People who plan a meal around their workout
You’re planning a proper meal after a workout and might want a savoury snack alongside it. In that case, choose a crisp multipack for its flavour and portion size, not as a substitute for the meal.
Who are these multipacks for?
Lunchbox packers
You want to take one sealed portion with you rather than eat from a large bag. Check the weight of each bag: Albert Heijn’s product examples include individual portions of 22, 27.5 or 40 g.
People sharing with a group with different preferences
You’re looking for a range of flavours to share, but want to check what’s in each bag. This is especially important if ingredients or allergens matter to someone in the group.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether the multipack is for one snack break or for sharing. Then compare portion sizes and, for a variety box, check the information for each individual product.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Snack or meal | Check the nutritional information per portion and consider what else you’ll eat after exercising. | After an intense workout, I don’t want to mistake crisps for a complete meal. This is the main consideration for around 42% of consumers. |
| Lunchbox portion | Compare the number of bags and the weight of each one, not just the total weight of the box. | I want to take one sealed snack with a clearly defined portion size. Around 33% of consumers give this clear portion size the highest priority. |
| Sharing and allergens | Check the flavour mix and read the ingredients and allergen information for each relevant variety. | If I’m sharing a box, each bag needs to be suitable for the person receiving it. For around 25% of consumers, checking this when sharing is their main concern. |
Common mistakes
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Thinking of a crisp multipack as a post-workout meal
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 2.5 g of protein per 40 g of average crisps and highlights the importance of getting enough protein after intense exercise. Individual packaging doesn’t change the nutritional value of crisps.
Plan your meal separately from your choice of savoury snack, and check the nutritional information for the specific crisps.
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Assuming every bag in a variety box is the same
A box may combine potato crisps with other savoury snacks. Ingredients and allergens can therefore vary between products. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains which allergens must be listed on the labels of prepacked foods.
Check the information on the box and on the flavour you plan to hand out, rather than relying on the front of the pack alone.
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Comparing only the number of bags
According to Albert Heijn, the Pringles Original 12-pack contains 40 g portions, while the Lay's Mega Box includes bags of 22 and 27.5 g, among others. So more bags doesn’t automatically mean the same amount per snack break.
Compare the weight of each bag and the total weight before choosing a size for lunchboxes or a group.
Brands to consider
Lay's
A good option if you’re looking for individual bags or a variety box.
- The Mega Box described by Albert Heijn contains 20 individual snacks, including bags of 22 and 27.5 g.
- A variety box may also contain cheese or corn snacks. Check the ingredients and allergen information for each variety.
Pringles
An option if you’re looking for one flavour and a consistent portion size.
- Albert Heijn lists a multipack of 12 x 40 g tubes for Pringles Original.
- Joybuy’s product information lists wheat and gluten. Check the other allergen information too if it’s relevant to your choice.
Smiths
A name to look out for when a snack mix includes more than just potato crisps.
- According to Lay's Netherlands, snacks such as Wokkels, Nibb-it, Chipito and Bugles are sold in shops under the Smiths brand.
- For a specific variety box, check which snacks, portion sizes and allergens it contains. The brand name doesn’t tell you what’s in the box.
Crisp multipacks on Joybuy
These multipacks are worth comparing for an individual snack break or for sharing. Check the number of portions, flavour options and ingredient information for each product. None of these crisps is a replacement for a post-workout meal.
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Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box, 20 pieces
For sharing when you’d like a selection of different snacks.
The box contains 20 pieces. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, this includes bags of 22 and 27.5 g, among others. Check the ingredients and allergens for each variety before handing them out.
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Pringles Original, 12 x 40 g
For a lunchbox or cupboard where you want the same flavour and portion size each time.
The multipack contains 12 tubes of 40 g. Joybuy’s product information lists wheat and gluten. Read the allergen information before handing out the tubes.
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Lay's Sensations Thai Sweet Chili, 10 x 40 g
For anyone who wants to take or share individual bags of one flavour.
The multipack contains 10 portions of 40 g. If you’re choosing the bags for other people, check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box, 15 pieces
For sharing when a variety is more appealing than one fixed flavour.
The box contains 15 pieces. Check the packaging for the weight and the ingredients and allergen information for the bags you plan to hand out.
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Lay's Doritos Chill Box, 12 pieces
For anyone looking to share a smaller variety box.
The multipack contains 12 pieces. Check the packaging for the weight of each bag, and check the ingredients and allergens for each variety you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Are crisps a meal in themselves after exercise?
No. A portion of crisps isn’t a substitute for a proper meal. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says getting enough protein is relevant after intense exercise and lists an average of 2.5 g of protein per 40 g of crisps, so consider what else you’re eating too.
Which size fits in a lunchbox?
An individual bag or tube with a familiar portion size makes it easy to choose a snack for one break. For example, Albert Heijn lists 22 and 27.5 g portions in the Lay's Mega Box and 40 g tubes in the Pringles Original 12-pack. Compare these with the rest of your lunch.
Should I check each type of bag in a variety box for allergens?
Yes. Check the information for the variety someone will actually be given. A variety box may contain different ingredients. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the requirement to list allergens on prepacked food labels.
How should I store an opened bag of crisps?
Seal the bag well after opening and store it in a cool, dry place, away from heat and moisture. Also follow any storage instructions on the packaging.