If you want a snack with no preparation, choose a ready-to-eat bag. If you want to choose your own toppings, pop the kernels before you set off. Compare the fat content per 100 g on the label of the exact variety, and consider how much you’ll take with you: a small portion doesn’t automatically make a product low in fat.
If you want to choose a lower-fat option based on its nutritional content, compare the fat per 100 g rather than relying on the packaging or portion size. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low fat’ claim.
If you don’t want to prepare popcorn before setting off, look for a ready-to-eat variety. Albert Heijn, ALDI Nederland and Lidl Nederland list examples of popcorn that’s already popped.
If you want to make popcorn at home and choose your own seasonings, dried popping corn is a different purchase from a ready-to-eat bag. Jumbo lists dried popcorn kernels, and the Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes how to make popcorn in a pan.
First decide whether you want ready-to-eat popcorn or have time to prepare it before setting off. Then compare the label and the amount you want to take with you.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content | Compare the fat per 100 g for the exact variety. Assess the claim separately from the portion size. | If you want to choose a lower-fat option, you’ll want to compare the fat content of different popcorn varieties. Around 36% of consumers rank fat content as their top buying priority. |
| Preparation | Check whether you’re buying ready-to-eat popcorn, dried popping corn or a microwave product. | If you’re short of time before setting off, you’ll want to know whether the snack is ready to eat or needs preparing first. Around 29% of consumers rank preparation time as their top priority. |
| Amount for your journey | Check the net weight and decide how much you want to eat. Use the label for that specific variety to work out the nutritional values for a portion. | For a single train journey, you’ll want to take an amount that suits your snack break, without confusing the bag’s weight with the portion size. Around 21% of consumers rank the amount for one journey as their top consideration. |
| Flavour and salt | Read the ingredients and salt information for your chosen variety, and check for any added ingredients. | If you’re looking for a particular flavour, consider the taste and salt content alongside the fat. Around 14% of consumers rank flavour and salt as their top priority. |
A smaller portion and the fat content per 100 g answer different questions. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low fat’ claim.
First compare the nutritional information per 100 g, then decide how much you want to eat during your journey.
Jumbo describes its Popcorn Maïs as dried corn. It’s different from popcorn that’s already been popped and needs to be prepared before you set off.
Choose carefully between ready-to-eat popcorn, dried corn and a microwave product. Follow the instructions on the packaging for microwave varieties; Jumbo warns against restarting the process if it has been interrupted.
A general example of nutritional values for salted popcorn isn’t the label for a specific shop-bought variety.
Use the nutritional information on the exact packaging you’re taking with you to make your comparison.
AH Zoute popcorn is an example of ready-to-eat popcorn.
Jumbo lists dried popcorn kernels, salted microwave popcorn and sweet popcorn: product types that differ in how they’re prepared.
ALDI Nederland lists SUN SNACKS Zoute popcorn in a 100 g pack.
Lidl Nederland lists MCENNEDY Popcorn mix in a 180 g pack.
For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low fat’ claim. A small bag or small portion doesn’t prove that this condition has been met.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes popping corn in a covered pan, waiting until the popping has mostly stopped, then adding seasonings. It suggests cinnamon or speculaas spice mix for a different flavour.
Jumbo says the dried corn should be stored in a cool, dry and dark place. This instruction applies to the product as sold and doesn’t specify how long homemade popcorn can be stored.
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre doesn’t guarantee that the ingredients in its popcorn recipe are free from allergens. Check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety and any toppings you add yourself.
