Campers looking to eat less fat
You want to compare the fat content on the label and avoid confusing a nutritional claim with a low figure.
Who is this guide for?
Campers without cooking facilities
You’re looking for popcorn you can eat straight away, without a pan or microwave.
Campers preparing popcorn in a pan
You want to make popcorn from kernels yourself and bear in mind that the nutritional values for dry maize aren’t the same as those for popcorn made with added oil.
What should you look for in popcorn for camping?
First compare labels on the same basis, then choose between ready-to-eat popcorn, loose kernels or a microwave variety.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content and claim | Compare the fat content per 100 g and check whether the values are for dry or prepared popcorn. According to the European Commission, solid foods must contain no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g to carry the ‘low fat’ claim. | If I want to know whether popcorn really fits with my choice to eat less fat, I check both the claim and the basis for comparison. Around 36% of consumers put fat content first. |
| Preparation method | Check whether the popcorn is ready to eat or needs a pan or microwave; follow the preparation instructions for your chosen variety. | At a campsite without cooking facilities, I want to be able to snack straight away. Around 29% of consumers prioritise food that’s easy to eat without any extra preparation. |
| Sugar and energy | As well as fat, check the sugar and kcal per 100 g and per serving. According to Jumbo, Jumbo Popcorn Zoet contains 48.6 g of sugar and 406 kcal per 100 g. | If by ‘lighter’ I mainly mean less sugar or energy, I look beyond the fat content. Around 21% of consumers prioritise sugar or energy. |
| Quantity and storage | Choose a net weight that suits what you’re taking with you and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. | For a camping trip, I want to take an appropriate amount and be able to store the packaging properly. This is a priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Common selection mistakes
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Treating ‘low fat’ and ‘reduced fat’ as the same claim
A low fat figure doesn’t automatically qualify a product for the ‘low fat’ claim. According to the European Commission, solid foods must contain no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority refers to European rules for nutrition claims.
Read the exact claim and nutrition table, and compare products on the same basis. Don’t treat ‘reduced fat’ as equivalent to ‘low fat’.
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Using the values for dry maize to assess prepared popcorn
The nutritional values for unpopped maize don’t include any oil you add during preparation. The recipe for AH Biologisch Popcorn mais calls for oil.
Keep dry and prepared popcorn separate when comparing products, and take added ingredients into account.
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Looking only at fat when choosing sweet popcorn
Jumbo Popcorn Zoet contains 48.6 g of sugar and 406 kcal per 100 g. So a lower fat figure alone doesn’t tell you whether the variety is right for anyone mainly watching their sugar or energy intake.
Compare sugar, energy and the portion you actually eat too.
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Comparing a mixed party box as if it contained only popcorn
The Croky party box at Kruidvat contains crisps, snack bowls and glasses as well as popcorn. You can’t attribute the nutritional values for the whole box to the popcorn alone.
Compare the nutritional information for the individual popcorn variety. The box also means you’ll be taking more than just popcorn with you.
Brands to compare
Albert Heijn
AH Biologisch Popcorn mais is loose maize for preparing at home.
- The ingredients list for this variety contains only organic maize.
- The nutritional values are for dry maize; the preparation recipe adds oil. At 4 g of fat per 100 g, the product doesn’t meet the low-fat threshold, according to Albert Heijn and the European Commission.
Jumbo
The range includes loose maize, ready-to-eat sweet popcorn and salted microwave popcorn.
- The varieties offer different preparation methods; ingredients and nutritional values vary by product.
- Jumbo Popcorn Zoet contains 48.6 g of sugar per 100 g. Jumbo Magnetron Popcorn Zout requires a suitable microwave and you should follow the instructions on the packaging.
Lidl Snack Day
Snack Day includes sweet and salted popcorn varieties, including Popcorn zeezout.
- The range offers both sweet and salted varieties.
- A salted flavour doesn’t tell you anything about the fat content. Check the nutrition table on the specific pack.
ALDI Sun Snacks
Sun Snacks Zoute popcorn is a salted variety in ALDI Netherlands’ range.
- The product information lists this as salted popcorn in a 100 g pack.
- The word ‘salted’ is not a claim about fat content. Check the information on the packaging before comparing it with other products.
Popcorn at Joybuy
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
When can popcorn be labelled ‘low fat’?
Solid foods must contain no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g. The European Commission sets this threshold, while the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority refers to European rules for nutrition claims.
Is loose popcorn maize a fat-free snack?
No. Loose maize contains fat, and you may add oil when preparing it. AH Biologisch Popcorn mais contains 4 g of fat per 100 g and Jumbo Popcorn Maïs contains 4.5 g per 100 g, according to the product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo. Don’t compare these dry values directly with those for prepared popcorn.
What should I bear in mind with Jumbo Magnetron Popcorn Zout?
Follow the product instructions: remove the film and don’t restart preparation after interrupting it. Jumbo also advises that children should not prepare the popcorn without adult supervision.
Is popcorn maize automatically suitable for people with a food allergy?
No. Always check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging. Albert Heijn states that AH Biologisch Popcorn mais may contain cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat.
How should I store popcorn at the campsite?
Follow the storage instructions for the specific variety. Jumbo recommends storing Popcorn Maïs in a cool, dry place away from light, and Popcorn Zoet in a cool, dry place. Also check the best-before date on the packaging.