Start by weighing out a serving, then compare the nutritional values for the exact product on the same preparation basis. A small serving doesn’t automatically make popcorn low in calories: for solid foods, the ‘low energy’ claim has a limit per 100 g, as explained by the European Commission. Choose how to prepare it based on the time and facilities available. For catering, also make sure you have allergen information and follow food safety procedures.
If you want to calculate the energy per serving, you’ll need both the weighed portion and the nutritional values for the exact product. The Voedingscentrum gives 154 kcal for 40 g of popcorn as a general reference; this isn’t a figure for a specific branded product.
If preparation time is limited, you’ll need to choose between portioning popcorn in advance and making it on site. Albert Heijn, Jumbo and Lidl offer confirmed product types to suit these different approaches; the pack size doesn’t automatically determine the portion for each guest.
If you serve loose popcorn, you must be able to give guests information about the allergens it contains. The NVWA sets out the information requirements for unpackaged food; check the details for the exact product and include any ingredients you add yourself.
Choose this when: you want to decide on the recipe yourself and can organise the preparation.
Bear in mind: the final yield and all the ingredients; the nutritional values for dry corn aren’t the same as those for prepared popcorn without adjusting for the difference.
Choose this when: you don’t want to prepare popcorn during the conference break and can weigh out portions in advance.
Bear in mind: convenience says nothing about the energy per serving. Compare the nutritional values and use the same serving weight for each option.
Choose this when: you have a suitable microwave and enough time to prepare it according to the instructions on the pack.
Bear in mind: one microwave bag doesn’t automatically equal one guest serving. Jumbo states that you shouldn’t restart preparation after interrupting its microwave popcorn.
For each option, compare the exact product on the same preparation basis and calculate the nutritional values for the weight you’ll actually serve. The European Union allows nutritional information to be given for prepared food when the product needs to be prepared first.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Calories per serving | Check kcal per 100 g, the weighed serving size and whether the nutritional values apply to the product as sold or as prepared. | If I want to put together a weighed serving for each guest, I need to be able to compare nutritional values on the same basis; around 42% of consumers prioritise calories per guest serving. |
| Preparation and serving | Check whether the popcorn is ready to eat, made from kernels or supplied in microwave bags; plan the number of servings separately. | If I want to serve guests quickly during a short break, I need to choose a preparation method that suits the time and equipment available; around 33% of consumers give ease of use top priority. |
| Allergen information | Use the information for the exact product and record any ingredients you add yourself. | If I’m serving loose popcorn, I need to be able to give guests and staff clear information about the allergens it contains; around 25% of consumers prioritise this information. |
For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g for the ‘low energy’ claim. A smaller serving doesn’t change the value per 100 g. Calculate the energy per serving as follows: kcal per 100 g × serving weight in grams / 100.
A small bowl may contain less energy than a larger one, but that doesn’t prove the product meets the requirements for the ‘low energy’ claim.
Give the verified nutritional values per weighed serving. Only use a claim with the same meaning as ‘low calorie’ if the product meets the requirements; the European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g for solid foods.
The nutritional values may apply to the product as sold or to the prepared product. Unless you compare them on the same basis, they won’t give you a reliable guide to the serving you’re offering.
Compare the products as served at the same weight. If you’re making the popcorn yourself, include all the ingredients and the final yield.
Serving loose popcorn also requires you to record product information and give staff clear instructions.
Guests must be able to get information about the allergens the popcorn contains. Any flavourings or other ingredients you add may also be relevant.
Keep the details for the exact product and make sure the information is available when serving. The NVWA explains the requirements for giving information about unpackaged food in writing or verbally.
The popcorn range includes both AH Popcorn mais and AH Zoute popcorn, which are relevant product types.
Jumbo Popcorn Zout 100 g and Jumbo Magnetron Popcorn Zout 3 x 90 g suit different preparation methods.
Snack Day Magnetron popcorn zout is a relevant option if you want to prepare popcorn on site.
ALDI SUN SNACKS Zoute popcorn 100 g is a ready-to-eat option that you can weigh out in advance.
This selection includes microwave popcorn, ready-to-eat popcorn and popcorn kernels. Compare the nutritional values on the same preparation basis and calculate them for the serving you want to offer.
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Suited to catering plans that include microwave preparation.
The product name lists three 100 g bags; this isn’t a set portion for each guest.
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Suited to serving when the popcorn is ready in advance and doesn’t need to be prepared during the break.
The product name lists a 240 g pack.
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Suited to making popcorn yourself when you have time to pop the corn.
The product information describes preparing it in a pan with oil; make sure you have these ingredients and allow extra time for preparation.
The product name lists 900 g.
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Suited to portioning in advance when you don’t want to schedule preparation on site.
The product information lists 502 kcal per 100 g and says it contains milk. According to the European Commission, this energy value is above the limit for the ‘low energy’ claim for solid foods.
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Suited to portioning in advance when you’re looking for a ready-to-eat option.
The product information lists 543 kcal per 100 g. According to the European Commission, this energy value is above the limit for the ‘low energy’ claim for solid foods.
Not based on serving size alone. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g for the ‘low energy’ claim. A small bowl doesn’t change the value per 100 g; if you wish, give the verified nutritional values per weighed serving.
Multiply the kcal per 100 g by the serving weight in grams, then divide by 100. First, check whether the nutritional values apply to popcorn as sold or to the prepared product; the European Union allows nutritional information to be given for prepared food if the product needs to be prepared first.
For unpackaged food, you must provide information about any allergens present from the legal list of 14. The NVWA explains when written information is sufficient and the conditions under which you can provide information verbally. Use details for the exact product and include any ingredients you add yourself.
According to the NVWA, businesses that prepare, process or sell food must work with an HACCP food safety plan. You can use an applicable approved hygiene code; the fact that popcorn is a simple snack doesn’t generally exempt you.
Follow the instructions on the exact packaging. Jumbo’s official product information says not to restart preparation after interrupting it. Also keep track of the number of bags and the servings per guest separately.
