If you’re looking for less fat
You choose popcorn mainly by its fat content and want to compare the label for the specific flavour. A lower figure than for another variety doesn’t automatically mean it qualifies as ‘low fat’.
Who might this choice matter to?
If you’re mindful of portions
As well as fat, you consider sugar and energy and want to match the nutritional values to the portion you actually eat. So a sweet variety with less fat isn’t necessarily the right choice for you.
If you like to keep popcorn in stock
You’re choosing between ready-to-eat popcorn and kernels that still need to be prepared. Pack size, convenience and storage instructions may all be worth considering.
What should you look for when stocking up on popcorn?
When stocking up on popcorn, one priority may matter more than the others: fat content, portion size and sugar, ease of preparation, or quantity and storage.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content and the ‘low fat’ claim | Compare the fat per 100 g for the specific variety. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for the ‘low fat’ claim. | If I mainly want less fat, I compare the flavours and check the claim on the label. Around 36% of this group put fat content first when choosing. |
| Portion size, sugar and energy | Compare sugar and energy per 100 g, then consider the portion you plan to eat. | If I’m mindful of my portion, I also want to know how much sugar it contains. Around 29% of this group prioritise portion size, energy and sugar. |
| Ready to eat or pop it yourself | Check whether it’s ready-to-eat popcorn or loose kernels; when you prepare it yourself, the additions you use also affect the finished product. | If I want to eat my popcorn straight away, I’ll choose differently than if I want to control the preparation and additions myself. Around 21% of this group put convenience first. |
| Pack size and storage | Check the net weight and follow the storage instructions on the specific pack, including after opening. | If I keep popcorn in stock, I want the quantity to suit how I use it and the pack to be easy to store. Around 14% of this group prioritise planning ahead and storage. |
Avoiding common buying mistakes
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Assuming a neutral-sounding flavour name means it’s low fat
A product name alone doesn’t tell you how much fat the popcorn contains. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for the ‘low fat’ claim.
Read the nutrition table for the specific flavour and assess any claim against the amount listed per 100 g.
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Assuming less fat means little sugar
AH Sweet Popcorn lists 4 g of fat and 45 g of sugar per 100 g; Jumbo Sweet Popcorn lists 4.6 g of fat and 48.6 g of sugar per 100 g (Albert Heijn; Jumbo). So a lower fat figure than for a salted variety doesn’t automatically tell you how much sugar you’re choosing.
Decide whether fat or sugar matters more to you, then consider the portion you plan to eat.
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Confusing an older product variety with a different pack
The older AH Sweet Popcorn page refers to a 175 g pack and says ‘Discontinued’; a separate Albert Heijn product page describes a 200 g variety.
Check the product name and weight on the pack you buy, then read the information on the pack you receive.
Popcorn brands for reference
The figures mentioned relate to specific varieties and don’t necessarily apply to a brand’s entire range.
Albert Heijn
A useful reference if you want to compare ready-to-eat sweet and salted popcorn.
- Albert Heijn lists 4 g of fat and 45 g of sugar per 100 g for AH Sweet Popcorn 200 g; the product page for AH Salted Popcorn 100 g lists 29 g of fat per 100 g.
- The sweet variety’s lower fat content compared with the salted variety mentioned doesn’t automatically mean it qualifies as ‘low fat’.
Jumbo
The products mentioned include ready-to-eat sweet or salted popcorn, as well as loose kernels.
- Jumbo lists 4.6 g of fat and 48.6 g of sugar per 100 g for Sweet Popcorn 175 g. The ingredients list for Jumbo Popcorn Kernels contains corn only.
- The loose kernels need to be prepared; the nutritional values for uncooked corn don’t automatically describe the finished product with additions.
Lidl
Snack Day Sea Salt Popcorn is a product reference if you’re looking at a savoury variety.
- Lidl Netherlands lists this variety in a 200 g pack.
- Compare the fat content using the nutrition table on the specific pack.
Aldi
Sun Snacks Salted Popcorn is a product reference among the listed supermarket own brands.
- ALDI Netherlands lists Sun Snacks Salted Popcorn in a 100 g pack.
- If fat content is a deciding factor, use the nutritional values on the specific pack.
Joybuy products
This selection includes ready-to-eat popcorn varieties alongside kernels you can prepare yourself. If less fat is your main priority, check the figures per 100 g for the specific variety.
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SNACK MAZE Popcorn Cinema Butter, 240 g
The product name describes butter-flavoured popcorn; if less fat is your main priority, check the nutrition table for this specific variety.
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g’woon salted popcorn, 100 g
This variety has a recognisably salted flavour; if less fat is your main priority, compare the fat content on the pack.
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Valle Del Sole Popcorn Maize (Butterfly), 900 g
Loose popcorn kernels for making popcorn yourself; the product description suggests cooking them in a pan with vegetable oil.
Joybuy lists 5 g of fat per 100 g for the uncooked corn. Additions during preparation will change the finished product.
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Pop Corn, 3 × 100 g
The product description mentions microwave preparation and three 100 g bags.
Joybuy lists 23 g of fat and 1 g of sugar per 100 g; bear this fat content in mind if less fat is your main selection criterion.
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Yousmai Pengranxindong Popcorn Caramel, 120 g
A ready-to-eat caramel variety for anyone looking for sweet popcorn. Joybuy lists 25 g of fat and 35 g of sugar per 100 g.
Compare these figures with your own preferences if fat and sugar are important factors in your choice.
Frequently asked questions
When can popcorn be called ‘low fat’ in the Netherlands?
For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for the ‘low fat’ claim. The NVWA states that nutrition claims must comply with European rules.
How do I compare popcorn with different portion sizes?
First compare the nutritional values per 100 g, then consider the portion you plan to eat. Albert Heijn lists a 25 g portion for AH Sweet Popcorn, while Jumbo lists 30 g for Sweet Popcorn, so these portion figures aren’t based on the same amount.
How should I store popcorn for my snack cupboard?
Follow the instructions on the specific pack. Albert Heijn recommends storing AH Sweet Popcorn in a cool, dark and dry place and closing the pack securely after use; Jumbo recommends storing its loose popcorn kernels in a dry, dark place.
Can I choose how much oil and seasoning to add?
With loose popcorn kernels, you can decide which additions to use and how much to measure out. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes cooking them in a pan with oil and seasoning; the nutritional value of uncooked kernels isn’t the same as that of prepared popcorn.
Is popcorn without butter automatically suitable for someone with a milk allergy?
No, don’t assume that from the flavour name. The product information for the sweet and salted Jumbo popcorn varieties reviewed says they may contain milk. Check the pack for the specific variety; the NVWA explains how allergens are listed on food labels.