Ready-made popcorn is convenient for festival shopping, but the sweet varieties from Albert Heijn and Jumbo included in this comparison contain 4 g and 4.6 g of fat per 100 g respectively. That means they do not meet the European Commission’s threshold of no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low-fat’ claim. They also contain 45 g and 48.6 g of sugars per 100 g respectively, according to product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo. If you want to choose the added ingredients yourself, prepare popcorn kernels in advance and assess the popcorn once prepared, rather than looking only at the dry kernels.
You’re looking for ready-made popcorn to take with you and want to compare total fat without overlooking sugar. The sweet and salted varieties from Albert Heijn included in this comparison show why it’s worth checking the label for the exact flavour.
You can prepare popcorn in advance and want to control how much oil and seasoning you use. Popcorn kernels give you this option, but the nutritional values for dry kernels aren’t the same as those for popcorn prepared with oil. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes a recipe using popcorn kernels, oil and herbs.
You’re buying for other people and want to check the ingredients, allergen information and storage advice. Albert Heijn states that its organic popcorn kernels may contain cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat. Always check the information on the packaging for the exact variety.
First, decide whether you want popcorn that’s ready to eat or whether you can prepare it at home. Then compare nutritional values per 100 g for the same type of product, and check which ingredients and allergens the packaging information applies to.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Total fat and sugars | Compare fat and sugars per 100 g for the same type of product. A sweet flavour doesn’t tell you how much fat or sugar a variety contains. | If I’m looking for less total fat, I also want to compare the sugars and avoid comparing dry kernels with ready-to-eat popcorn. Around 36% of consumers say comparing fat is their top priority. |
| Ready-to-eat convenience | Choose a ready-to-eat variety if you can’t use any equipment. Also check the pack size and portion information. | If I want to take popcorn with me without having to prepare it, a ready-to-eat pack is convenient. Around 29% of consumers put ready-to-eat convenience first. |
| Choosing your own toppings | Check what preparation is needed and remember to factor in oil and seasonings. The nutritional values for dry kernels don’t describe the prepared snack. | If I want to control how much oil and seasoning I use, I can prepare popcorn kernels at home and take the snack with me afterwards. Around 21% of consumers prioritise having this control over added ingredients. |
| Allergens and dietary requirements | Read the ingredients list and allergen information for the exact variety. Don’t assume that dietary information for one flavour applies to other products. | If I’m buying popcorn for other people, I want to check whether the exact variety suits their known allergies or dietary requirements. Around 14% of consumers put suitability for sharing first. |
The sweet Albert Heijn popcorn included in this comparison contains 4 g of fat and 45 g of sugars per 100 g. Jumbo Popcorn Zoet contains 4.6 g of fat and 48.6 g of sugars per 100 g. So, a lower fat figure alone doesn’t tell you how much sugar the variety contains.
Compare fat and sugars separately on the label for the flavour you choose, using the same basis, such as values per 100 g.
The 4 g of fat per 100 g listed by Albert Heijn for its dried organic kernels doesn’t automatically describe the popcorn you make with added oil.
Compare like with like, and if you’re making your own, factor in the oil and seasonings too. Preparing popcorn also requires a pan, a lid and a heat source.
The AH Popcorn zoet pack included in this comparison contains 200 g and lists a serving size of 25 g on the label. The whole pack is therefore not the same amount as the stated serving.
Decide in advance how much you want to take or share, and use the serving information as a label detail, not as personal dietary advice.
A Joybuy product page with ‘popcorn’ in its name describes WANT WANT Lao Wei Xian as a spiral snack made with potato powder and starch. The category name alone doesn’t make it clear whether it’s made from popped corn.
Check the product identity and ingredients before comparing it with other popcorn.
The range included in this comparison features ready-to-eat sweet and salted popcorn, as well as organic popcorn kernels for preparing at home.
The product lines included in this comparison feature ready-to-eat sweet popcorn and salted microwave popcorn.
The product information included in this comparison lists Snack Day Popcorn zeezout in a 200 g pack.
The Aldi product information included in this comparison identifies SUN SNACKS Zoute popcorn in a 100 g pack.
Here, ready-to-eat popcorn and kernels for popping at home are shown side by side. Check the fat values for the exact variety and preparation method.
No image available
A good fit if you’re looking for ready-to-eat popcorn; the product description says this snack is ready to eat.
No image available
A good fit if you want to prepare popcorn kernels at home and choose the added ingredients yourself.
The description lists 5 g of fat per 100 g for the maize as sold. The preparation instructions call for 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. These nutritional values don’t apply to the prepared popcorn.
No image available
A good fit if you’re looking for ready-to-eat caramel popcorn; this variety isn’t suited to a choice specifically focused on reducing total fat.
Per 100 g: 25 g of fat and 35 g of sugars.
No image available
A good fit if you’re looking for ready-to-eat savoury popcorn; the product name describes it as salted popcorn.
Per 100 g: 29.2 g of fat and 1.2 g of sugars. These values aren’t suited to anyone specifically looking to reduce their total fat intake.
For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low-fat’ claim. The AH Popcorn zoet included in this comparison, with 4 g of fat per 100 g, and Jumbo Popcorn Zoet, with 4.6 g of fat per 100 g, don’t meet this threshold, according to Albert Heijn and Jumbo.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes a method using 50 g of popcorn kernels, 1 teaspoon of oil and 1 teaspoon of herb mix in a heavy-based pan with a well-fitting lid. Remove the pan from the heat when the popping has mostly stopped, then stir in the herbs. The nutritional value of the dry kernels isn’t automatically the same as that of the prepared popcorn.
Follow the instructions on the packaging for the exact variety. For the salted microwave popcorn included in this comparison, Jumbo warns that children should only prepare it under adult supervision and that you shouldn’t restart the cooking process after an interruption.
Albert Heijn advises storing the sweet and salted popcorn included in this comparison in a cool, dark and dry place, and closing the pack securely after use. Also follow the use-by and storage information on your own packaging.
Don’t assume so. For the organic popcorn kernels included in this comparison, Albert Heijn states that they may contain cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat. Check the current allergen information on the exact packaging before choosing.
