First, weigh the portion you want with your coffee, then compare the nutritional values for that amount. Ready-to-eat popcorn is ready straight away, while popping corn lets you choose your own additions. For a commercial claim meaning ‘low calorie’, the European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal per 100 g for solid foods. The Albert Heijn and Jumbo varieties reviewed here do not meet that limit. With microwave popcorn, also check the cooking instructions and the basis on which the nutritional values are given.
You want a measured amount of popcorn with your afternoon coffee, so you compare the energy content for the same weight rather than relying on the flavour name alone. Albert Heijn lists portion weights and nutritional values for the varieties mentioned.
You want popcorn that’s ready to eat straight away, or you deliberately choose a microwave bag if you have access to a microwave. Albert Heijn and Jumbo product information distinguishes between ready-to-eat popcorn and popcorn that needs to be cooked in the microwave.
You want to measure out the oil and flavourings yourself, and are happy to prepare the popping corn. If you have allergies, always check the information on the specific pack; for the popping corn mentioned, Albert Heijn notes that it may contain cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat.
First decide whether you want to weigh a portion, grab a ready-to-eat snack or make your own; then compare products using the same nutritional basis. The percentages below link each main priority to the consumers who focus on it during this coffee break.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy in your portion | Check the kcal per 100 g and weigh the amount you eat. For the sweet popcorn reviewed, Albert Heijn lists 419 kcal per 100 g; for the salted variety, it lists 543 kcal per 100 g. | If you want to measure out your coffee-break snack, a set portion makes it easier to calculate the energy in that amount. Around 42% of consumers put portion energy first. |
| Convenience during your break | Check whether the popcorn is ready to eat, what equipment you’ll need and how many cooking bags the pack contains. Follow the instructions on the exact pack of microwave popcorn. | If you’d rather not prepare anything during a short break, it matters whether the popcorn is ready to eat straight away. Around 25% of consumers prioritise convenience. |
| Sugar, salt and fat | Read the values for the same product and amount. The Albert Heijn sweet popcorn reviewed lists 45 g of sugar per 100 g; the salted variety lists 1.53 g of salt and 3.9 g of saturated fat per 100 g. | If you have a preference about sugar, salt or fat as well as energy, compare the exact recipe. Around 17% of consumers prioritise the ingredients and nutritional composition. |
| Choosing your own additions | For popping corn, check whether the nutritional values apply to the dried kernels or the popped popcorn. Include oil and flavourings when calculating the whole recipe. | If you want to decide for yourself what to add, popping corn gives you more control over how you prepare it. Around 16% of consumers prioritise this control. |
The Albert Heijn packs reviewed list several portions: four for the salted popcorn and eight for the sweet popcorn. Counting the whole bag as one portion could skew your comparison with a measured amount.
Weigh the amount you want to eat beforehand rather than treating the whole pack as one portion.
The flavour name doesn’t tell you how much energy, sugar or fat a specific recipe contains. The Albert Heijn varieties mentioned have different nutritional values per 100 g.
Read the nutrition table for the exact variety and decide which factor matters to you alongside the energy in your portion.
The nutritional values for the Albert Heijn popping corn mentioned apply to dried corn. Oil and any flavourings are also part of the recipe.
List all the ingredients, calculate the whole recipe and divide it by the portions you actually make.
The product information reviewed covers ready-to-eat sweet and salted popcorn, as well as organic popping corn.
The information reviewed covers ready-to-eat and microwave popcorn; the salted microwave variety needs to be cooked before eating.
Lidl Netherlands features Snack Day popcorn in sweet and sea salt varieties, including 200 g packs.
ALDI Netherlands features ready-to-eat salted popcorn from SUN SNACKS in a 100 g pack.
These Joybuy products include ready-to-eat popcorn and microwave options. Before choosing, check the ingredients and nutritional information for the exact variety, and weigh the portion you want to eat.
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A good fit if you’re looking for a ready-to-eat popcorn snack that you can enjoy straight from the pack.
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A good fit if you want to make popcorn in the microwave; the product description mentions three individual bags.
You’ll need a microwave to prepare it. Follow the instructions on the pack.
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A good fit if you’re looking for a ready-to-eat popcorn snack with a caramel flavour.
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A good fit if you’re looking for popcorn to enjoy with your coffee or at another snack break.
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A good fit if you’re looking for a ready-to-eat popcorn snack with a caramel flavour.
No. For a commercial claim meaning ‘low calorie’, the European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g for solid foods. A small portion may provide less energy without the product meeting that limit.
Not on the same preparation basis. The Albert Heijn popping corn mentioned is dried corn, while the ready-to-eat Albert Heijn popcorn has already been popped. If you make your own, calculate the whole recipe, including any additions, and divide it by the portions you make.
Follow the instructions on the pack for the exact variety. For the microwave popcorn mentioned, Jumbo warns that children must not prepare it without adult supervision and that you shouldn’t restart cooking if it has been interrupted.
For the sweet and salted popcorn reviewed, Albert Heijn recommends storing it in a cool, dark, dry place and sealing the pack tightly after use. Also check the best-before information on your own pack.
No. For the popping corn mentioned, Albert Heijn notes that it may contain cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat. If you have allergies, check the pack for the specific variety; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre also recommends checking the ingredients you use for allergens.
