Hosts who like to plan ahead
Want to give each player their own portion and save unopened bags for another snack break or a lunchbox? Albert Heijn stocks Jimmy's popcorn in 21-packs, including Salt and Sweet Salt.
Who are the different packs suitable for?
Hosts who want to pop corn during a break
If you want to make popcorn during a break and have access to a microwave, a multipack of cooking bags could be a good fit. Check how many bags it contains and follow the instructions for the variant you choose. Jumbo lists sweet and salted microwave popcorn in 3 x 90 g packs.
Sharing snacks around the table
If you'd rather put one bag on the table and share it out yourselves, a standard sharing bag is an alternative to individually wrapped portions. For example, Jumbo's range includes salted and sweet popcorn in bags of different sizes.
What should you look for in popcorn for a board game night?
First decide whether you want to hand out ready-to-eat portions or make popcorn during a break. Then compare the flavour, quantity and information on the pack.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who might find this most important? |
|---|---|---|
| Number and size of bags | Check how many individual bags are inside, how many grams each contains and whether the popcorn is ready to eat. | If you want to give each player their own bag and save unopened portions for later, the number of individual packs matters most. Around 31% of consumers say individual portions are their top buying priority. |
| Preparation method | Check whether you need a microwave and read the instructions for the exact variant. | If you want to make popcorn during a break, the preparation method needs to suit your facilities and the occasion. Around 25% of consumers say ease of preparation is their top priority. |
| Flavour | Check whether the pack contains sweet, salted or sweet-and-salted popcorn, and whether the multipack contains just one flavour. | If you're looking for a flavour the group will enjoy, check which variant you're actually buying. Around 19% of consumers put the group's flavour preference first. |
| How much you need for the evening | Plan how much you want to hand out and which unopened portions you really will use later. | To avoid having lots of leftover popcorn after one evening, match the quantity to your plans for that night and any future snacking occasions. Around 13% of consumers say avoiding unused stock is their top priority. |
| Label and warnings | Check the ingredients, allergens, storage conditions and any warnings on the exact pack. | If someone has an allergy or young children will be eating, check the information for the variant you've chosen before putting it on the table. Around 12% of consumers make suitability according to the label their top priority. |
Things to consider when choosing
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Assuming a mini bag is automatically suitable for every child
A small pack doesn't remove the choking risk associated with popcorn. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that popcorn can be a choking hazard for children.
Follow the warnings on the exact pack. For Jimmy's Popcorn Salt 21-pack, Albert Heijn states that it is not suitable for children under 3. This warning applies to this variant.
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Counting cooking bags as individual ready-to-eat portions
Jumbo's 3 x 90 g pack contains three microwave bags; Albert Heijn lists Jimmy's Salt 21-pack as 21 individual 17 g bags. The number of bags alone doesn't tell you how many eating portions you'll get from a cooking bag.
Check both the number of individual packs and the preparation method before deciding what to hand out.
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Buying a multipack without a plan for the leftovers
A multipack can leave you with bags to spare if you only need portions for one evening. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises buying what you need and storing food appropriately.
Plan ahead how much you want to hand out and which unopened portions you really will use later.
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Relying on a similar product name instead of checking the label
A similar name doesn't necessarily tell you which ingredients or allergens are in the variant you've chosen. A portion-sized pack isn't proof that a product is suitable for someone with an allergy or following a particular diet.
Check the ingredients list and highlighted allergens on the pack you buy. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority and the European Union state that allergens must be clearly listed on the label.
Relevant brands and retailers for reference
Albert Heijn
The Dutch range includes Jimmy's popcorn in 21-packs. A product sold by Albert Heijn isn't necessarily one of its own-brand products.
- Product information lists Salt at 21 x 17 g and Sweet Salt at 21 x 22 g.
- Check the flavour, contents and warnings on the specific pack.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists both salted and sweet microwave popcorn in multipacks.
- The variants listed are both 3 x 90 g.
- Three cooking bags aren't the same as three ready-to-eat portions. Follow the preparation instructions for the variant you choose.
Lidl
Lidl lists popcorn under its own Snack Day brand.
- Product information lists sweet and salted popcorn.
- Check the quantity, number of individual bags and preparation method for each pack.
ALDI
ALDI lists Sun Snacks salted popcorn in a 100 g bag.
- Product information specifies the brand, flavour and weight.
- Check the pack for information that applies to the variant you choose.
Joybuy products for different snacking occasions
These Joybuy products cover microwave popcorn and a ready-to-eat sharing bag: two options if you want to make popcorn during a break or share a bag around the table.
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Pop Corn 3 x 100g
A microwave multipack for anyone who wants to make popcorn during a break and spread several bags across different snacking occasions.
Product information specifies microwave preparation and a sweet-and-salty flavour. Three cooking bags aren't the same as three ready-to-eat lunchbox portions.
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MUSHAN BASE Popcorn Sweet Salty Flavor 120g
A ready-to-eat bag for anyone who wants to put popcorn on the table and share it out.
Product information lists a net weight of 120 g and states that it contains soya and may contain gluten. Check the pack if allergens are relevant to you.
Frequently asked questions about popcorn
Do three microwave bags count as three lunchbox portions?
No. The 3 x 90 g label on Jumbo microwave popcorn describes three cooking bags. You decide separately how many eating portions to make from them. The number of bags doesn't mean they are three ready-to-eat portions.
How should you store opened mini bags?
Follow the instructions on the pack for the variant you've chosen. For Jimmy's Popcorn Salt 21-pack, Albert Heijn advises storing it in a cool, dry, dark place and states that it has a limited shelf life once opened.
Can you give popcorn to young children without any concerns?
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that popcorn can be a choking hazard for children. Albert Heijn also specifically states that its Jimmy's Popcorn Salt 21-pack variant isn't suitable for children under 3. Follow the warning on the pack.
Where can you check allergens in pre-packed popcorn?
Check the ingredients list and highlighted allergens on the pack for the exact variant. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority and the European Union state that allergens must be clearly shown on the label.
Should popcorn be thrown away as soon as it reaches its date?
That depends on the type of date shown on the pack. For a best-before date, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises checking the food after the date by looking at it, smelling it and tasting it. For a use-by date, use the product on or before the date. Also follow any storage instructions for after opening.