If you’re handing out crisps to guests
If guests can help themselves during New Year’s Eve celebrations, individual bags save you having to portion crisps out into bowls. A mix offers a choice, but check how many bags there are of each flavour.
Who are individual portions of crisps useful for?
If you’re taking a portion with you
A small bag or compact tube is easier to take with you than a large sharing bag. Check that the portion size is right for what you want to take.
If you’re checking labels for guests
If someone has an allergy, intolerance or specific dietary requirement, the information for the exact flavour matters. Read the ingredients, allergens and any warnings on every pack you plan to hand out.
Which pack size suits your plans?
First, decide whether each guest needs their own pack. Then choose between a flavour mix and a single flavour, and check how much crisp is actually in each portion.
Individual bags
Ideal for: guests helping themselves, or portions you want to take with you.
Worth considering: the number of bags alone tells you little about the total amount unless you know the weight of each bag.
Small tubes
Ideal for: one individual portion per person when a compact, resealable pack is important.
Worth considering: a multipack of Pringles Original, 12 × 40 g, offers one flavour rather than a mix.
Larger sharing bag
Ideal for: a small group if you’re serving the crisps in a bowl yourself.
Worth considering: you won’t have pre-portioned packs to give to guests.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Individual portions | Check the number of individual packs and the weight of each portion. | If I’m handing out crisps to guests or taking them with me, I don’t want to divide up a sharing bag on the spot. Around 42% of consumers say pre-portioned snacks are their top priority. |
| Flavour variety | Check which flavours or types of snacks are in the mix and how many packs of each you’ll get. | If guests have different preferences, I want to be able to offer more than one flavour. For around 33% of consumers, having a choice of flavours is the main priority. |
| Label information | Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for the exact variant; compare per 100 g and per portion if needed. | If a guest has an allergy or dietary requirement, I want to know what’s in each bag before handing it out. Checking the label is the most important consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
What should you look out for?
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Counting bags without checking their weight
A pack with more bags doesn’t automatically contain more crisps. For example, Albert Heijn lists Pringles Original as 12 × 40 g, while Jumbo also lists Lay’s Ready Salted as 20 × 40 g.
Compare the number of portions, the amount in each portion and the total weight before choosing a pack.
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Assuming a flavour mix is suitable for every guest
Ingredients and allergens can vary by flavour. Jumbo lists wheat as an allergen for the Pringles Original pack reviewed.
If someone has an allergy or intolerance, check the label for each exact variant before handing out the crisps.
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Assuming a claim on the front applies to the whole range
According to the product information, the claim that Lay’s Oven Baked Ready Salted contains 50% less fat is a comparison with regular potato crisps for that specific variant. The 150 g bag is also a sharing bag, not a multipack of individual portions.
Compare the nutritional information for the variants you’re actually considering, both per 100 g and per portion.
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Relying only on an online product description
If someone has an allergy, the information on the packaging is what matters when handing out a specific flavour.
Check the current ingredients and allergens on the pack you buy, even if you’ve already chosen a product online.
Brands and packaging compared
Lay's
Jumbo lists Lay’s in several pack sizes, including Party Mix with 15 individual bags and Ready Salted with 20 bags of 40 g each.
- Individual bags are convenient for handing out, and a mix can include several flavours.
- Check the exact contents and total weight. The 150 g bag of Oven Baked Ready Salted is a sharing bag, not a multipack of individual portions.
Pringles
Albert Heijn lists Pringles Original as a multipack of 12 tubes of 40 g each.
- The individual tubes are a good option if you want one compact portion per person.
- This Original multipack contains just one flavour. Jumbo lists wheat as an allergen for this variant; check the label again for other flavours.
Smiths
Jumbo lists Smiths Sticks Paprika and Barbecue in 100 g bags.
- A 100 g bag can be used to serve crisps to a small group.
- These aren’t pre-portioned individual packs.
Snack Day
Lidl’s Snack Day range includes several crisp flavours and a multipack with 15 bags of different varieties.
- The multipack offers individual bags and variety for a group.
- Lidl lists this multipack as available in store only. Check the packaging for ingredients and allergens.
Crisp portions and multipacks at Joybuy
These packs are suited to handing out or taking crisps with you around New Year’s Eve. Note the difference between mixes with individual bags and tubes containing a single flavour, and check the contents of each individual portion in a mix.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box crisps, 2 × 15-pack
For handing out individual bags and giving guests a choice.
The product name lists two packs of 15. Check how the flavours are divided and read the ingredients on the individual bags.
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Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box, multipack of 20
For handing out individual snacks when guests can choose from different varieties.
The product name lists a pack of 20. Check the contents and allergens for each snack variety before choosing the box for a group.
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Pringles Original, 12 × 40 g
For anyone who wants to take or hand out a compact tube of one flavour per person.
The pack contains 12 tubes of 40 g. Jumbo lists wheat as an allergen for Pringles Original; if anyone has an allergy, check the current label.
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Croky Sharing Mix, 180 g
For a small group who want to share crisps and enjoy a choice of flavours.
The product name gives the total weight as 180 g. Check the pack for the size and flavour of each individual portion.
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Lay's Doritos Chill Box, multipack of 12
For anyone who wants to put out individual bags on New Year’s Eve instead of serving one sharing bag.
The product name lists 12 items. Check the weight, flavours and allergens for the exact bags.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out how many individual portions of crisps I need?
Base your estimate on the number of guests who are likely to want crisps, and consider whether you’ll be serving other snacks too. Then look beyond the number of bags: compare the weight of each bag and the total amount in the pack as well.
Can I give Pringles Original to someone with a wheat allergy?
Don’t choose the Pringles Original variant reviewed without checking the label first: Jumbo lists wheat as an allergen. Also check the specific pack for any other ingredients and allergens that may be relevant to your guest.
How should I store crisps until New Year’s Eve?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you buy. Keep individual portions sealed until you hand them out, and check how to reseal a tube once it has been opened.
What should I check on the label of a crisp mix?
Check the ingredients and allergens for each flavour, and look at the weight per portion and nutritional information if these affect your choice. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority stresses that labels on pre-packed foods must be easy to read; when handing out crisps, use the packaging for the exact variant.