Brands may state, for example, that fibre, protein or minerals play a particular role, but that doesn’t automatically make a snack right for everyone.

2. “Natural” or “organic” doesn’t automatically mean low in sugar

Dried fruit, dates, raisins and agave syrup may be used in organic snacks, but they still contain sugars naturally or through added ingredients. Check the order of the ingredients and the nutritional information. With a nut bar, fat and calories also matter, even if the product has only a few ingredients.

3. Checking allergens and age suitability too late

Nuts, peanuts, milk, soya, cereals containing gluten and sesame are common ingredients in snacks. Check both “contains” and “may contain” statements. Age labelling is also important for young children. Baby snacks from 12 months are not suitable for younger children. Supervise your child while they eat and follow the warnings on the packaging.

Three checks to make before you order

1. Compare the portion, packaging and occasion

Individually wrapped portions are handy for snacks on the go. They’re easier to keep sealed in a bag and help you judge how much you’re eating. For example, Snelle Jelle Breakfast Cake Less Sugar-Free comes in five individually wrapped bars of 50g each. The regular Snelle Jelle Gingerbread Natural contains five 65g portions.

For home use, a larger pack may offer better value, such as a bag of nuts and seeds or a large pack of granola. Just consider how you’ll store it and how quickly you’ll eat it.

2. Read the ingredients list from top to bottom

Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. Bites We Love Chewy Oat Bars Chocolate lists gluten-free wholegrain oats, fibre, sunflower seed butter, cocoa and seeds, among other ingredients. The product information gives a 30g portion containing 115 kcal, 8.6g of fibre and 2.7g of protein. Check the allergen information too: the product states that it contains oats.

If you’re looking for protein bars, don’t just focus on the protein percentage. According to the product information, LiGA Protein Bars contain milk, peanuts, hazelnuts, soya and cereals containing gluten, among other ingredients. This may make them unsuitable for people with certain allergies, even if they’re a good fit for a high-protein snack.

3. Check the shelf life and storage advice

Many snacks keep well at room temperature when unopened, but should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal the packaging tightly after opening. When ordering snacks online, always check the use-by or best-before information on the packaging as soon as your product arrives. Don’t use a product if its packaging is damaged.

Recommendations for different types of shopper

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Snelle Jelle Breakfast Cake Less Sugar-Free 250g

Snelle Jelle Breakfast Cake Less Sugar-Free 250g

Why it suits this profile: The five individually wrapped bars are handy for school, work or a quick break on the go. The portions make it easy to compare and share them out.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The “less sugar” claim doesn’t replace the nutritional information table. It lists 24g of sugars per 100g, so check the 50g portion before you order.

Key benefit & highlights

Five individual portions, 50g per bar and, according to the product information, 8.1g of fibre per 100g.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Holie's Granola Protein Almond Speculaas - 6 x 350g

Holie's Granola Protein Amandel Speculaas - 6 x 350g

Why it suits this profile: The bulk pack is a good fit for households that regularly have granola for breakfast or as a planned snack. The speculaas spices give it a distinctive, familiar flavour.

How this product avoids the pitfall

“0% added sugar” doesn’t mean the product is low in energy. The product information lists 462 kcal and 27g of fat per 100g, so portion it carefully.

Key benefit & highlights

According to the product information, this variety contains 20g of protein and 14g of fibre per 100g. It contains oats, barley, spelt, peanuts, almonds and soya, among other ingredients.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent users
Bites We Love Chewy Oat Bars Chocolate - 4 pieces

Bites We Love Chewy Oat Bars Chocolate - 4 pcs

Why it suits this profile: A handy choice if you’re after a compact oat bar with chocolate and seeds for work, travel or an active day.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Don’t judge the bar on the “gluten-free” claim alone: the product information also lists oats as an allergen. Check the packaging if you have an allergy or intolerance.

Key benefit & highlights

Four bars per pack, 115 kcal per 30g portion and, according to the product information, 8.6g of fibre per portion.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

More options for different occasions

  • Healthy snacks for adults: compare nuts and seeds with bars for fibre, protein, sugar and portion size.
  • Granola and oat bars: check the amount of syrup and sugar, the fibre content and whether they contain cereals with gluten.
  • Protein bars: check for milk, soya, peanuts and nuts as well as the protein content.
  • Organic snacks: look for the organic certification and check the full ingredients list; organic doesn’t automatically mean low in sugar or energy.
  • Sweet snacks: use the portion size as your guide and compare varieties per 100g.
  • Gluten-free snacks: check that the packaging confirms the product is suitable for your needs and read the allergen information.

Frequently asked questions about buying snacks

What are handy snacks to take on the go?

Choose individually wrapped bars, oat bars, fruit bars or small portions of nuts. They’re easy to carry and stay sealed until you’re ready to eat them. In warm weather, check the storage advice, especially for products with chocolate or a soft filling.

Are healthy snacks always low in calories?

No. Nuts, seeds, granola and bars containing fibre or protein can provide nutrients, but they can also be relatively high in energy. Compare the values per 100g and per portion. “Healthy” isn’t a substitute for comparing specific nutritional information.

What should I look for in baby snacks from 12 months?

Check the age guidance, ingredients, allergens and warnings. De Kleine Keuken states that various products are suitable from 12 months. Only give these snacks as directed on the packaging, make sure your child is sitting upright and supervise them while they eat.