If you want to control how much oil and seasoning you add, make popcorn at home. If you want to share popcorn without any preparation, check the label and portion size of the ready-to-eat option. Albert Heijn lists 4 g of fat and 45 g of sugars per 100 g for the sweet popcorn assessed, and 29 g of fat for the salted version. According to the European Commission, a solid food can only carry the claim ‘low fat’ if it contains no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g. Neither of these versions meets that limit, and any oil you add when making popcorn at home counts towards the total.
You want to compare the fat content per 100 g for a picnic, without losing sight of sugar and energy. Nutritional values can vary considerably between the specific sweet and salted popcorn options; Albert Heijn lists the figures for each product.
You want to decide how much oil and seasoning to use, and you’re happy to make popcorn at home. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes a method using a measured amount of oil; the final nutritional values also depend on what you add.
You want to take popcorn that’s ready to share without popping it yourself. Check the pack size, the stated number of portions and whether you can reseal the pack after opening.
First decide whether fat content, minimal preparation, the overall nutritional profile or ease of sharing matters most to you. Then compare the figures per 100 g with the portion you want to take with you.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this most important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content and claims | Compare the fat per 100 g for the exact version, and check whether the figures apply to dry kernels or prepared popcorn. If you make it yourself, any oil you add counts too. | If I want to eat less fat, I look at the nutritional information for the product as I’ll eat it, not just the flavour name. Around 38% of consumers put fat content first. |
| Preparation or ready to eat | Dried popping corn needs to be prepared at home; ready-to-eat popcorn can be taken along and served straight away. | If I’m short on time before heading out, I want to be able to open the bag straight away; popping it myself takes preparation and cooking equipment. Around 23% of consumers prioritise minimal preparation. |
| Sugar and energy | As well as fat, compare sugars and energy per 100 g. Use the portion size for extra context, not as a substitute for the per-100 g figures. | If I’m looking beyond fat, I also want to know how much sugar and energy the sweet option contains. Around 23% of consumers prioritise the overall nutritional profile. |
| Taking it along and sharing | Check the pack size, the stated number of portions and the advice on sealing the pack after use. | If I’m taking popcorn to share, I want to choose an amount that suits the group and a pack that’s practical to carry. Around 16% of consumers prioritise sharing and portability. |
The nutritional values depend on the exact product and its form. Organic dried corn is also quite different from ready-to-eat salted popcorn.
Compare the fat content per 100 g on the label and check whether the figures are for the kernels or the popcorn as you’ll eat it.
The sweet popcorn listed by Albert Heijn contains 4 g of fat and 45 g of sugars per 100 g. So choosing a lower-fat option doesn’t automatically mean choosing one that’s low in sugar.
If you’re looking for a lighter snack, check sugar and energy too, and bear in mind how much you’ll actually take with you.
The nutritional values for the kernels don’t automatically describe the prepared popcorn. Oil and other additions also count towards the final result.
Measure out any additions and assess the complete recipe, rather than comparing the plain corn kernels with ready-to-eat popcorn.
The product range includes dried popping corn and separate sweet and salted ready-to-eat options.
Jumbo Popcorn Maïs is dried corn for anyone who wants to pop their own popcorn and measure out the additions themselves.
Snack Day Popcorn zeezout is a ready-to-eat savoury option listed in Lidl Netherlands’ store range.
SUN SNACKS Zoute popcorn is a ready-to-eat savoury option sold in a 100 g pack.
This selection includes ready-to-eat popcorn and popping corn for home preparation, so you can weigh convenience against control over additions and the nutritional values of the specific version.
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The product description mentions popcorn for parties and sharing; the product name specifies cinema butter flavour.
The product name states that the pack contains 240 g.
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This dried popping corn is intended for home preparation; the product instructions describe popping it in a pan.
The product information lists 5 g of fat per 100 g and recommends 2 el of vegetable oil for preparation. The oil counts towards the prepared dish.
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The product description says this popcorn is ready to eat as a snack, with no need to pop it at home.
The product information lists 29.6 g of fat, 27.1 g of sugars and 541 kcal per 100 g. Its stated fat content is above the European limit for the ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods.
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The product description mentions microwave preparation and sharing; check the current pack for preparation instructions and nutritional values for this version.
The product information lists 23 g of fat per 100 g. The product name specifies three 100 g packs; the fat content is above the European limit for the ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods.
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The product description says this caramel popcorn is ready to eat as a snack.
The product information lists 25 g of fat, 35 g of sugars and 502 kcal per 100 g. Its stated fat content is above the European limit for the ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods.
According to the European Commission, a solid food must contain no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g to carry the ‘low fat’ claim. This is a condition for making a nutrition claim, not a personal limit on how much popcorn you can eat.
No. For the general category ‘popcorn, popped without oil or salt’, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 1.6 g of fat per 40 g bowl. That figure doesn’t automatically apply to a specific brand or to popcorn you make yourself.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes a recipe using 50 g of popping corn, 1 theelepel of oil and 1 theelepel of seasoning mix, cooked in a heavy-based pan with a well-fitting lid. It’s an example of a preparation method; these ingredients don’t prove that every finished dish meets the ‘low fat’ claim.
For the AH versions assessed, follow Albert Heijn’s advice: store the popcorn in a cool, dark, dry place and seal the pack well after use. Check the packaging for the best-before date.
Yes. Albert Heijn states that AH Organic Popcorn Maize may contain cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat. If you need to avoid these ingredients, check the packaging of the exact version.
