Who is this relevant to?

Parents looking for safe snacks

You’re looking for something for your toddler and want to check that the texture is suitable first. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists popcorn as a food that young children can choke on.

Parents who want to understand calorie claims

You’re looking for a light snack, but don’t want to confuse a small portion with a product that can legally be described as low in calories under EU claim rules.

Parents looking for a practical snack routine

You want to choose snacks that fit in around main meals, without always needing a special snack for children. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists fruit, vegetables and wholemeal bread as suitable options for babies and toddlers.

What should you look for when choosing?

First check whether a snack is suitable for your child’s age. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights the choking risk associated with popcorn. Calories, portions and ingredients come afterwards.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Safety and texture Check safety advice for your child’s age and choose a texture that suits their ability to chew. When I choose a snack for my toddler, I want to make sure its texture doesn’t pose a choking risk. Around 36% of consumers put safety first when making a purchase.
Energy and portion size Compare the energy per 100 g, and also consider how many grams are actually eaten. When I want to assess the energy content of a portion, I compare the same weight in grams rather than relying on the portion sizes shown on the packaging. Around 29% of consumers give energy and portion size the highest priority.
Sugar, salt and ingredients Check the ingredients list and compare sugars and salt per 100 g. Also check which oils or fats are listed. When I want to limit additives, I want to be able to assess the sugar, salt and other ingredients separately. Around 21% of consumers prioritise composition.
Everyday convenience Consider snack times in relation to main meals, storage and any preparation instructions. When I want to fit a snack into our daily routine, I consider the preparation and storage instructions. Around 14% of consumers value practicality most.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming a light snack is suitable for toddlers

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists popcorn as a food that young children can choke on. Its light, airy appearance doesn’t remove that risk.

    Make safety your priority before comparing calories, and don’t choose popcorn as a snack for your toddler.

  • Comparing calories for different portion sizes

    The AH products examined list a 25 g portion, while the Jumbo products examined list a 30 g portion. This means their portion values aren’t directly comparable.

    Compare the values per 100 g first, and use the same weight in grams when comparing portions. A small portion doesn’t prove that a product is low in calories.

  • Treating one favourable nutrition feature as a complete recommendation

    A nutrition claim relates to one specific property and doesn’t replace an assessment of age suitability, energy content and ingredients.

    Read the exact claim and assess safety, energy and ingredients separately.

  • Assuming that preparing it yourself means you can use it without concern

    The packaging for Jumbo Magnetron Popcorn Zout 3 x 90 g warns that children must not prepare popcorn without adult supervision.

    When preparing popcorn for adults, follow the instructions and warnings on the exact packaging. Keep that choice separate from snacks for toddlers.

    Microwave popcorn also requires preparation time and supervision.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

The Dutch product pages include AH Popcorn zoet 200 g and AH Zoute popcorn 100 g.

  • The product information includes ingredients, portion size and nutrition values for these varieties.
  • This information doesn’t prove that the popcorn is low in calories or suitable for toddlers.

Jumbo

The Dutch product range includes Jumbo Popcorn Zout 100 g and Jumbo Magnetron Popcorn Zout 3 x 90 g.

  • The product pages give product-specific information about ingredients and nutrition. The microwave variety also includes preparation warnings.
  • The features and warnings apply to the varieties listed and aren’t recommendations for toddlers.

Lidl

Lidl lists salted and sweet popcorn in its own-brand Snack Day range.

  • The range information confirms these two product types.
  • The product types alone don’t tell you whether a variety is low in calories or suitable for toddlers.

Aldi

The Dutch ALDI product page lists SUN SNACKS Zoute popcorn 100 g.

  • The page confirms the product identity and packaging for this variety.
  • The product listing doesn’t substantiate claims that it is low in calories or suitable for toddlers.

Popcorn products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

When can a product be described as low in calories?

According to the European Commission, a solid food can carry the claim ‘low energy’ if it contains no more than 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g. A small portion containing less than a certain number of calories doesn’t, by itself, meet this requirement.

Does fewer calories mean the same as low in calories?

No. According to the European Commission, a claim that a product has reduced energy value requires it to contain at least 30% less energy. The claim must also state which property causes the reduction. This is a different requirement from containing no more than 40 kcal per 100 g.

How can I prepare an alternative snack for my toddler?

Adapt the texture to your child’s ability to chew. You can grate, boil or steam firm apple. Cut round foods lengthways and, if needed, into several smaller pieces.

How often should I give my toddler a snack?

The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends offering extra food or drink no more than twice a day, where possible, so your child is still hungry at mealtimes. Water is always fine between meals.

How should I store popcorn bought for adults only?

Follow the label for the exact variety. The AH products examined recommend storing them in a cool, dark and dry place and sealing the packaging carefully after use.