If you want to choose what you add, loose popping corn gives you control over how it’s prepared. Bear in mind that the nutritional information on the packaging refers to the dry kernels. For microwave or ready-to-eat popcorn, compare the label for the exact variety and check the preparation basis, saturated fat and serving size. None of these preparation methods, on its own, proves that popcorn is lower in fat.
You want to choose what to add and are happy to prepare the popcorn yourself. When comparing products, bear the preparation method in mind: the label values for dry kernels don’t automatically describe the finished portion. Albert Heijn and Jumbo both list loose popping corn as a separate product type.
You want to compare the fat content of different varieties carefully. Check both total fat and saturated fat, and make sure you know whether the nutrition table refers to dry kernels, the prepared product or something else.
You want to keep preparation to a minimum and are considering microwave popcorn or a ready-to-eat bag. Check the instructions, serving size and nutritional information for the exact variety, as these can vary from product to product.
First decide what matters most to you: the label, your shopping budget, the preparation method or the serving size. Then compare only figures that use the same basis for nutritional values.
| What to consider | Check | Most relevant to |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content | Total fat and saturated fat per 100 g; also check what the nutrition table refers to. | If I want to eat less fat, I need to know whether the figures refer to dry kernels or popcorn as eaten. Around 36% of consumers prioritise a verifiably lower fat content. |
| Packaging and use | Check the net weight and think about how much you use per snack occasion. | When watching their budget while shopping, consumers want to choose a pack that suits their own use. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this budget consideration. |
| Preparation method | Check whether the popcorn is ready to eat, needs to be microwaved or is prepared in a pan. | If I’m short on time, I want to know in advance how much preparation my chosen variety needs. Around 21% of consumers prioritise convenience. |
| Serving size | Compare nutritional values per 100 g and, if needed, calculate them for the same serving size. | Anyone looking to tailor their snack portion will get more from comparing the same quantity than from relying on the label’s serving size alone. Around 14% of consumers prioritise portion control. |
The Albert Heijn and Jumbo product pages list 4 g and 4.5 g of fat per 100 g of dry corn respectively. The nutritional value of the prepared popcorn can also change when you add ingredients such as oil.
For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low fat’ claim. Don’t compare this limit with figures for prepared popcorn as if they were based on the same product.
Jumbo lists 5.1 g of saturated fat per 100 g for Magnetron Popcorn Zout and 2.1 g per 100 g for Popcorn Zout. The basis of the nutrition table for the microwave variety isn’t clear enough to use these figures as a direct comparison without further checks.
As well as total fat, check saturated fat and look at the packaging to see what the figures refer to.
Popcorn is sold as loose kernels, a microwave variety and a ready-to-eat snack. Pack size doesn’t automatically tell you how much you’ll eat at a time. If you prepare it yourself, any additions you use also count.
Compare the net weight with the portion you actually use. Treat dry kernels and prepared popcorn as different product types.
Jumbo’s Croky page is listed under crisps and popcorn, but the products shown also include other snacks. Croky describes its own range as a crisp range, so the category name alone doesn’t confirm that a particular product is popcorn.
Check the specific product name and ingredients before including a product in your popcorn comparison.
The product ranges reviewed include organic popping corn and ready-to-eat salted popcorn, which are prepared in different ways.
The product ranges reviewed include loose popping corn, microwave popcorn and ready-to-eat salted popcorn.
ALDI Netherlands lists SUN SNACKS Zoute popcorn in a 100 g pack.
Lidl Netherlands lists Snack Day Popcorn zoet in a 200 g pack.
These product choices are suited to making popcorn from kernels or preparing it in the microwave. Check the label and preparation instructions for each variety.
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Suitable if you want to pop loose popcorn kernels yourself. The pan preparation described requires vegetable oil, so bear this addition in mind.
The product name includes Butterfly and a pack size of 900 g.
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Suitable if you want to prepare popcorn in the microwave. Follow the instructions on the packaging.
Check the basis used for the nutritional information on the label before comparing this variety with dry kernels or ready-to-eat popcorn.
For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low fat’ claim. The Albert Heijn and Jumbo product pages list 4 g and 4.5 g of fat per 100 g respectively for their dry popping corn; these figures don’t describe prepared popcorn with any additions.
First compare the figures per 100 g using the same basis for nutritional values. Check both total fat and saturated fat, then calculate the figures for the same portion size if needed. Dry kernels, microwave popcorn and ready-to-eat popcorn aren’t automatically comparable.
No. For this specific variety, Jumbo says not to restart cooking after an interruption. Follow the instructions on the packaging, and don’t let children prepare popcorn without adult supervision.
Jumbo recommends storing its dry popping corn in a cool, dark and dry place. For AH Zoute popcorn, Albert Heijn recommends a cool, dark and dry place and says to close the packaging securely after use. Follow the storage and best-before information on your pack.
No. AH Biologisch Popcorn mais lists corn as its only ingredient, but also warns that the product may contain cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat. Check the allergen information on the pack you buy.
