Start with a measured portion and compare popcorn only on the same basis: popping it yourself gives you control over what you add, while ready-to-eat popcorn takes less preparation. According to the European Commission, the EU claim ‘low energy’ can only be used for solid foods containing no more than 40 kcal per 100 g; the stated values for the dry maize and ready-to-eat salted popcorn discussed here are higher than that. A smaller portion lowers the energy in your snack, but it doesn’t change the product’s value per 100 g.
You want to be able to work out the energy in your own snack portion, rather than assume that a small portion makes the product itself low in energy. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that nutritional values can vary between brands.
You buy popping corn for several snack occasions and decide how much oil or seasoning to add. Albert Heijn and Jumbo list popping corn as a product to prepare at home, so remember to include your recipe ingredients in your calculations.
You’re looking for popcorn that’s ready to eat or can be prepared in individual bags. If you’re planning several snack occasions, also consider how much you want to eat each time and the product’s storage advice.
Compare kcal per 100 g only for popcorn in the same state. According to the European Commission, the EU claim ‘low energy’ applies to solid foods containing no more than 40 kcal per 100 g. Albert Heijn and Jumbo list 374 kcal per 100 g for their dry popping corn; 25 g of dry maize therefore provides 93.5 kcal before you add oil or anything else.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy per portion | Check kcal per 100 g, portion weight and preparation basis. Weigh the amount you actually eat. | If you want to plan how much energy your snack will provide, weigh what you eat rather than relying on the stated portion size alone. Around 39% of consumers prioritise calories per portion actually eaten. |
| Additions and preparation | Read the ingredients and preparation instructions, and include oil and other additions in your recipe total. For example, Albert Heijn suggests using 2 tablespoons of oil to prepare its organic popping corn. | If you want to decide how much oil or seasoning to add, include all the ingredients in your recipe. Around 23% of consumers prioritise having control over preparation and additions. |
| Preparation and portion size | Check whether the popcorn is ready to eat or needs to be prepared. A 90 g microwave bag is the weight of the bag, not necessarily the amount you’ll eat as a snack. | If you want something quick to eat, check whether the popcorn is ready to eat or needs to go in the microwave, then decide how much to have. Around 23% of consumers prioritise minimal preparation. |
| Stocking up and storage | Choose a net quantity that suits your planned snack occasions and follow the storage advice on the packaging. | When stocking up for the week, you’ll want to know how many snack occasions each pack will cover and how to store its contents. Around 15% of consumers prioritise planning their supplies and storage. |
The European Commission assesses the EU claim ‘low energy’ for solid foods per 100 g. A small portion may provide less energy than a large one, but it doesn’t make a product above the limit low in energy.
Base your calculations on the amount you eat, and don’t use ‘low energy’ as a product claim if the value per 100 g doesn’t meet the requirement.
The 374 kcal per 100 g stated for Albert Heijn and Jumbo popping corn applies to dry maize. It doesn’t include added oil or any other ingredients.
Add up the ingredients you use, then divide the total for the finished recipe between your portions.
Albert Heijn gives a portion size of 25 g for its salted popcorn, while Jumbo gives 30 g. This means the energy per portion also depends on the amount.
First compare the same amount of ready-to-eat popcorn, then work out the energy in your own portion.
The Jumbo pack contains three 90 g bags. The weight of a bag doesn’t determine how much you’ll want to eat in one sitting.
Decide on your portion in advance and follow the preparation instructions and warnings on the packaging.
The range includes popping corn to prepare at home and salted popcorn that’s ready to eat.
Jumbo sells popping corn, microwave popcorn and ready-to-eat salted popcorn, giving you the choice between preparing it yourself and convenience.
Snack Day Popcorn zeezout is a 200 g popcorn option for anyone considering a trip to a physical shop as part of their weekly shop.
SUN SNACKS Zoute popcorn is a 100 g salted popcorn option.
These Joybuy products are for anyone looking for ready-to-eat popcorn for planned snack occasions or wanting to prepare popping corn at home. Compare the portion size and nutritional information for the specific variety before choosing.
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A ready-to-eat option for planned snack occasions. The product name states that it contains 240 g and has a Cinema Butter flavour.
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For anyone who wants to prepare popcorn at home and choose what to add. The description suggests cooking it in a pan with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil; include the oil when calculating the energy in your portion.
Pack size according to the product name: 900 g.
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A ready-to-eat option if you don’t want to prepare popcorn yourself. Weigh your portion and check the nutritional value per 100 g; Joybuy lists 530 kcal per 100 g.
Please note that this product contains soya. The product information advises eating the contents as soon as possible after opening.
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A ready-to-eat option for a planned snack occasion. Joybuy lists 502 kcal per 100 g; weigh the portion you want to eat.
The product information lists milk and 35 g of sugars per 100 g. Store the pack according to the instructions for this variety.
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For snacking straight from the pack, with no need to prepare popcorn yourself. Joybuy lists 543 kcal per 100 g; weigh the portion you eat.
The product description lists 1.5% salt among the ingredients.
According to the European Commission, the EU claim ‘low energy’ applies to solid foods containing no more than 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g. A low energy intake per portion doesn’t prove that the product meets this limit.
Add together the dry maize and all the ingredients you add, then divide the total between the portions you make. Albert Heijn and Jumbo list 374 kcal per 100 g for dry maize; any oil in your recipe is extra.
Follow the instructions on the packaging for the exact variety. For Magnetron Popcorn Zout, Jumbo warns you to remove the foil, ensure children prepare it only under supervision and not to restart cooking if it’s interrupted.
Follow the storage advice for the specific product. Jumbo recommends storing Popcorn Maïs in a cool, dark place; for Magnetron Popcorn Zout, Jumbo suggests a cool, dry and dark place. Albert Heijn recommends resealing the pack of Zoute popcorn securely after use.
Always check the label on the variety you buy. Albert Heijn states that AH Biologisch Popcorn mais may contain traces of cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat; Jumbo states that Popcorn Zout may contain milk.
