Who is this buying guide for?

Gluten-free and lower-fat

You need to eat gluten-free because of coeliac disease, and then want to compare the fat content of popcorn without overlooking sugar and energy.

Choosing a suitable portion

You’re looking for ready-to-eat popcorn and want to match the nutrition information to the amount you actually eat, rather than just the size of the bag.

Choosing your own ingredients

You want to pop your own popcorn and choose what to add, but you also need clear gluten information for the popcorn kernels.

What should you look for when buying?

First, check the gluten information for the exact variety. Then compare nutrition information on the same basis, taking portion size and preparation method into account.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Gluten information Read the ingredients and warnings on the packaging of the exact variety. The Dutch Coeliac Society explains that a warning about cereals containing gluten indicates a possible risk. If I need to be sure about the exact popcorn because of coeliac disease, I check the gluten information before comparing nutrition values. This applies to around 33% of consumers who prioritise gluten suitability.
Fat and nutrition claims Compare fat per 100 g and the basis on which the product is prepared. The European Commission sets a limit of no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low-fat’ claim on solid foods. If reducing fat is my main goal, I want to compare the nutrition information with the limit for the claim. This applies to around 33% of consumers who consider fat content their top priority.
Sugar, energy and portion size As well as fat, check sugar and energy per 100 g, then work out the figures for the amount you eat. Albert Heijn lists 45 g of sugars and 419 kcal per 100 g for AH Popcorn zoet; the packaging gives a 25 g serving size. If I want to assess my overall snack intake, I look at my own portion rather than just one nutrition value per 100 g. This applies to around 20% of consumers who consider sugar, energy and portion size together.
Preparation method Choose between ready-to-eat popcorn, microwave popcorn and popping it yourself. Follow the instructions on the packaging of the exact microwave product; if you pop your own, factor in any added oil, sugar or salt. If I’m mainly looking for convenience or want to choose my own additions, I take the preparation method into account after checking the gluten information. This applies to around 14% of consumers who prioritise convenience or preparing it themselves.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming ‘organic’ or corn alone means gluten-free

    The product information for AH Biologisch Popcorn mais warns that cereals containing gluten and wheat may be present. So the main ingredient alone doesn’t tell you enough about the gluten information for the finished product.

    Check the warnings and ingredients on the exact packaging before choosing popcorn if you have coeliac disease.

  • Automatically calling a lower fat figure ‘low-fat’

    The European Commission sets a limit of no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low-fat’ claim on solid foods. According to Albert Heijn, AH Popcorn zoet contains 4 g of fat per 100 g.

    Keep the stated fat content separate from a nutrition claim, and compare products on the same basis.

  • Looking only at fat when you want a lighter snack

    AH Popcorn zoet also lists 45 g of sugars and 419 kcal per 100 g. Looking only at the fat content leaves these other nutrition values out of the picture.

    Decide whether you mainly want to keep an eye on fat, sugar, energy or the amount you eat.

  • Using the nutrition information for dry kernels to assess the prepared snack

    The preparation advice for AH popcorn kernels mentions oil and optional sugar or salt. The figures for the dry kernels don’t include these additions.

    Factor in the amounts you use separately when assessing the nutrition information for the prepared popcorn.

    When popping your own, keep track of any added oil, sugar or salt separately.

Brands to compare

Albert Heijn

The own-brand varieties reviewed include ready-to-eat sweet and salted popcorn, as well as popcorn kernels.

  • The product information for AH Popcorn zoet and AH Zoute popcorn states ‘Glutenvrij’ and includes nutrition values. The sweet variety lists 4 g of fat per 100 g.
  • AH Biologisch Popcorn mais carries a warning about cereals containing gluten and wheat. Check the information for each variety; this is product information, not an independent taste test.

Jumbo

The own-brand products reviewed include ready-to-eat sweet popcorn and salted microwave popcorn.

  • The product pages provide information about ingredients and nutrition values, as well as preparation instructions for the microwave variety.
  • The Jumbo Magnetron Popcorn Zout reviewed lists 12.4 g of fat per 100 g. Check the gluten information for each exact variety separately.

Lidl

Lidl sells popcorn under its own Snack Day brand, including sweet, salted and microwave varieties.

  • The product listing for Snack Day Popcorn zeezout gives a pack size of 200 g.
  • The product page says it is sold in store. The flavour name alone doesn’t tell you the fat content or whether the exact variety is suitable for someone with coeliac disease.

ALDI

The Dutch product page describes salted popcorn from SUN SNACKS in a 100 g pack.

  • The product listing confirms the product type and pack size.
  • A salted product name or small pack doesn’t prove that the popcorn is low-fat or suitable for someone with coeliac disease. Check the information on the exact packaging.

Popcorn at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a ingredients list containing only corn enough if you have coeliac disease?

No. Check the gluten information and any warnings on the exact packaging too. AH Biologisch Popcorn mais contains corn, but its product information warns that cereals containing gluten and wheat may be present.

When can popcorn be called ‘low-fat’?

For solid foods, the European Commission sets a limit of no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g. According to Albert Heijn, AH Popcorn zoet contains 4 g of fat per 100 g, so it does not meet this limit.

Can I restart microwave cooking if I’ve stopped it part-way through?

Not with the Jumbo Magnetron Popcorn Zout reviewed: the product instructions say not to restart cooking after an interruption. Always follow the instructions on the packaging of your exact product.

How should I store an opened bag of AH Popcorn zoet?

Albert Heijn recommends storing the popcorn in a cool, dry place and closing the packaging securely after use.