Families who portion snacks in advance
If every passenger or lunchbox gets its own sealed bag, you won’t need to pass around an open large bag on the way.
Who are individual snack bags useful for?
Groups with different tastes
A variety box can include different types of snacks in one pack. Check what’s inside, and look at the ingredients for each type if they matter to anyone in your group.
Road-trippers comparing quantities
When planning for your trip, consider both the total number of bags and the amount in each one. Two boxes with the same number of bags might not contain the same portion sizes.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how many sealed portions you need. Then compare the flavour selection, the amount you’ll need for the whole journey and the ingredients of the snacks in the box.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is it important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Individual portions | Count the bags and check the weight of each one against the number of people and snack breaks. | If I want to prepare a sealed portion for every passenger or lunchbox, the number of bags determines my choice. Around 40% of consumers put portion planning first. |
| Flavours and snack types | Check which flavours are in the box and how many bags there are of each type. | When there are different preferences in the group, I want to know whether there’s a suitable flavour for everyone. For around 30% of consumers, variety is the main concern. |
| Supplies for the journey | Compare the total number of bags and the total weight with your planned journey and the number of people. | If I’m making several stops, I want to bring enough without judging by the size of the box alone; around 20% of consumers focus first on the total quantity. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information for every snack type in a variety box. | If I’m bringing snacks for someone with a food allergy, I need to be able to check each type separately. For around 10% of consumers, this is the top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all the bags in a variety box have the same ingredients
A box can contain a combination of potato crisps and other snacks. Jumbo lists milk in its Lay's Party Mix, with possible traces of ingredients including soya and wheat.
If anyone has an allergy, check the current ingredients and allergen information for each type. Don’t rely on the front of the box alone.
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Comparing only the number of bags
Jumbo lists both a Lay's Party Mix with 15 bags of 27,5 g and an own-brand multipack with 15 bags of 25 g. So the same number of bags doesn’t mean the same amount in each portion.
As well as the number of bags, compare the weight of each one and the flavour selection.
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Mistaking a large bag for a multipack
A large bag doesn’t provide individually sealed portions. Albert Heijn lists its 300 g Lay's Original value pack as containing ten 30 g portions, but it’s still a single pack.
Choose a large bag if you want to portion the crisps yourself; choose individual snack bags if everyone needs their own sealed portion.
Portioning the snacks yourself takes time and may require separate tubs or bags.
Popular brands and supermarket own brands
Lay's
Albert Heijn and Jumbo list Lay's boxes containing 30, 20 and 15 individual bags respectively. The contents vary from box to box.
- The stated quantities and flavour selections help you plan portions for a group.
- Variety boxes contain different types of snacks, so check the ingredients and allergens for each type.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists an own-brand multipack of 15 bags: eight Original and seven paprika.
- The set selection makes it easy to plan how many bags of each of these two flavours you’ll need.
- If you want more types of snacks, this two-flavour variety won’t offer them.
Lidl
Lidl lists a 15-bag multipack as a supermarket product.
- The number of bags gives you a starting point for planning portions.
- Check the pack in store for the types of snacks and the amount in each bag.
Pringles
A Pringles tube is a different format from a box of individual snack bags. Jumbo lists, for example, a 165 g tube of Pringles Paprika.
- A tube may suit you if you want to portion the snacks yourself.
- Check the pack format if everyone needs their own sealed portion.
Smiths
Jumbo lists Smiths Sticks in 100 g packs; that’s not the same as a box of individual bags.
- The sticks are an option if you’re happy to share a pack and portion them yourself.
- Check the number of individual packs if everyone needs their own snack bag.
Crisp mixes and multipacks at Joybuy
These products are crisp mixes and sharing packs for your journey. When choosing, check the stated number of packs. For mixed snacks, check the ingredients of each type.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box Crisps, 2 × 15-pack
An option for groups who want to hand out sealed portions. The pack contains 2 × 15 pieces; check the flavours and allergens for each type on the current packaging.
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Lay's Fun Mix Box Crisps, 15-pack
For travellers looking for a smaller variety pack with individual portions. It contains 15 pieces; check the flavour selection and allergens before choosing it for your group.
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Lay's Cheetos Doritos Mega Box, 20-pack
For a group wanting to bring several individual portions. The box contains 20 pieces; check the weight and ingredients of the different bags on the packaging.
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Croky Sharing Mix, 180 g
A mix to consider if you’re portioning snacks for a smaller group. The pack weighs 180 g; check the number of bags and the ingredients if everyone needs their own portion.
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Lay's Family Box, 15 pieces
A sharing box for a group wanting to prepare individual portions. It contains 15 pieces; check the weight of each bag and the ingredients in the mix before buying.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of crisps do I need for a road trip?
Count the travellers and the number of times you want to hand out crisps, then compare the total with the number of individual bags. Albert Heijn, Jumbo and Lidl list examples with 15, 20 or 30 bags; remember to check the amount in each one too.
Can I bring a mixed box of crisps if someone has a food allergy?
Only if you can check the ingredients and allergens for every type of snack, and the contents are suitable for that person. Jumbo lists milk in its Lay's Party Mix, with possible traces of ingredients including soya and wheat; check the current packaging too.
Should I still read the label after ordering online?
Yes. Check the packaging you receive before using the product, especially if ingredients or allergens are important. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights the importance of accurate label information; details in an online listing may differ from the packaging you receive.
How should I store the bags during the journey?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and keep individual bags sealed until you’re ready to eat them. The product information for the Lay's Party Mix at Jumbo says to store in a cool, dry place.
Is a Pringles tube the same as a multipack for lunchboxes?
No. A single tube doesn’t provide individually wrapped portions for lunchboxes. For example, Jumbo lists Pringles Paprika in a 165 g tube; choose this format only if you want to portion the crisps yourself.