Who is this relevant to?

Regular home snackers

You make popcorn regularly and want the pack size to match how much you actually use at home. Factor in preparation and any toppings or seasonings you add, too.

Mindful exercisers

You fancy something crunchy after a workout and consider the portion and nutritional values separately from whether your overall diet provides enough protein.

Convenience-focused portioners

You want to keep preparation to a minimum or prefer a pre-measured amount. Bear in mind that the contents of a cooking bag aren’t automatically one portion.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you want to pop it yourself, cook it in the microwave or snack straight away. Then consider how much you actually eat and check the label.

What to consider What should you check? Who this matters to
Pack size Check the net weight and think about how often you make popcorn at home. If you prepare it yourself, remember to factor in any oil and seasonings, too. I want the quantity to suit how often I make popcorn at home; around 31% of consumers would mainly look for a pack size that suits their actual use.
Nutritional values Compare the values per 100 g with the amount you actually eat. If you have a fitness goal, consider your overall diet, too. I want to know how my chosen portion fits into my overall diet after a workout; around 31% of consumers would prioritise how well a product fits their nutritional needs.
Portion size Compare the contents of an inner bag with the portion stated on the label. They may not be the same. I want to weigh out how much I eat in advance, even if it means an extra step; around 19% of consumers would mainly want to control the amount they eat.
Preparation and storage Check whether preparation is needed, follow the instructions and see how to store any opened contents. I want as little preparation as possible when it’s time for a snack; around 19% of consumers would prioritise convenience when it comes to preparation and storage.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming a cooking bag is one portion

    A bag of Jumbo Magnetron Popcorn Zout contains 90 g, while its nutrition table also lists a 30 g portion. So the bag contents and the labelled portion aren’t the same.

    Decide in advance how much you want to eat, and don’t confuse the pack contents with the portion stated on the label.

  • Thinking unpopped corn is the same as ready-to-eat popcorn

    Loose corn is an ingredient that still needs to be prepared; ready-to-eat popcorn has already been made. Any oil or seasonings you add will also affect what you end up eating.

    Compare products in the same preparation format and check the ingredients of the snack as you’ll actually eat it.

  • Counting everything in a party box as popcorn

    The Croky party box described by Kruidvat also contains crisps, snack bowls and glasses. The stated total weight of 1150 g is for the whole box, not just the popcorn.

    Only use a separately stated popcorn weight when making a comparison.

  • Assuming corn-based products are automatically allergen-free

    A product made mainly from corn may still carry warnings about potential allergens on the label.

    If you have a relevant allergy, check the ingredients list and allergen information on the specific pack.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

The products reviewed include organic popping corn and ready-to-eat sweet popcorn.

  • Product details include pack size, portions and ingredients for each product.
  • Organic popping corn isn’t automatically allergen-free, and the sweet popcorn has a different composition.

Jumbo

The own-brand products reviewed include popping corn and salted microwave popcorn.

  • For the microwave variety, both the contents per bag and a portion from the nutrition table are listed.
  • Preparation instructions and ingredients apply to the specific product; check the label of the variety you choose.

Lidl

Lidl describes Snack Day as its own brand, with salted and sweet popcorn.

  • The range description mentions both flavour options.
  • Check the product pack for the ingredients, nutritional values and pack size of your chosen variety.

ALDI

The product page reviewed describes SUN SNACKS Zoute popcorn, in a 100 g pack.

  • The product name and pack size are listed on the retailer’s website.
  • Check the specific pack to assess its ingredients and nutritional values.

Croky

Croky is relevant here as part of a mixed party box described by Kruidvat.

  • The retailer’s description mentions sweet popcorn alongside other products in the box.
  • The stated total weight of 1150 g is for the whole box; the individual popcorn weight and popcorn brand haven’t been specified.

Popcorn products at Joybuy

This Joybuy selection features popcorn in a multipack, with separate bags for cooking in the microwave.

Pop Corn multipack, 3 x 100 g

Pop Corn 3 x 100 g

The product description lists three 100 g bags for cooking in the microwave, ideal for separate snack breaks.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a special protein snack after every gym session?

No, not necessarily. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says recreational exercisers don’t need special protein shakes or bars. Getting enough protein remains important during intense exercise, so consider your overall diet rather than just the name of your snack.

Is a bag of microwave popcorn automatically one portion?

No. A bag of Jumbo Magnetron Popcorn Zout contains 90 g, while its nutrition table also lists a 30 g portion. Check the label and decide for yourself how much to eat.

What should you look for when comparing loose popping corn with ready-to-eat popcorn?

Don’t compare the products as if they’re prepared in the same way. Loose corn still needs to be cooked, and any additions you make will change the finished snack; ready-to-eat popcorn can be eaten straight away. Check the ingredients and nutritional values for each product.

Can you restart microwave cooking if it’s interrupted?

Not with the Jumbo Magnetron Popcorn Zout product reviewed here: its instructions warn against restarting cooking after an interruption. Always follow the instructions on your product’s packaging.

Is popcorn made only from corn automatically suitable for someone with an allergy or coeliac disease?

No. AH Biologisch Popcorn mais states that it may contain cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat. Check the allergen information on the specific pack; looking only at the main ingredient isn’t enough.