Who is this buying guide for?

Home poppers keeping an eye on fat

You want to keep popcorn kernels in the cupboard and choose which ingredients to add each time you make them. Don’t compare the nutritional values of unpopped maize directly with those of prepared popcorn.

Convenience shoppers comparing labels

You’re looking for ready-to-eat or microwave popcorn, but want to check the fat, sugar and saturated fat before buying several packs.

Stock-up shoppers who snack in smaller portions

You want to buy an amount that suits how much you eat, and take into account how to reseal and store opened bags.

What should you look for when stocking up on popcorn?

First compare nutritional values on the same product basis, then consider portion size, storage and ease of preparation.

What to consider What to look for when buying Who should consider this?
Fat content and claims Compare fat per 100 g and check whether the values are for unpopped maize or prepared popcorn. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for the ‘low fat’ claim. I want to be able to assess what the label says and avoid confusing unpopped maize with a prepared recipe. Around 33% of consumers prioritise fat content and accurate claims.
Sugar and portion size Check the sugar per 100 g, then decide how much you’ll eat; portion sizes can vary between labels. When choosing sweet popcorn, I want to consider sugar as well as fat, and how much I’ll have in one sitting. Around 27% of consumers prioritise sugar and portion control.
Stocking up and storage Check the pack size, the date on the packaging and the storage instructions for an opened bag. I want to buy an amount that suits how much I eat and be able to store it properly. Around 20% of consumers prioritise pack size and storage.
Ease of preparation Choose between popping it yourself, ready-to-eat popcorn and microwave popcorn. Follow the instructions on the pack you choose for microwave popcorn. I want the preparation method to suit how much time and attention I want to spend on a snack. Around 20% of consumers make convenience their top priority.

Common buying mistakes

  • Confusing lower fat with low fat

    Having less fat than another variety doesn’t automatically mean a product meets the threshold for the ‘low fat’ claim.

    Use the maximum limit of 3 g of fat per 100 g for solid foods as a separate criterion. Don’t treat ‘reduced fat’ as a synonym without knowing the relevant conditions.

  • Looking only at fat in sweet popcorn

    Albert Heijn lists 45 g of sugar per 100 g for AH Popcorn zoet; Jumbo lists 48.6 g per 100 g for Jumbo Popcorn Zoet.

    Check the sugar and energy content too, and choose a portion that suits what you want to eat.

  • Applying the nutritional values of unpopped maize to the prepared snack

    The nutritional values for loose maize kernels don’t automatically describe popcorn prepared with oil. The way it’s prepared can change the composition of the finished snack.

    Assess the whole recipe, and don’t compare unpopped maize as if it were already the same finished product.

  • Stocking up without considering opened bags

    A pack that isn’t sealed properly or stored according to the instructions may not suit your stock-up plans as well.

    Choose an amount that suits how much you eat and follow the storage advice on the packaging.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

The range includes loose popcorn maize, ready-to-eat sweet and salted popcorn, and microwave popcorn.

  • The product information lets you assess each variety separately by its nutritional values and preparation method.
  • AH Biologisch Popcorn mais lists 4 g of fat per 100 g of unpopped maize. AH Popcorn zoet lists 4 g of fat and 45 g of sugar per 100 g; neither variety meets the ‘low fat’ threshold.

Jumbo

The varieties reviewed include a 500 g pack of popcorn maize and a 175 g pack of ready-to-eat sweet popcorn.

  • Jumbo provides nutritional information for each product, so you can take the product basis and ingredients into account when choosing.
  • Jumbo Popcorn Maïs contains 4.5 g of fat per 100 g of unpopped maize. Jumbo Popcorn Zoet lists 4.6 g of fat and 48.6 g of sugar per 100 g; neither of the varieties reviewed meets the ‘low fat’ threshold.

Lidl

The Dutch product page describes Snack Day Popcorn zeezout in a 200 g pack.

  • The product name and pack size tell you which variety it is and how much you get.
  • A salted flavour and pack size alone don’t tell you how much fat the product contains.

Aldi

The Dutch product page describes Sun Snacks Zoute popcorn in a 100 g pack.

  • The product name and pack size make it clear which snack variety you’re looking at.
  • The word ‘salted’ doesn’t tell you whether the product is suitable if you’re choosing based on fat content.

Popcorn products on Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

When can popcorn be called ‘low fat’?

For a solid food, the limit is 3 g of fat per 100 g. The European Commission sets this threshold for the ‘low fat’ claim; it isn’t a general purchasing requirement for everyone who wants to eat less fat.

Can I compare nutritional values per portion?

You can if the portions are the same size. AH Popcorn zoet has a portion size of 25 g, while Jumbo Popcorn Zoet has a portion size of 30 g. So compare the values per 100 g first, then work out the nutritional values for the amount you’ll eat.

How do I prepare AH Magnetron Popcorn Zout?

Follow the instructions on the pack for this variety: Albert Heijn recommends 2–3 minutes at 800 watts or 3–4 minutes at 600 watts. Stay by the microwave and open the bag carefully to avoid hot steam. These instructions don’t necessarily apply to other microwave popcorn.

How long can popcorn be kept in the cupboard?

Follow the date on your pack and the storage advice for that particular variety. Seal opened AH popcorn bags properly; instructions can vary by product.

Is AH Biologisch Popcorn mais suitable for someone with a gluten allergy?

Don’t assume that it is. Albert Heijn states that this variety may contain cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat. Check the label on the exact pack to make sure it meets your allergy requirements.