If keeping fat to a minimum is your main priority, check whether a claim is actually about fat and compare the total fat per 100 g. The specific popcorn varieties described below are not low in fat; choosing a smaller portion does not change the fat content per 100 g. Ready-to-eat popcorn is convenient when you want a snack straight away, while making it yourself gives you more control over what you add. However, the nutrition information for unpopped kernels is not directly comparable with that for prepared popcorn.
You want a variety whose claim and nutrition information support a lower fat content. For solid foods, the European Commission sets the maximum for a ‘low fat’ claim at 3 g of fat per 100 g. Also check saturated fat and calories separately.
You want to know how much you’re actually eating, rather than automatically treating the portion shown on the label as your own. Compare the nutrition information per 100 g, then work it out for the amount you choose.
You’re choosing snacks for several colleagues and want to check the packaging, preparation method, ingredients, allergens and storage instructions. Keep the information for the exact variety to hand.
First, distinguish between a claim and the nutrition information. Then decide on your portion and choose a preparation method that’s practical for the office.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat claim and fat content | Check whether a claim is about fat, and compare total fat and saturated fat per 100 g. For solid foods, the European Commission sets the maximum for a ‘low fat’ claim at 3 g of fat per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that ‘light’, ‘lite’ and ‘reduced’ can refer to energy, fat or sugar. | If I specifically want less fat, I check both the claim and the nutrition table rather than relying on the product name alone. Around 33% of consumers put reducing fat first. |
| Portion and nutrition information | Compare products per 100 g first, then calculate the figures for your own portion. Albert Heijn lists portions of 25 g for its specific salted popcorn; Jumbo lists a 30 g portion for its microwave variety. | If I want a measured amount to snack on during work, I look at my own portion rather than just the weight of the bag. Around 27% of consumers prioritise portion size and energy. |
| Preparing it at the office | Check whether the popcorn is already popped, whether you need a microwave or another appliance, and what instructions apply. Unpopped kernels and prepared popcorn do not automatically have the same nutritional basis. | If I have little time or no suitable equipment at the office, I want to know how much preparation the variety I choose requires. Around 20% of consumers prioritise convenience when eating or preparing snacks. |
| Dietary requirements and allergens | Read the information for the exact variety. Albert Heijn says its salted popcorn is vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free; Jumbo Popcorn Salt 100 g states that it may contain milk. | If I’m buying popcorn for colleagues, I check the packaging for ingredients and allergens before sharing the snack. Around 13% of consumers prioritise suitability for dietary requirements. |
| Packaging and stock | Check the pack weight and storage instructions after opening. Lidl lists Snack Day Sea Salt Popcorn at 200 g; ALDI lists Sun Snacks Salted Popcorn at 100 g. | If I’m organising office supplies, I check how much is in each pack and how to store it once opened. Packaging and stock management matter most to around 7% of consumers. |
A claim may relate to energy, fat or sugar. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that a ‘light’, ‘lite’ or ‘reduced’ claim must state what has been reduced. So less fat does not automatically mean fewer calories.
Check what the claim refers to and compare calories and fat per 100 g and per portion.
Albert Heijn lists four portions in a 100 g bag. For Jumbo microwave popcorn, the nutrition information is given for a 30 g portion, while the bags weigh 90 g.
Decide in advance how much you want to eat and weigh it out if needed; don’t automatically treat the weight of the bag as a portion size.
The nutrition table for Jumbo Popcorn Kernels describes the product as sold; it does not automatically reflect the snack after preparation and any additions.
Compare products on the same preparation basis, and keep any oil, butter, sugar or salt you add separate.
Making popcorn yourself takes extra steps and may mean measuring the ingredients and portion yourself.
The own-label range includes ready-to-eat salted popcorn. The product page lists four 25 g portions in a 100 g bag for this specific variety.
The own-label range includes ready-to-eat popcorn, microwave popcorn and unpopped popcorn kernels. Preparation methods and nutritional bases vary by product.
Lidl Netherlands lists Snack Day Sea Salt Popcorn in a 200 g pack.
ALDI Netherlands lists Sun Snacks Salted Popcorn in a 100 g pack.
These products are suitable for making popcorn yourself or preparing microwave popcorn; their inclusion does not mean that either variety is low in fat.
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A good option if you want to make popcorn yourself and have access to a power socket and a suitable space. According to the product description, the appliance pops kernels using hot air, without oil or butter during popping.
The description specifies 40–60 g per batch, a preparation time of 2–4 minutes and 1200 W. Use popcorn kernels only, place the appliance on a stable, heat-resistant surface and put a heat-resistant bowl under the outlet. The popcorn chamber and outgoing air get hot; do not touch them or leave the appliance unattended.
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A good option if you have a suitable microwave available at the office.
The product description lists 23 g of fat per 100 g. This is above the European Commission’s maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods. Prepare the product according to the instructions on the packaging.
No. For solid foods, the European Commission sets the maximum for a ‘low fat’ claim at 3 g of fat per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that ‘light’, ‘lite’ and ‘reduced’ can refer to a reduction in energy, fat or sugar, so check what the claim relates to. A product with less fat is not automatically low in fat.
Multiply the amount per 100 g by the weight of your portion, then divide by 100. Based on Albert Heijn’s product information, 25 g of AH Salted Popcorn contains around 136 kcal and 7.3 g of fat. These figures are calculated from the nutrition information provided.
The instructions for this Jumbo variety say not to. Read the packaging carefully and don’t use the preparation time for another variety.
For AH Salted Popcorn, Albert Heijn recommends storing it in a cool, dark, dry place and sealing the packaging tightly after use. For other varieties, follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
Check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety. Albert Heijn says its salted popcorn is vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free; Jumbo Popcorn Salt 100 g states that it may contain milk. Keep the product information available when sharing the snack.
