If you want to control how much fat you add, choose loose popcorn kernels and measure out the oil you use; for ready-made popcorn, compare the nutrition information for the exact variety. Bear in mind that dry kernels and prepared popcorn are not measured on the same basis, and a smaller portion is not the same as less fat per 100 g. Plain, organic or homemade popcorn isn’t automatically low in fat.
If you make popcorn yourself, you can measure how much oil you add. According to their product information, Albert Heijn and Jumbo’s loose kernels consist of maize; any oil you add during preparation comes on top of that.
If what matters most is how much you eat during one TV night, check the weight of your portion and the nutrition information for that exact variety. The European Union explains that nutrition values are given per 100 g; values per portion may also be provided.
If you want microwave or ready-to-eat popcorn, compare the fat, saturated fat and salt values on the label. Quick preparation doesn’t, in itself, tell you anything about the fat content.
For solid foods, the European Commission’s ‘low fat’ claim allows a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g. So first compare varieties on the same product and preparation basis, then work out the values for the portion you want to eat.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content and cooking fat | Compare fat per 100 g on the same basis and include any oil you add yourself. | If I want to eat less fat, I also want to know how much oil ends up in my portion when I pop the kernels myself; around 36% of consumers make limiting fat their top purchasing priority. |
| Portion for a TV night | Weigh your portion and calculate the nutrition values using its weight, rather than relying only on the suggested serving size on the pack. | If I want to decide in advance how much popcorn I’ll eat, weighing a portion helps me make that concrete; around 29% of consumers prioritise portion control. |
| Ease of preparation | Choose between popping it yourself, microwave popcorn and ready-made popcorn; follow the pack instructions for microwave varieties. | If I want to do as little as possible before the film, convenience matters to me, but I still check the label; around 21% of consumers make convenience their top priority. |
| Flavour and added ingredients | As well as fat, check the salt and sugar in the exact flavour variety. | If I want seasoning or a stronger flavour, I also want to know what has been added; around 14% of consumers prioritise flavour and added ingredients. |
The name doesn’t tell you how much fat the product contains. For example, Albert Heijn lists 4 g of fat per 100 g for its organic dried popcorn kernels, before any cooking oil is added.
Check the nutrition information for the exact variety. Only call it ‘low fat’ if it meets the relevant threshold.
The values for dry kernels don’t include the oil you use to prepare them. As a result, comparing them with prepared popcorn won’t necessarily give you a like-for-like picture.
Compare products on the same preparation basis, and include oil and any other additions when assessing your portion.
Albert Heijn and Jumbo use different portion sizes for the salted popcorn mentioned here. A difference per portion could therefore also be down to the amount.
First compare the values per 100 g, then calculate the nutrition values for the portion you’ve weighed.
Saturated fat, salt and sugar are listed separately on the label. Choosing based on just one value won’t answer those other questions.
Also check the saturated fat, salt and sugar in the exact flavour variety.
The product lines mentioned include dried popcorn kernels and ready-to-eat salted popcorn.
The varieties mentioned include loose kernels, microwave popcorn and ready-to-eat salted popcorn.
Snack Day Popcorn Sea Salt is a 200 g ready-to-eat popcorn variety.
Sun Snacks Salted Popcorn is a 100 g ready-to-eat variety.
These Joybuy product picks are for anyone looking for popcorn for a TV night. Check the nutrition information and preparation method for the variety that suits your preferences.
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The product description mentions film nights as an occasion to enjoy it, and the title specifies cinema butter flavour.
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These popcorn kernels are for popping at home; the preparation instructions specify a measured amount of oil.
Pack size: 900 g.
The preparation instructions specify 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
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The product description says it can be prepared in the microwave.
The nutrition information lists 23 g of fat per 100 g; check the preparation basis on the pack.
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According to the product description, this variety is ready to eat.
The nutrition information lists 25 g of fat per 100 g. The ingredients listed include sugar, glucose syrup and butter.
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The product title identifies this as a salted popcorn snack.
The nutrition information lists 29,2 g of fat per 100 g.
No. According to the European Commission, the ‘low fat’ claim for solid foods means no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g. Albert Heijn lists 4 g of fat per 100 g of dry kernels for AH Biologisch Popcorn mais; any cooking oil you add comes on top of that.
No, the terms don’t mean the same thing: ‘low fat’ refers to an absolute threshold, while a reduced-fat claim makes a comparison. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland explains that comparative claims must relate to the same quantity and food category, and state the difference. So a lower value than another variety doesn’t automatically mean a product meets the ‘low fat’ threshold.
First compare the values per 100 g and check whether they apply to the product as sold or as prepared. Then work out the values for your portion by multiplying the label value per 100 g by the portion weight and dividing by 100. The 25 g portion size for AH Zoute popcorn and the 30 g portion size for Jumbo Popcorn Zout are not the same.
Voedingscentrum provides a pan recipe using 1 teaspoon of oil and 50 g of popcorn kernels. Follow the preparation steps in that recipe; it is not an instruction for a microwave bag. Include the oil you use when assessing the nutrition values of your own preparation.
For Jumbo Magnetron Popcorn Zout, Jumbo advises against restarting the cooking process if it has been interrupted. Read the instructions on the pack; Jumbo also says that children must not prepare this popcorn without adult supervision.
Always check the information on the exact pack. Albert Heijn states that AH Biologisch Popcorn mais may contain cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat. Albert Heijn recommends storing these kernels in a cool, dark, dry place and closing the pack of AH Zoute popcorn securely after use.
