Choose popcorn based on how much you’ll actually eat and the nutrition information on the label, not just the flavour name or packaging. Convert the kcal per 100 g to your portion, using the same preparation basis, and remember to include any oil and toppings if you’re using loose kernels. Then decide how much convenience or control over the ingredients matters to you.
If you want to enjoy popcorn and know in advance how much energy is in your bowl, the nutrition information per 100 g and the weight of your portion are useful details. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also provides nutrition information for popcorn portions.
Loose popcorn kernels are a good fit if you want to choose how much corn, oil and seasoning to use, and have time to prepare the popcorn. Bear in mind that the nutrition information for the kernels doesn’t describe the finished snack in full.
If you want to keep film night simple, you can choose between popcorn that still needs popping and a ready-to-eat option. Whichever you choose, check how much you’ll actually serve and what the label says about that amount.
Start with how much popcorn you’ll actually eat, then convert the kcal per 100 g to that weight using the same preparation basis. The European Union explains that nutrition information is given per 100 g or per 100 ml. Then consider how much preparation and control over added ingredients suits your film night.
A good fit if: you want to choose how much corn and seasoning to use.
Bear in mind: Albert Heijn lists 374 kcal per 100 g for unprepared corn; you’ll need to add the oil and toppings used in your prepared portion.
A good fit if: you want to pop it at home without choosing the ingredients yourself.
Bear in mind: Jumbo lists 117 kcal per 30 g and an inner bag of 90 g. Check what the nutrition information is based on, and don’t treat these amounts as the same.
A good fit if: you want to serve it without any preparation.
Bear in mind: Jumbo Popcorn Zout lists 481 kcal per 100 g; you can’t adjust the ingredients in a ready-to-eat option yourself.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who should pay extra attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Calories in your portion | Check the kcal per 100 g, the weight stated on the label and the amount you weigh out. Convert using the same preparation basis. | If I want to know in advance how much energy is in my bowl, I weigh my portion and use the label to work it out; around 36% of consumers prioritise the calories in the amount they eat. |
| Added ingredients | Check which ingredients are already in the popcorn, and if you’re preparing it yourself, include the oil and toppings you use. | If you want to decide how much oil and seasoning to add, bear in mind that this means extra preparation; around 29% of consumers prioritise having this control. |
| Ease of preparation | Check whether the popcorn is ready to eat or needs preparing, how many inner bags the pack contains and which instructions apply. | If I want to do very little preparation during the film, I choose an option that suits when I plan to serve it; around 21% of consumers give convenience top priority. |
| Flavour and nutrition | Look beyond the flavour name and check the nutrition information for the exact option, including energy, sugars, fat and salt. | If you want to choose your favourite flavour without relying on the name alone, check the label too; around 14% of consumers put flavour first when choosing. |
With Jumbo Magnetron Popcorn Zout, an inner bag weighs 90 g, while the nutrition table also gives values per 30 g. These are different amounts.
Weigh the amount you serve and use the value per 30 g only for a 30 g portion. Also follow the preparation instructions on the packaging.
The nutrition information for unprepared corn doesn’t include the oil or other seasonings you add during preparation.
Weigh the corn and keep track of how much oil and how many toppings you use. Then calculate the nutrition for the snack based on the ingredients and amount you actually serve.
You may need extra ingredients, such as oil and seasoning, in addition to the loose kernels.
A flavour name doesn’t tell you how much energy is in a portion. According to the European Commission, the ‘low energy’ claim for solid foods is subject to a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g; a smaller portion doesn’t automatically make a product eligible for this claim.
Check the nutrition information for the exact option and base your choice on the calories in the portion you eat, rather than on a claim that doesn’t apply to the product.
Albert Heijn offers loose popcorn kernels, as well as options for microwave preparation and ready-to-eat popcorn. Loose kernels are a good choice if you want to control how much you add yourself.
Among the options reviewed, Jumbo offers ready-to-eat salted popcorn and salted microwave popcorn. They differ in how they’re prepared and packaged.
Lidl Netherlands lists salted and sweet popcorn under Snack Day, including Snack Day Popcorn zoet.
ALDI Netherlands lists SUN SNACKS Zoute popcorn in a 100 g pack for anyone looking for ready-to-eat popcorn.
This selection at Joybuy includes popcorn with different flavour descriptions, as well as loose popcorn kernels. Choose your portion based on the nutrition information and preparation instructions for the exact product.
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The sweet and salty flavour description makes this a good option if you’re looking for ready-to-eat popcorn; you can’t adjust the listed ingredients yourself.
The product name states that the pack contains 120 g. Check the nutrition information and choose how much to serve.
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The product name describes a caramel flavour for anyone looking for that taste. If you need to avoid milk, check the ingredients for this option: the product information lists butter and milk.
The product name states that the pack contains 120 g; adjust the amount you eat according to the nutrition information on the packaging.
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The product name describes popcorn with a cinema butter flavour. Check the nutrition information and serving size for this exact option before deciding how much to serve.
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The product name describes salted popcorn in a 100 g pack. Check the nutrition information for this option and weigh the amount you want to eat.
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Loose popcorn kernels are a good fit if you want to control how much corn and how many additions to use. The preparation description suggests popping them in a pan with two tablespoons of vegetable oil; include the amount of oil you actually use when calculating the nutrition for your prepared portion.
The product name states that the pack contains 900 g. Check the nutrition information for the corn and weigh the amount you prepare.
Multiply the kcal per 100 g by the weight of your portion in grams, then divide by 100. Use the same preparation basis as the label; if you’re making the popcorn yourself, also include the oil and toppings you use.
No, portion size alone doesn’t make a product eligible for this nutrition claim. According to the European Commission, solid foods can carry the ‘low energy’ claim only if they contain no more than 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g; a smaller portion is not the same as a claim about the product.
First check whether the nutrition information applies to the corn as sold or to a prepared product. Compare like with like, and separately include the oil and any other ingredients you add to loose kernels.
Follow Jumbo’s instructions on the packaging. Jumbo warns that children should not prepare it without adult supervision and that you shouldn’t restart the cooking process if it has been interrupted; these instructions apply to this particular option.
No. If you or a guest has an allergy, check the information for the exact option. Albert Heijn states that AH Biologisch Popcorn mais may contain cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat; Jumbo states that Jumbo Popcorn Zout may contain milk. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed food.
