If you want to eat popcorn before exercising and are looking for a lower-fat option, it’s worth considering both the nutritional value of the prepared snack and your portion size. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 1.6 grams of fat and 0.2 grams of saturated fat per 40 grams of popcorn popped without oil. These are figures for the category, not for a specific brand. Portion size, protein and fibre also matter for your stomach’s comfort just before exercise.
You’re looking for popcorn whose preparation method and portion size suit your aim to choose a lower-fat snack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre provides nutritional values per portion for popcorn popped without oil; these don’t automatically apply to branded popcorn.
If you eat shortly before exercising, portion size and ingredients can make a difference. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that a large portion and products high in fat, protein or fibre can cause discomfort during exercise.
You want to take a snack with you or prepare it at home. So don’t just look at the pack size: check the nutritional value of the amount you’ll actually eat, too.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat in your portion | Compare the total fat on the same weight basis, and take the preparation method and any additions into account. | If I want less fat, I look at what’s in the prepared snack, not just the product name. Around 36% of consumers are mainly concerned with reducing fat. |
| Stomach comfort | Consider the timing, portion size and the amount of fat, protein and fibre. | If I eat shortly before exercise, I want to choose a portion that feels comfortable for me; choosing a lower-fat option alone doesn’t guarantee that. Around 29% of consumers prioritise stomach comfort. |
| How much you eat | Check the nutritional information and apply it to your own portion; the pack weight isn’t automatically a serving size. | If I want to know what my snack contributes, I calculate it based on the amount I actually eat. Around 21% of consumers focus mainly on knowing how much is in their own portion. |
| Preparation and convenience | Check whether you’re choosing popcorn kernels, ready-to-eat popcorn or a microwave variety, and follow the instructions for that product. | If I want to keep preparation to a minimum, or prefer to pop it myself, the type of product affects my choice. Around 14% of consumers consider convenience the most important factor. |
Just before exercise, a large portion and high levels of protein or fibre can also affect how comfortable you feel while exercising. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists these factors alongside fat.
Consider the portion size and ingredients in relation to when you’re going to exercise.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre still lists 1.6 grams of fat per 40 grams for popcorn popped without oil.
Check the nutritional information and preparation method for the specific variety rather than relying on the product description alone.
A 100-gram pack tells you how much product is inside, not how much you should eat just before exercising. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against having a large portion at that time.
Decide on your own portion separately and check the nutritional information for that amount.
An option to compare if you want to prepare popcorn kernels yourself.
Its product range includes ready-to-eat popcorn and a microwave variety.
Lidl sells popcorn under its own Snack Day brand.
A ready-to-eat option to include in your comparison.
This selection at Joybuy includes ready-to-eat popcorn, microwave popcorn and popcorn kernels for home preparation. Compare the nutritional information for the specific variety and take any additions during preparation into account.
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A ready-to-eat option if you want to take popcorn with you or serve it without any preparation.
The product name specifies cinema butter and a 240 g pack; make your choice based on the nutritional information on the pack and your own portion size.
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Popcorn kernels for home preparation, if you’d like to handle the cooking yourself.
The listed nutritional value of 5 g of fat per 100 g applies to the maize; the pan-cooking method described adds 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. The prepared snack will therefore have a different nutritional composition from the maize alone. The product description also lists 13 g of fibre per 100 g.
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A microwave variety for anyone who wants to prepare popcorn at home according to the product-specific instructions.
The product description lists 3 bags of 100 g and 23 g of fat per 100 g.
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A ready-to-eat caramel variety if you’re looking for popcorn that doesn’t need preparing at home.
The product description lists 25 g of fat per 100 g. Consider this figure alongside the amount you plan to eat.
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A ready-to-eat salted variety in a 100 g pack.
The product description lists 29.2 g of fat per 100 g; use the nutritional information and your own portion size to decide how it fits your choice.
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 1.6 grams of fat per 40 grams of popcorn popped without oil. This figure applies to that category and not automatically to a specific branded product.
Less fat alone doesn’t guarantee a comfortable workout. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against eating a large portion just before exercise and also highlights products high in fat, protein or fibre. So take your portion size and timing into account.
Follow the instructions for the specific variety. For Jumbo Magnetron Popcorn Zout 3 x 90 g, the instructions say not to restart the cooking process if it has been interrupted.
Check the packaging of the product you received. Albert Heijn warns that ingredients and nutritional values can change, so check the latest information before eating the popcorn.
