Who is this guide for?

Label-conscious light snackers

You want to know what a fat claim means and how much fat, energy and saturated fat there is in the amount of popcorn you plan to eat.

Home preparers who want to choose their own toppings

You want to decide for yourself what to add to the corn, and don’t mind a little extra preparation. Assess the dry corn and the finished popcorn separately.

Evening snackers looking for convenience

You want a quick snack and are weighing up whether you’d prefer popcorn that’s ready to eat or a variety you prepare in the microwave while keeping an eye on it.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the exact claim and the nutrition information per 100 g, then consider the portion size and how you’ll prepare the popcorn.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Fat claim and ingredients For the ‘low-fat’ claim, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for solid foods. Also check the saturated fat content and whether the figures apply to the dry product or the prepared popcorn. If keeping fat low is my priority, I want to be able to check the claim against the nutrition table and the way I prepare it. Around 36% of consumers give the fat claim and ingredients top priority.
Actual portion size Check the net weight, serving size and energy per 100 g for the exact variety. The serving size on the label may not match your portion. If I want a measured amount for an evening snack, it helps to decide on my portion in advance. Around 29% of consumers prioritise portion size and energy.
Ease of preparation Choose between dry corn, ready-to-eat popcorn and a microwave variety. Follow the instructions on the packaging for microwave popcorn and stay nearby while it cooks. If I want to keep things simple late at night, I pay attention to what’s involved in preparing it. Around 21% of consumers give preparation requirements top priority.
Flavour and toppings Read the ingredients list and check the nutrition information, salt and sugar content, and allergens on the exact pack. If I want to choose the flavour myself, I want to know what’s already in the popcorn and what I might add. Around 14% of consumers prioritise flavour choice and control over toppings.

Common pitfalls

  • Mistaking a light look for a low-fat claim

    The colour, packaging or flavour name doesn’t tell you how much fat the product contains. For solid foods, the European Commission’s limit for ‘low fat’ is a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g.

    Read the nutrition table and assess the exact claim on the packaging instead of relying on the front of the pack.

  • Assuming the nutrition information for dry corn applies to a prepared bowl

    The figures for dry corn don’t automatically describe the popcorn you eat after adding oil or other ingredients.

    Keep the base product and any additions separate when assessing your prepared portion.

    Measuring out your own additions takes extra preparation; include them when assessing your final portion.

  • Counting a whole pack as one portion

    The pack size and the serving size on the label may differ. Albert Heijn lists a 25 g serving for its 100 g pack of salted popcorn, which works out at four servings.

    Weigh out the amount you want to eat in advance, then seal the rest securely after use.

Brands as a guide

Albert Heijn

The range includes organic popping corn, microwave popcorn and ready-to-eat salted popcorn.

  • Product information gives you a basis for comparing ingredients, nutrition information and preparation instructions across varieties.
  • Organic corn or microwave preparation doesn’t, in itself, prove that popcorn is low in fat.

Jumbo

Product information covers dry popcorn kernels, ready-to-eat popcorn and microwave varieties.

  • The different product formats suit a range of preparation preferences.
  • The product format or a description such as salted or sweet is not proof of reduced fat.

Lidl

Product information for Snack Day Popcorn sea salt lists a 200 g pack.

  • The product name and pack weight help you identify the variety.
  • The pack weight doesn’t tell you how much fat a portion contains or whether the product is low in fat.

Aldi

Product information lists SUN SNACKS Salted popcorn in a 100 g pack.

  • The product type and pack weight are easy to identify.
  • The pack weight doesn’t tell you whether the fat content is reduced or how much you’ll eat.

Popcorn products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

When can popcorn be called ‘low fat’?

For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for the ‘low-fat’ claim. This is a condition for using the claim, not a recommended portion size for your evening snack.

Does ‘reduced fat’ mean the same as ‘low fat’?

Don’t treat these terms as interchangeable. Check the exact claim on the packaging and the information provided about the product’s composition and the basis for comparison.

How do I work out how much popcorn I’m eating?

Weigh your portion and compare it with the serving size on the label. For its 100 g pack of salted popcorn, Albert Heijn lists a serving size of 25 g and four servings per pack; other varieties may have different serving sizes.

How do I prepare microwave popcorn carefully?

Follow the instructions on the packaging for your variety, stay by the microwave and open the hot bag carefully to avoid the steam. The cooking time and settings for one product won’t necessarily apply to other varieties.

How should I store an opened bag of popcorn?

Albert Heijn recommends storing its salted popcorn in a cool, dark, dry place and sealing the packaging securely after use. For other varieties, check the storage advice on the pack.