Choose popcorn based on what matters most for your lunch: the stated fat content, other nutritional values, a measured portion or how it’s prepared. Albert Heijn lists 4 g of fat and 45 g of sugars per 100 g for the sweet popcorn reviewed; Jumbo lists 4.6 g of fat and 48.6 g of sugars per 100 g for its sweet variety. Check the nutritional values per 100 g and the portion size on the label. Don’t automatically describe a product as ‘low fat’ or ‘reduced fat’ just because it contains less fat than another variety.
You’re looking for popcorn to have with a packed lunch and want to compare total fat content, without assuming that a lower-fat variety is automatically a better choice. The label information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo gives you product-specific figures to compare.
You want to eat popcorn on the go without having to prepare it first, and would rather take a suitable portion than a whole bag. The product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo makes portion size and preparation method worth considering.
You prepare your snack in advance and want to decide how much oil and seasoning to add. Jumbo lists maize as an ingredient in its loose popping corn; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes a recipe using maize, oil and seasoning.
First compare the claim and fat content, then look at portion size, other nutritional values and how long it takes to prepare.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who might find this more important? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content and claims | Compare total fat per 100 g and check the conditions for any claim used. The European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods. | If I’m basing my choice mainly on total fat, I also want to know exactly what the claim on the packaging means. Around 36% of consumers prioritise fat content. |
| Portion size and convenience | Check the portion size alongside the net weight, and see whether the popcorn is ready to eat. Albert Heijn lists a 25 g portion and eight portions in a 200 g bag of AH Popcorn Zoet. | For lunch on the go, I want to be able to take a measured portion with me, without having to prepare it there. Around 29% of consumers prioritise portion size and being able to eat it straight away. |
| Other nutritional values | Compare sugar, saturated fat, salt and energy on the same basis, for example per 100 g; then consider the portion you’ll actually take with you. | If sugar, saturated fat or salt determines my choice, I want to see those values alongside total fat. Around 21% of consumers prioritise these other nutritional values. |
| Preparation and additions | Check whether you need to prepare it, and allow for any oil or seasoning you might add. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s pan recipe uses 50 g of popping corn and a teaspoon of oil. | If I make my snack in advance, I want to choose the additions and portion size myself. Around 14% of consumers prioritise preparing it themselves and deciding on the portion. |
A lower stated fat content doesn’t tell you how much sugar or energy a variety contains. Albert Heijn lists 45 g of sugars per 100 g for AH Popcorn Zoet; Jumbo lists 48.6 g per 100 g for Jumbo Popcorn Zoet.
Compare the nutritional values that matter to you and bear in mind how much you plan to take with you.
The pack size and the stated portion size aren’t always the same. AH Popcorn Zoet lists eight 25 g portions in a 200 g bag.
Weigh or portion out in advance the amount you want to take for lunch.
Loose popping corn, microwave popcorn and ready-to-eat popcorn differ in product type and preparation. The European Union explains that nutritional values on the packaging relate to the food as sold.
Compare products on the same basis and, if you’re preparing it yourself, allow for the finished snack and any additions. Follow the instructions on the specific pack of microwave popcorn.
The own-brand range includes ready-to-eat sweet and salted popcorn, as well as microwave popcorn. Albert Heijn provides product information, such as nutritional values and portion sizes, for individual products.
The own-brand range includes ready-to-eat popcorn, microwave popcorn and loose popping corn for different preparation methods.
Lidl Netherlands lists Snack Day as its own brand. The product page for Snack Day Popcorn Zeezout describes a 200 g pack and says it’s sold in store.
ALDI Netherlands lists SUN SNACKS Zoute popcorn in a 100 g pack.
Joybuy popcorn picks; check whether each product is ready to eat or needs to be prepared.
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The product name describes popcorn with butter flavour. If fat or sugar is a deciding factor for you, check the nutritional values per 100 g and the portion size on the packaging.
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This loose popcorn maize is suitable for preparing yourself; the instructions suggest cooking it in a pan with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. If you’re assessing the finished snack, remember to factor in the oil.
No. For solid foods, the ‘low fat’ claim means no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g, as explained by the European Commission. Having less fat than another variety of popcorn doesn’t, by itself, mean that this claim applies.
Use the values per 100 g and multiply them by the number of grams in your portion, then divide by 100. The European Union explains that the nutritional information relates to the product as sold; if you prepare it yourself, also allow for the finished ingredients and any additions.
Follow the instructions on the packaging for the exact variety. Albert Heijn warns that its microwave popcorn bag gets hot and contains steam, and should be opened carefully. Jumbo advises that, if preparation is interrupted, you shouldn’t restart the cooking process for its salted microwave variety.
Follow the storage advice on the packaging. For the ready-to-eat popcorn reviewed, Albert Heijn advises sealing the pack properly and storing the product in a cool, dark and dry place.
No. Always check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety. Jumbo Popcorn Zoet states that it may contain milk. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) explains that the 14 allergens designated by law must be listed in the ingredients information when present.
