Who are these formats for?

Hosts putting on a shared buffet

You’re planning to pour the crisps into one or more bowls. The net weight and number of bags will help you work out how much to put on the table.

Hosts handing out individual portions

You’d rather give guests individual bags or keep some portions sealed during the party.

Hosts who check the labels

If any guests have dietary restrictions, keep the packaging for each flavour to hand so you can check its ingredients and allergen information before serving.

What should you look for when planning your party?

First decide whether you’ll serve crisps in a shared bowl or hand out individual portions. Then check the flavours and labels before putting together your selection.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Total quantity Compare the net weight and number of bags, taking into account what else you’ll be serving. If I’m preparing a shared bowl for several guests, I want to know how much there is before opening the bags. Around 36% of consumers would put this quantity first.
Portion sizes For a multipack, check the number of bags, the weight of each one and the total weight. If I want to hand out crisps without opening all my supplies, I prefer individual portions. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise this convenience when serving.
Choice of flavours Identify each flavour or texture and check its ingredients separately. If I want to offer a choice of flavours or textures, I need to be able to tell the bags apart when serving. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise this variety.
Reading the labels Check the ingredients, allergen information and salt per 100 g for each product. If my guests’ dietary restrictions affect my choice, I want to check the exact bag rather than rely on the word ‘plain’. Around 14% of consumers would put checking the labels first.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Relying on the word ‘family-sized’ alone

    This description doesn’t tell you how much the bag contains. Product listings from Carrefour, Auchan and E.Leclerc show bags with different net weights.

    Check the net weight of each product and add up the quantities if you’re buying several bags.

  • Assuming plain crisps are suitable for everyone

    Vico states ‘May contain: milk, peanuts’ for Chips La Classique. So the word ‘plain’ doesn’t replace checking the product’s own allergen information.

    Keep the packaging to hand before serving, and have another option ready if a guest tells you they have an allergy.

  • Opening all the bags at the start

    Storage instructions after opening vary from product to product. For example, Auchan’s listing for individual bags recommends resealing any opened bag properly.

    Open bags as you need them and follow the instructions for any that are left open.

Brands to consider for these formats

Vico

Chips La Classique is a plain option to consider if you’re looking for crisps to serve in a shared bowl.

  • Vico describes this flavour as made with French potatoes, sunflower and rapeseed oils, and salt.
  • The brand also states ‘May contain: milk, peanuts’ for this product.

Lay's

Plain bags in different sizes let you adjust the quantity for your buffet.

  • Carrefour lists a 250 g bag of plain Lay's; Auchan also lists a 300 g size.
  • For the 300 g bag, Auchan recommends eating the crisps within 7 days of opening.

Carrefour Classic'

This range is worth comparing if you’re looking for a large bag of plain crisps.

  • Carrefour’s range includes a 350 g bag of Carrefour Classic' Plain Crisps.
  • Check which product is available at your store before working out how much you’ll need for the buffet.

Pom'Lisse

This E.Leclerc Marque Repère range includes formats for a shared bowl or individual portions.

  • E.Leclerc lists, among other options, a 350 g bag of plain crisps and a pack of 6 × 30 g bags.
  • For the 6 × 30 g pack, E.Leclerc’s listing directs you to check availability at your local store rather than offering direct sales on its website.

Auchan

Auchan’s individual bags are worth considering if portioning is a priority.

  • Auchan’s listing describes a pack of 6 × 30 g bags, making 180 g in total.
  • Check whether this total quantity is enough for your group and the other food you’re planning to serve.

Crisps to share on Joybuy

These two bags of Lay's are options for serving potato crisps in a shared bowl. Compare their net weights based on how much you’d like to have available.

295 g bag of Lay's Country-Style crisps

Lay's Country-Style, 295 g

This 295 g bag is suitable for serving in a shared bowl. The description mentions possible traces of soya and gluten, so check the label on the bag if this is relevant to any of your guests. It recommends storing the crisps away from light and eating them within 7 days of opening.

View on Joybuy
250 g bag of Lay's salted plain crisps

Lay's salted plain crisps, 250 g

This 250 g bag of plain crisps can be served in a shared bowl; it has a lower net weight than the other bag featured here. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact bag before offering it to guests.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘family-sized’ tell you how many crisps to buy?

No. Check the net weight rather than relying on that description alone. For example, Carrefour lists a 250 g bag of plain Lay's, while Auchan lists a 300 g bag. Choose how many bags to buy based on your guests and the other food you’ll be serving.

Should you choose one large bag or individual portions?

A large bag works well if you’re filling a shared bowl; individual portions are easier to hand out and let you keep some bags sealed. The Auchan multipack listed contains 6 × 30 g bags, or 180 g in total. Compare this weight with how much you’ll need for the party.

What should you do with leftover crisps after the party?

Follow the instructions on the relevant bag and reseal any opened bags. For its 300 g plain format, the Lay's listing featured by Auchan recommends storing the product away from light and eating it within 7 days of opening.

What should you check on the label before serving crisps?

Read the ingredients list and allergen information for each flavour, then compare the nutritional information per 100 g if it matters to your choice. The DGCCRF states that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted on the labels of prepacked foods. Always check the bag you’re going to serve.