Who is this choice for?

If you mainly want less fat

You want to pack popcorn and check the fat content of the specific variety. To do that, look at the label rather than relying on the general impression that popcorn is light or airy.

If you want a snack on the go

You’re looking for popcorn you can take with you and eat without any preparation, and want to decide in advance how much to pack. The packaging and storage advice after opening may also be worth considering.

If you want to prepare it at home

You can make popcorn before you leave and choose your own seasonings. Compare the nutritional values for the prepared portion, including any additions, rather than just those for the loose popcorn kernels.

What should you look for when buying?

First compare the fat per 100 g and the basis used for the nutritional information. Then decide how much to pack and check the sugar, salt and preparation requirements too.

What to consider What should you look for? Who is this important for?
Fat and the claim Check the fat per 100 g, the exact claim and, for a comparative claim, the product it is compared with. Also check whether the values apply to the product as sold or as prepared. If reducing fat is my main selection criterion, I want to be able to assess the specific variety using its label. Around 33% of consumers prioritise reducing fat.
Quantity and energy Compare the nutritional values per 100 g and check the portion weight and the number of portions in the pack. If I want a measured amount for my gym bag, I look at the portion size rather than just the bag. Around 27% of consumers prioritise energy and portion size.
Preparation and convenience Check whether the popcorn is ready to eat or needs to be prepared, and follow the storage advice on the specific pack once opened. If I want a snack on the go with no preparation, I’d rather choose something that’s ready to eat. Around 27% of consumers prioritise convenience and being able to take it with them straight away.
Sugar, salt and ingredients Check the sugar and salt per 100 g and read the ingredients. If you have a relevant allergy, also check the label on the popcorn and any seasonings. If I want to consider sugar, salt or ingredients as well as fat, I compare this information for the specific variety. Around 13% of consumers prioritise these aspects of composition.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming airy popcorn is low in fat

    A snack’s appearance doesn’t tell you how much fat the specific variety contains. AH Zoute popcorn lists 29 g of fat per 100 g; for solid foods, the European Commission’s ‘low fat’ claim allows a maximum of 3 g per 100 g.

    Check the fat content and the basis for the nutritional information on the label, rather than judging by appearance, texture or product category.

  • Looking only at fat in sweet popcorn

    Jumbo Popcorn Zoet lists 4.6 g of fat and 48.6 g of sugar per 100 g. So one nutritional value alone doesn’t give you the full picture of this variety.

    Compare fat, sugar and salt for the same quantity and on the same basis.

  • Confusing a whole bag with one portion

    AH Zoute popcorn contains 100 g and lists four portions of 25 g. The whole bag is therefore not the same as the stated portion.

    Decide how much you want to take with you before you leave, and reseal the rest according to the storage advice on the pack.

    Once the bag is open, you’ll also need to store the rest carefully or use it later.

  • Comparing dried popcorn kernels directly with prepared popcorn

    The nutritional values for dried kernels aren’t automatically the same as those for prepared popcorn. The preparation method and any additions make a difference.

    Check whether the nutritional information applies to the product as sold or to the prepared snack, and include anything you add yourself in your comparison.

    Making it yourself takes time before you leave and may require extra ingredients.

Popcorn brands to consider

Albert Heijn

A supermarket own-brand option, with ready-to-eat salted popcorn and loose popcorn kernels, depending on how much preparation you want to do.

  • The product information for AH Zoute popcorn lists a 25 g portion and recommends closing the pack securely after use.
  • This specific salted variety lists 29 g of fat per 100 g, so it doesn’t meet the threshold for the ‘low fat’ claim for solid foods. This doesn’t automatically say anything about other products from the brand.

Jumbo

The product information covers sweet ready-to-eat popcorn, microwave popcorn and dried popcorn kernels.

  • The different product pages distinguish between popcorn that’s ready to eat, popcorn that needs to be prepared and loose kernels.
  • Jumbo Popcorn Zoet lists 4.6 g of fat and 48.6 g of sugar per 100 g; Magnetron Popcorn Zout lists 12.4 g of fat per 100 g. The values for dried kernels aren’t necessarily the same as those for prepared popcorn.

Lidl

Snack Day Popcorn zeezout is a savoury, ready-to-eat option.

  • Lidl Netherlands lists a pack size of 200 g.
  • The pack size doesn’t automatically tell you what a suitable portion is or whether the popcorn is low in fat.

Aldi

SUN SNACKS Zoute popcorn is a savoury popcorn variety.

  • ALDI Netherlands lists a pack size of 100 g.
  • The flavour and pack size alone don’t tell you the fat content or what portion is right for you.

Popcorn products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

When can popcorn be called ‘low fat’ in the Netherlands?

For solid foods, the European Commission’s ‘low fat’ claim allows a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that nutrition claims must comply with European rules. Check the specific variety and the basis for the nutritional information; a small portion doesn’t change the per-100 g limit.

Can I use the nutritional values for popcorn kernels when making popcorn at home?

Not without considering the basis for the nutritional information and how the popcorn is prepared. According to the EU guidance on nutrition labelling, the information generally gives the nutritional value of the product as sold. For products that need to be prepared, information for the ready-to-eat product may also be provided. Include any ingredients you add yourself in your assessment.

How can I pack a suitable portion in my gym bag?

Measure out the amount you want to take with you in advance and compare it with the portion shown on the pack. AH Zoute popcorn contains 100 g and lists four portions of 25 g, so the whole bag isn’t one labelled portion.

How should I store an opened bag of popcorn?

Follow the advice on the packaging for the specific variety. For AH Zoute popcorn, the advice is to store it in a cool, dark and dry place and close the pack securely after use. Taking a pre-measured portion with you is a practical way to keep track of how much you’re packing.

Is popcorn with herbs and spices automatically suitable if you have a food allergy?

No. If you have a relevant allergy, check the labels on both the corn and any seasonings you add. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says it cannot guarantee that the ingredients in its popcorn recipe are free from allergens.