If you want to control how much fat is added, choose popcorn kernels and a suitable cooking method; the Diabetes Fund describes a popcorn maker that needs no extra fat. If you don’t have a suitable way to prepare popcorn, ready-to-eat popcorn is more convenient. Just compare the nutritional information per 100 g and calculate the values for your own portion: less added fat is not the same as making a ‘low-fat’ claim.
You want to choose which fat and flavourings to add, and you have a suitable way to prepare popcorn where you’re staying. The Diabetes Fund describes a popcorn maker that needs no extra fat; that alone doesn’t mean the finished product meets the ‘low-fat’ claim.
You’re looking for popcorn you don’t have to make yourself. Choose a product format that suits your situation and check the nutritional information on the exact pack; product pages from Albert Heijn, Lidl and ALDI show examples of ready-to-eat popcorn.
You want to know what’s in your portion. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g, then calculate the values for the amount you plan to eat. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre provides general nutritional values for popcorn, but these aren’t product specifications for a supermarket variety.
First decide whether you want to pop the corn yourself or take popcorn that’s ready to eat. Then compare the nutritional information per 100 g and work out what it means for your own portion.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Control over added fat | Check whether the cooking method requires oil or another type of fat. To assess a ‘low-fat’ claim, compare the total fat per 100 g. | If you want to decide whether to add fat, choose a cooking method that works with the equipment available. Around 42% of consumers prioritise control over added fat. |
| Preparing popcorn on holiday | Choose between popcorn kernels, microwave popcorn and ready-to-eat popcorn. For a product that needs cooking, check the instructions and equipment required. | If you don’t have suitable kitchen facilities, you’ll want popcorn you can take with you without having to prepare it. Around 25% of consumers prioritise convenience. |
| Nutritional value of your portion | Compare the values per 100 g first, then calculate them for the weight of your own portion, using the same preparation basis. | If you want to know how much energy and fat your snack portion contains, the values for your portion matter more than the weight of the whole pack alone. Around 17% of consumers prioritise portion control. |
| Flavour and added ingredients | For bought popcorn, check the nutrition table and ingredients for the exact flavour. If you’re making it yourself, choose flavourings to suit your taste. | If flavour determines your choice, you’ll want to know which flavourings you can add yourself or which are already in the product. Around 16% of consumers prioritise flavour choice. |
For solid foods, a ‘low-fat’ claim is permitted only if the product contains no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g. The European Commission sets out this requirement; adding no extra fat during preparation doesn’t prove that the total fat content meets the limit.
A cooking method that uses no extra fat tells you what you add yourself. The ‘low-fat’ claim relates to the food’s total fat content per 100 g.
Describe a cooking method as ‘without added fat’ when that’s accurate. Only use ‘low-fat’ for a specific product if it has been shown to meet the relevant claim requirements.
General nutritional values for popcorn don’t automatically apply to a specific flavour or pack.
Use the values for the exact variety and compare products using the same quantity and preparation basis.
Popcorn kernels and microwave popcorn need different facilities from ready-to-eat popcorn.
Before you set off, check what equipment and cooking instructions you’ll need for the variety you choose.
Albert Heijn lists AH Popcorn mais for making at home and AH Zoute popcorn as a ready-to-eat option.
Jumbo lists Popcorn Maïs 500 g and Magnetron Popcorn Zout 3 x 90 g for different ways of preparing popcorn.
Lidl lists Snack Day Popcorn zeezout as ready-to-eat popcorn. The product page says it’s sold in stores.
ALDI lists SUN SNACKS Zoute popcorn 100 g as a ready-to-eat option.
These products include popcorn kernels for making at home and packaged popcorn varieties. Product names and available product information can help you choose a flavour, cooking method and pack size; always check the nutritional information on the exact pack when choosing based on fat content.
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The product information describes this popcorn as suitable for enjoying during films and sharing; check the pack for the cooking method and nutritional information.
The product name specifies a cinema-style flavour and a 240 g pack.
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Suitable for popping at home if you have a lidded pan and a heat source, and want to measure out the oil yourself.
The product name specifies butterfly popcorn kernels and 900 g. The pan method described requires 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and a lidded pan.
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A good option if you’re looking for salted popcorn that’s ready to eat.
The product name specifies a 100 g pack. The ingredients list includes maize, oil and salt; as it’s a fixed recipe, you can’t measure out the amount of oil yourself.
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This ready-to-eat popcorn is a good option if you’re looking for a caramel flavour without any preparation.
The product information specifies 120 g and 25 g of fat per 100 g. This is above the maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low-fat’ claim on solid foods, as set out by the European Commission. The ingredients list includes palm oil and butter.
For solid foods, the European Commission allows a ‘low-fat’ claim only when the product contains no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g. This is a requirement for the product claim, not automatically a personal limit for anyone who wants to add less fat during preparation.
First compare the values per 100 g, then calculate them for the weight of your portion. For the same product and preparation basis, multiply the value on the label by your portion weight in grams and divide by 100; you don’t have to eat the whole pack in one sitting. The European Commission sets out per 100 g as the basis for displaying nutritional information.
For the pan method in its popcorn recipe, the Diabetes Fund recommends using oil rather than butter or margarine, as they burn at the high cooking temperature. This is advice for that particular method, not a general legal requirement.
For Magnetron Popcorn Zout 3 x 90 g, Jumbo says not to restart cooking after an interruption. Follow the instructions on the exact pack; this guidance doesn’t automatically apply to other brands or varieties.
No, you can’t assume that without checking the ingredients. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends checking the label, including the labels on herbs and other additions.
