An individual bag for everyone
You want to hand out popcorn in individual bags or pack it in a lunchbox. Check how many ready-to-eat portions are included; the product name alone won’t tell you how many separate bags come in the pack.
Who are the options for?
Sharing on the picnic blanket
You don’t need individual portion packs and want to share popcorn from a larger bag. Jumbo, Lidl Netherlands and ALDI list bags weighing 100 g, 175 g and 200 g, among others.
Prepare it at home and take it with you
You can make the popcorn before you leave and portion it out yourself. Jumbo lists a microwave multipack of 3 x 90 g; follow the preparation and storage instructions on the pack.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to hand out the popcorn straight away, share it or prepare it at home. That choice determines which packaging details matter most for your picnic.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this more important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Individual portions | Check how many separate bags there are, how much popcorn is in each one and whether it’s already popped. | If I want to give everyone their own bag, I look for individual, ready-to-eat portions. Around 42% of consumers put this need first. |
| Prepare it or eat it straight away | Check whether the pack contains popped popcorn or kernels, and follow the preparation instructions. | If I can prepare it at home and portion it out myself, a microwave multipack is an option. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this above all else. |
| Flavour and labelling | Choose a flavour that suits your group and check the ingredients and allergens on the exact product packaging. | If flavour or a dietary requirement is particularly important to my group, I check the variant and label carefully. Around 25% of consumers put this need first. |
What to watch out for when buying
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Assuming an individual bag means popcorn is suitable for young children
A smaller pack doesn’t change the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s warning: popcorn can cause children to choke.
Assess whether it’s suitable separately from the pack size. Make sure children sit still and supervise them while they eat.
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Mistaking a microwave multipack for ready-to-eat portions
Jumbo Magnetron Popcorn Zout 3 x 90 g contains kernels that still need to be cooked. So the three bags aren’t three ready-to-eat lunchbox portions.
Before buying, check whether the popcorn is already popped. Only choose a product that needs cooking if you have time to prepare and portion it yourself before you leave.
Remember to allow time for preparation and bring your own container to carry the popcorn in.
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Mistaking a mixed crisps and popcorn box for a popcorn multipack
Kruidvat’s product description for the Croky party box mentions crisps, sweet popcorn, snack bowls and glasses, among other things. That’s not the same as a pack of individual popcorn portions.
Read the full contents and check which product, brand and number of popcorn packs are actually included.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists a product called AH Uitdeelzak popcorn, which may be relevant if you’re looking for popcorn to hand out.
- The product name fits the idea of popcorn to hand out.
- Check whether the pack actually contains individual portions and how many bags are inside.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists both ready-to-eat popcorn and popcorn that needs to be cooked in the microwave.
- Dutch product listings include Popcorn Zout 100 g, Popcorn Zoet 175 g and Magnetron Popcorn Zout 3 x 90 g, among others.
- The microwave pack is for cooking; it isn’t a ready-to-eat pack containing three portions.
Lidl
Lidl lists sea salt popcorn under the Snack Day brand.
- The product page lists a 200 g bag.
- The page says ‘In-store only’; check availability at your local branch.
ALDI
ALDI lists salted popcorn from Sun Snacks.
- The Dutch product listing names a 100 g bag.
- The listing doesn’t describe individual lunchbox portions; check the pack if you need separate servings.
Popcorn options at Joybuy
These Joybuy products are suited to a picnic in the park, from bags to share to popcorn you prepare at home first.
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Pop Corn 3 x 100 g
Suited to a picnic if you want to prepare it at home and portion it out yourself.
The product name lists 3 x 100 g; the product description says it can be prepared in the microwave.
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Yousmai Pengranxindong Popcorn, Caramel, 120 g
The product description says this popcorn is ready to eat, making it a good option if you want to take a bag along to serve.
The description lists milk as an allergen; check the packaging if this is relevant to anyone in your group.
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SNACK MAZE Popcorn Cinema Butter, 240 g
The product description lists a 240 g bag to share.
The product name lists the Cinema Butter flavour.
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g'woon Salted Popcorn, 100 g
An option if you’re looking for salted popcorn in a 100 g bag.
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Valle Del Sole Popcorn Maize Butterfly, 900 g
Suited to popping at home and portioning out yourself; this is popcorn maize, not ready-to-eat popcorn.
The product description gives instructions for cooking it in a pan.
Frequently asked questions
Are three microwave bags the same as three ready-to-eat lunchbox portions?
No. Jumbo Magnetron Popcorn Zout 3 x 90 g contains kernels that still need to be cooked. Prepare the popcorn at home and portion it out yourself afterwards; the three bags aren’t three ready-to-eat individual portions.
What should I check if someone in my group has a food allergy?
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging for the exact flavour variant. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens which must be declared should be clearly listed in the ingredients.
Can a young child eat popcorn at the picnic?
A small bag doesn’t automatically make popcorn suitable for young children. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that popcorn can cause children to choke; make sure they sit still and supervise them while they eat.
How should I use and store Jumbo Magnetron Popcorn Zout?
Follow the preparation instructions and warnings on the pack. Jumbo says to store this product in a cool, dry, dark place and not to restart cooking if it has been interrupted.
How can I tell whether a multipack contains enough individual portions?
Check how many inner packs there are, how much each bag contains and whether the popcorn is already popped. A quantity such as 3 x 90 g could mean three bags for cooking, not three ready-to-eat portions.