Mindful snack sharers
You want to enjoy popcorn together while keeping track of how much everyone gets. Compare the exact variety and divide the bag into portions you can weigh before serving.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Convenience seekers
You want to keep preparation to a minimum and are choosing between popcorn that’s ready to eat and a microwave variety. Check the number of portions, the basis used for the nutritional information and the preparation instructions.
Make-it-yourself fans
You want to measure out your own oil and flavourings, and see preparing popcorn as part of the snacking experience. Popping corn lets you choose what to add, but remember to include those extras when calculating the nutritional value of your portion.
What should you look for in popcorn?
First compare the nutritional information per 100 g for the same type of popcorn, then decide how much you want to serve. If you’re choosing popcorn for a mindful Father’s Day snack, these four key priorities can help you make your decision.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Comparing energy | Check the kcal per 100 g and whether the figure applies to the product as sold or as prepared. | If you’re watching your energy intake, compare the same quantity and product state. Around 36% of consumers put energy per equal quantity first when making their choice. |
| Choosing a portion | Check the pack weight, the stated number of portions and how many grams you want to serve. | If you’re sharing a bag, it helps to know in advance how much each person will get. Around 29% of consumers make portion control their top priority. |
| Preparation and convenience | Check whether the popcorn is ready to eat, needs to be microwaved or requires further preparation; follow the instructions for that variety. | If you want to spend as little time as possible on preparation, start by checking how it’s served. Around 21% of consumers put convenience first when choosing. |
| Sugar and fat | Compare the sugar, total fat and saturated fat on the label; if you have an allergy, check the ingredients and warnings too. | If sugar or fat matters more to you than the energy value alone, check those nutritional values separately. Around 14% of consumers prioritise the sugar or fat content. |
Common mistakes when choosing
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Confusing a small portion with a low-energy product
The nutritional value of a portion and the requirements for a nutrition claim are based on different things. For a ‘low energy’ claim on solid foods, the European Commission sets a limit of no more than 40 kcal per 100 g.
Work out the energy in your chosen amount using the value per 100 g and the number of grams you’ve weighed. Don’t use the claim just because you’re serving a small portion.
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Thinking a whole bag of microwave popcorn is one portion
A pack may contain several stated portions. If you eat the whole bag, the total amount is different from having just one portion.
Check the number of portions and divide the prepared popcorn in advance if you’re sharing it.
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Assuming average popcorn values apply to every brand
Voedingscentrum notes that nutritional values can vary between brands. A general figure therefore isn’t a substitute for checking the label on the variety you’re buying.
Compare the nutrition table on the exact pack, using the same quantity and product basis.
Popcorn brands to consider
Albert Heijn
The varieties we looked at include ready-to-eat sweet and salted popcorn, as well as salted microwave popcorn.
- Albert Heijn product pages list nutritional information and portion details for specific varieties.
- Recipes can change, so check the nutritional information on the pack you buy.
Jumbo
The product information we looked at covers ready-to-eat sweet and salted popcorn, salted microwave popcorn and dried popping corn.
- Jumbo product pages distinguish between product types and give nutritional information for specific varieties.
- The ready-to-eat sweet and salted varieties state ‘May contain: milk’. For Jumbo Salted Popcorn, the salt information in the ingredients list differs from that in the nutrition table, so don’t use it to make an exact salt comparison.
Lidl
Lidl describes Snack Day popcorn in sweet and salted varieties; one product page lists Sea Salt Popcorn 200 g.
- The product information helps you identify the product type and variety.
- Use the nutrition table on the specific pack to compare kcal per 100 g; the flavour name or pack size won’t tell you this.
ALDI
ALDI lists Sun Snacks Salted Popcorn in a 100 g pack.
- The product name and pack size make it easy to identify as ready-to-eat salted popcorn.
- The pack size and flavour don’t tell you the popcorn’s energy value; check the label on the exact pack to compare this.
Popcorn products at Joybuy
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Can popcorn be called ‘low energy’ if I only eat a small bowl?
No. The portion size doesn’t change the requirements for that product claim. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a limit of no more than 40 kcal per 100 g for a ‘low energy’ claim. You should also assess the nutritional value of your portion based on the weight you eat.
How do I calculate the energy in my portion of popcorn?
Multiply the value on the label per 100 g by the number of grams in your portion, then divide by 100. If you’re making popcorn yourself, include the ingredients you use, such as oil and flavourings. Dried corn and prepared popcorn don’t automatically have the same nutritional value per 100 g.
How do I prepare AH Salted Microwave Popcorn?
Follow the instructions for this specific AH variety: Albert Heijn recommends 2–3 minutes at 800 watts or 3–4 minutes at 600 watts, and advises you to stop when there are 1–2 seconds between pops. Stay by the microwave and open the hot bag carefully to avoid the steam.
Can children prepare Jumbo microwave popcorn on their own?
Jumbo advises that children shouldn’t prepare the popcorn without adult supervision. Follow the warnings and preparation instructions on the pack for the variety you’ve chosen too.
What should I check if someone sharing the snack has a milk allergy?
Read the ingredients and allergen warning on the exact pack. The ready-to-eat sweet and salted Jumbo varieties we looked at state ‘May contain: milk’. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority provides guidance on allergens on labels; don’t judge whether a product is suitable by looking only at the main ingredients.