Campers keeping an eye on portions
You want to know how many calories your snack portion contains, so you compare weighed amounts rather than just flavours or the size of a bowl.
Which popcorn is right for you?
Campers without cooking facilities
You’re looking for popcorn you can eat straight away, without relying on a pan, heat source or microwave.
Campers popping their own in a pan
You have a suitable pan with a lid and want to measure out the oil and seasonings yourself. You factor in any extras and make sure you have a safe place to cook.
What should you look for in popcorn for camping?
First, decide which preparation method you can use at your campsite. Then weigh your portion and include any extras.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Calories per portion | Compare the kcal per 100 g on the pack, weigh your portion and count any extras separately. | If you want to measure your snack portion carefully, look at its weight rather than how full your bowl looks. Around 36% of consumers prioritise calories per portion eaten. |
| Preparation method | Choose between ready-to-eat popcorn, a pan with a lid or a suitable microwave. | If you don’t want to rely on cooking facilities, choose popcorn that’s ready to eat. Around 29% of consumers prioritise not having to rely on cooking facilities. |
| Extras | Read both the ingredients list and the nutrition table, and include oil and toppings. | If you want to decide how much oil or seasoning to add, weigh that up against the extra preparation involved. Around 21% of consumers prioritise control over what they add. |
| Packaging and storage | Check the contents, portion sizes and storage instructions on the exact pack. | For a camping trip, you may want a pack you can reseal and divide between snack breaks. Around 14% of consumers prioritise storage and packaging. |
Nutrition values can vary between products. For example, Albert Heijn lists 419 kcal per 100 g for AH Sweet Popcorn and 543 kcal per 100 g for AH Salted Popcorn. These figures apply to these specific products; they aren’t general values for sweet and salted popcorn.
When you pop your own, the label on AH Organic Popcorn Kernels describes the uncooked kernels. Count the oil and toppings you use separately; don’t compare the value for dry kernels directly with that of prepared popcorn.
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming a large, airy bowl means fewer calories
The amount in a bowl doesn’t tell you how many grams you’re eating. The energy content depends on the product and the amount you actually eat.
Weigh your portion and use the kcal per 100 g shown on the pack for your particular product.
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Assuming salted popcorn has fewer calories than sweet popcorn
Albert Heijn’s product information lists 543 kcal per 100 g for AH Salted Popcorn and 419 kcal per 100 g for AH Sweet Popcorn. The sweet variety also contains 45 g of sugars per 100 g.
Compare the energy and ingredients on the exact pack; don’t judge the nutrition value by the flavour name alone.
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Counting only the dry kernels
The nutrition information for dried kernels doesn’t cover the complete recipe, including oil and any toppings.
Count the ingredients you use according to their labels, then divide the total between the portions you actually make.
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Buying microwave popcorn without a microwave
A microwave bag is designed to be prepared in a microwave; it isn’t an alternative to popcorn kernels cooked on a camping stove.
Before buying, check that you have a suitable microwave and follow the preparation instructions on the pack.
Popcorn brands to know
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn’s product information distinguishes between ready-to-eat popcorn, microwave popcorn and popcorn kernels for cooking in a pan.
- Product pages include information such as ingredients, nutrition values and preparation instructions.
- Values vary by product. AH Organic Popcorn Kernels may contain cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat; check the allergen information on the pack.
Jumbo
Jumbo sells ready-to-eat salted popcorn and microwave popcorn under its own brand.
- The product information distinguishes between ready-to-eat popcorn and popcorn prepared in the microwave.
- The ingredients list for Jumbo Salted Popcorn states 3% salt, while the nutrition table lists 1.05 g of salt per 100 g. Check the current pack before relying on this figure.
Lidl
Lidl lists both sweet and salted popcorn under its own Snack Day brand.
- The range information includes these two flavour options.
- A flavour or brand positioning doesn’t, by itself, tell you how many calories a product contains; check the label on the exact pack.
ALDI
ALDI lists SUN SNACKS Salted Popcorn in a 100 g pack.
- The product name and pack size are clear from ALDI’s product information.
- The word ‘salted’ doesn’t mean the popcorn is lower in calories; check the nutrition values on the pack.
Popcorn products at Joybuy
These products include options for snacking straight from the pack and microwave preparation. Check the packaging, preparation method and nutrition information for each product.
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SNACK MAZE Popcorn Cinema Butter, 240 g
A handy option for a snack break without popping your own; the product information describes a 240 g pack with cinema and butter flavours.
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MUSHAN BASE Popcorn Sweet Salty Flavor, 120 g
The product description lists ready-to-eat popcorn with sugar, maltose and salt as ingredients.
Joybuy product information lists 541 kcal per 100 g; weigh your portion to work out the energy in your snack.
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Pop Corn, 3 x 100 g
This product is designed to be prepared in a microwave, so it’s only suitable if you have access to one at your campsite.
Joybuy product information lists 510 kcal per 100 g. Follow the preparation instructions on the pack.
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Yousmai Pengranxindong Popcorn Caramel, 120 g
The product information describes ready-to-eat caramel-flavoured popcorn for a snack break without having to pop your own.
Joybuy product information lists 502 kcal and 35 g of sugars per 100 g; weigh your portion and bear both figures in mind.
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g’woon Salted Popcorn, 100 g
The product name indicates a salted variety in a 100 g pack.
Joybuy product information lists 543 kcal per 100 g and 1.5% salt. Check the pack and weigh your portion.
Frequently asked questions
When can popcorn be described as ‘low energy’?
For solid foods in the EU, the ‘low energy’ claim can only be used when the product contains no more than 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g, according to the European Commission. A small portion doesn’t automatically make a product eligible for this claim.
How do I count the oil when making popcorn in a pan?
Add the energy from the oil and any toppings you use to that of the weighed dry kernels. Don’t use the nutrition value for the kernels as the figure for the whole recipe, and divide the total between the portions you make.
Can I make popcorn over a camping stove next to my tent?
The fire service advises against using a naked flame in or near a tent or caravan. Only cook in a pan in a safe cooking area, and follow the campsite rules and the instructions for your cooking equipment.
Is organic popcorn kernels automatically suitable for someone with a gluten allergy?
No. Albert Heijn states that AH Organic Popcorn Kernels may contain cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat. If you have a relevant allergy, check the allergen information on the pack you’re buying.
How should I store an opened bag of popcorn while camping?
Follow the storage instructions on the exact pack. For the ready-to-eat popcorn products from Albert Heijn mentioned here, the advice is to store in a cool, dark, dry place; seal the pack carefully after use.