To prepare several snacks for a journey, choose a multipack of individual bags and compare the number of bags and the weight of each one. A multipack of one flavour makes it easy to divide them between lunchboxes; an assortment offers more choice, but you’ll need to check the ingredients for each flavour. If you’re taking just one snack, an individual tube is another option, although it isn’t necessarily a multipack.
Pre-portioned bags make it easy to divide snacks between several bags or different points on a journey. Multipacks of six bags weighing 27.5 g to 30 g each are available from retailers including Auchan, Carrefour and E.Leclerc.
An assortment lets everyone choose from the flavours in the pack. Auchan, for example, stocks a six-bag Lay’s multipack featuring Barbecue, Roast Chicken and Cheese. Check the ingredients for each flavour before sharing.
If salt or a particular ingredient matters to you, compare the nutritional information and ingredients list on the pack you buy. The DGCCRF points out that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted in the list.
For a journey, first work out how many snacks you need to divide up, then check the contents and ingredients of the bags.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Individual portions | Number of bags and the weight of each one. | I’m preparing several lunchboxes and want to put a bag in each one without opening a large pack; around 36% of consumers prioritise individually portioned snacks. |
| Amount to share | Number of bags and the total weight of the multipack. | For a group or several stops, I need enough bags without opening multiple packs; having enough for these breaks is the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and salt | Ingredients and allergens for each flavour; salt per 100 g and, if shown, per portion. | Before handing out the bags, I need to be able to check the ingredients and compare the salt content of each flavour; around 21% of consumers put this label information first. |
| Choice of flavours | Flavours included and the number of bags of each. | If not everyone travelling together likes the same flavour, I’d rather give them a choice; around 14% of consumers put variety first. |
Two multipacks of six don’t necessarily contain the same amount: the examples listed by Carrefour, Auchan and E.Leclerc have different weights per bag.
Check the number of bags, the weight of each one and the total weight.
Ingredients can vary from one flavour to another. In the Lay’s variety pack listed by Auchan, don’t assume the Cheese and Barbecue recipes are the same.
Check the ingredients list and allergen information for each flavour on the pack you buy.
Opening one large bag during the journey doesn’t meet the same need as having individual portions to pop into several bags.
For several people or breaks, count how many portions you need. For a single snack, also compare an individual bag or tube.
An individual portion doesn’t, by itself, tell you how much salt the recipe contains. Anses recommends reading labels to compare salty foods.
Compare the salt per 100 g across flavours, then check the amount per portion if it’s shown on the packaging.
Vico offers La Classique plain crisps in packs of six 27.5 g bags, listed by Carrefour and Auchan.
The range includes individual bags and a six-bag variety pack listed by Auchan.
Pringles lists its Original flavour in 40 g, 70 g and 200 g tubes on its French website.
The Carrefour range includes Carrefour Classic’ Nature crisps in a multipack of 6 × 30 g.
E.Leclerc lists Pom’Lisse plain crisps in six 30 g bags.
Auchan lists traditional-style crisps in six individual 30 g bags.
These products are suited to preparing several snacks in individual bags. The selection includes one multipack of crisps and two multipacks of potato sticks; the latter aren’t classic crisps.
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For sharing chilli-flavoured crisps between several people or breaks, this multipack contains 12 bags of 60 g each. Check that this portion size suits the snack you have in mind, and read the ingredients on the packaging.
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For preparing five small, separate snacks, this multipack contains five 20 g bags. These are tomato-flavoured potato sticks, not classic crisps; check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging.
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For dividing five 20 g snacks between people or breaks, this multipack contains individual bags of potato sticks. They’re different from classic crisps; if the ingredients matter to you, check the label on the pack.
Choose a size based on the number of people and breaks you have planned. Multipacks listed by Carrefour, Auchan and E.Leclerc include bags weighing 27.5 g, 28 g or 30 g each; if you’re choosing between two multipacks, compare the total weight too.
Yes. Different flavours in the same multipack may contain different ingredients. Check the ingredients list and allergen information for each flavour on the packaging, especially if you’re sharing the multipack.
Look for it in the ingredients list for the flavour in question. The DGCCRF states that allergenic ingredients in pre-packed foods must be highlighted in the list; also read any additional information on the pack you buy.
Keep them away from heat and moisture, as advised in the storage guidance for Auchan’s traditional-style crisps. If you open a large bag, follow the instructions for closing and storing it.
According to the DGCCRF, passing a best-before date doesn’t automatically mean the crisps can’t be eaten, provided the packaging is intact, although the taste or texture may have changed. Don’t confuse this with a use-by date.