Choose popcorn for snack time by comparing the energy per 100 g and working out how much that means for the amount you actually eat; a small portion doesn’t automatically make the product low in calories. Among the four ready-to-eat varieties from Albert Heijn and Jumbo examined here, the sweet options have a lower declared energy value per 100 g than the salted ones, but contain more sugars. Popping your own gives you more control over the corn and additions, but takes preparation, and oil and flavourings all count.
You want to know how much energy there is in the amount of popcorn you actually eat. So compare the same portion weight in grams and check the nutritional information for the exact variety; Albert Heijn and Jumbo list nutritional values for their individual products.
You want to get popcorn on the table quickly or prepare it warm and divide it into portions. Ready-to-eat popcorn and microwave popcorn require different preparation, so follow the instructions on the Albert Heijn or Jumbo packaging.
You want to decide for yourself how much corn, oil and flavouring to use. Loose popcorn kernels need to be prepared; also check the allergen information for the exact corn and any seasonings. Albert Heijn states that AH Biologisch Popcorn mais may contain cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat.
First decide how much you want to serve. Then choose what matters most to you: convenience, flavour, or control over the preparation and portion sizes.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this most important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy per portion | Compare kcal per 100 g and weigh the amount you serve yourself. | If I want to know how much energy is in my bowl, I calculate it using the weight I actually eat. Around 36% of consumers rank energy per portion as their top priority. |
| Ease of preparation | Check whether the popcorn is ready to eat or needs preparing, and read the instructions. | If I want to put something on the table quickly or prepare warm popcorn, I check how much preparation is needed. Around 29% of consumers give serving convenience top priority. |
| Flavour and ingredients | As well as the energy, check the sugars, fats and ingredients in the exact variety. | If I’m choosing between sweet and savoury, I want to know what’s in that particular variety. Around 21% of consumers put flavour and ingredients first. |
| Packaging and portions | Check the net weight, how you can divide the amount, and the storage instructions after opening. | If I want to avoid leftovers and divide the amount for my get-together, I check the packaging and storage instructions. Around 14% of consumers put portioning and leftovers at the top of their list. |
A smaller portion may contain less energy than a larger one, but it doesn’t change the product’s nutritional value per 100 g. A nutrition claim about low energy has specific conditions.
Keep the energy in the portion you eat separate from any claim about the product. Compare the nutritional value per 100 g, then calculate it for your weighed portion.
For the AH Zoute popcorn examined here, Albert Heijn lists four 25 g portions in a 100 g pack. For Jumbo Popcorn Zoet, Jumbo lists around six portions in a 175 g pack. So the contents of a pack don’t necessarily match the amount you want to eat.
Divide the amount you want to serve in advance, and use grams when comparing products.
The nutritional information for loose popcorn kernels applies to the uncooked product. Oil and other additions change what ends up in your bowl.
Include the ingredients you use in your calculation, then divide the prepared amount into the portions you serve.
Popping your own also takes oil, flavourings and time to prepare.
The range includes ready-to-eat sweet and salted popcorn, microwave popcorn and loose kernels for popping at home.
Jumbo offers ready-to-eat sweet and salted popcorn, salted microwave popcorn and loose popcorn kernels.
In the product information described here, Snack Day Popcorn zeezout, in a 200 g pack, is a specific savoury option.
The Dutch product information lists SUN SNACKS Zoute popcorn in a 100 g pack.
This selection includes microwave popcorn, loose popcorn kernels and packaged popcorn. Check whether the specific variety is ready to eat or needs to be prepared first.
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Ideal if you want to prepare popcorn in the microwave; divide the three 100 g bags into the portions you want to serve.
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This butter-flavoured popcorn is a good fit for a get-together or film night if that’s the flavour you enjoy.
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A good choice if you want to pop your own and control the preparation and flavourings. The preparation instructions call for two tablespoons of vegetable oil, so bear that in mind when calculating the energy in your prepared portion.
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Ready-to-eat caramel flavour for anyone looking for sweet popcorn. The product information lists milk; check the packaging if allergens are a concern for you.
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A good option if you want to serve salted popcorn without preparing kernels yourself. Compare the nutritional values on the exact pack with the amount you want to eat.
Weigh your portion and multiply the energy per 100 g by the portion weight divided by 100. For products you still need to prepare, use the basis shown on the packaging and count any added ingredients separately. An example portion is a basis for calculation, not a personal recommendation.
A small portion on its own isn’t grounds for claiming that a product is low in calories. The European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g for solid foods carrying a ‘low energy’ claim. According to their product information, the four ready-to-eat varieties from Albert Heijn and Jumbo examined here are above that limit. Separate conditions apply to a reduced-energy claim, including a reduction of at least 30% and a statement of the characteristic that makes the reduction possible.
No, follow the instructions on the exact pack. For AH Magnetron Popcorn Zout, Albert Heijn recommends 2–3 minutes at 800 watts or 3–4 minutes at 600 watts. For the salted variety examined here, Jumbo warns you not to restart cooking after an interruption.
For the ready-to-eat sweet and salted popcorn examined here, Albert Heijn recommends storing it in a cool, dark and dry place and closing the pack securely after use. Check the storage and use-by information on the packaging of your own product too.
No, check the allergen information for the exact variety and any seasonings. AH Biologisch Popcorn mais may contain cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat; this warning applies to this variety and not automatically to all popcorn kernels.
