When choosing popcorn for a protein-focused lunch, don’t rely solely on words such as ‘protein’ or ‘high protein’ on the packaging. Compare the nutritional information for the exact variant on a like-for-like basis, then calculate the amount for the portion you’re taking with you. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also lists foods such as eggs, dairy, tofu and pulses as sources of protein.
You want to know how much protein your lunch actually provides, rather than treating a sporty product name as proof. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that protein needs may be higher for strength or endurance training, but most sportspeople don’t need specialist protein products if they eat a healthy, varied diet.
You’re looking for popcorn you can take with you without having to pop it where you’re having lunch. Ready-to-eat salted popcorn is available; check the nutritional information for the exact variant before choosing it as a protein-focused option.
You can prepare your lunch in advance and want to pop your own corn or make microwave popcorn. In that case, the preparation method and its instructions are important considerations.
First compare the nutritional contribution of the portion you’ll actually take with you, then choose a preparation method that suits where you’ll be having lunch.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Protein content | Compare the protein per 100 g shown on the packaging and calculate the amount for your planned portion. Check whether the information applies to the product as sold or as prepared. | If I want to know how my lunch contributes to my protein intake for sport and recovery, I check the exact portion and product information. Around 36% of consumers prioritise protein content. |
| Ready to eat | Check whether the popcorn is ready to eat or needs preparing, and whether that preparation step is practical where you’ll be having lunch. | If I don’t have the space or opportunity to pop popcorn while I’m out, I look for a variant I can take with me and eat straight away. Around 29% of consumers prioritise convenience. |
| Portion and ingredients | Check the portion weight and compare nutritional values on the same basis, for example per 100 g. Also consider the other parts of your lunch. | If I want to tailor the amount and overall make-up of my lunch snack, I need information about both the variant and my portion. Around 21% of consumers prioritise portion size and ingredients. |
| Preparation and storage | Read the preparation and storage instructions, and think about how you’ll divide the pack between eating occasions. | If I want to plan my lunch in advance and enjoy the popcorn over several eating occasions, I check the preparation method and storage instructions. Around 14% of consumers start by considering preparation and portioning. |
A claim on the front of the pack is no substitute for checking the nutritional information and the conditions that apply to a protein claim. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) monitors nutrition claims.
Check the information for the exact variant and base your choice on the amount of protein in the portion you’ll actually take with you.
Nutritional information may refer to the product as sold or as prepared. This means dried corn and prepared popcorn aren’t directly comparable without checking first.
Compare values on the same basis and take the portion size and any added ingredients into account.
Microwave popcorn needs to be prepared. Jumbo says that you shouldn’t restart the cooking process after an interruption for Jumbo Microwave Popcorn Salt 3 x 90 g.
Choose a preparation method based on what you can actually do before or during lunch.
This preparation method requires planning and access to a suitable microwave.
The own-brand variants reviewed include sweet and salted popcorn for lunchtime.
The product formats reviewed include salted popcorn, microwave popcorn and dried popcorn kernels.
Lidl lists both salted and sweet popcorn under its Snack Day range.
Sun Snacks Salted Popcorn 100 g is an identified product variant.
Not necessarily. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, most sportspeople don’t need specialist protein shakes or bars if they eat a healthy, varied diet. Consider your overall diet before adding a specialist product.
Multiply the protein content per 100 g by the weight of your portion in grams, then divide by 100. Use the nutritional information for the exact variant and check whether it applies to the product as sold or as prepared.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists foods such as eggs, semi-skimmed and skimmed milk, reduced-fat cheese, wholegrain products, pulses, tofu and unsalted nuts as sources of protein in the Wheel of Five. Choose a combination that suits your preferences and follow the storage instructions for the products you select.
Jumbo says that you shouldn’t restart the cooking process after an interruption for Jumbo Microwave Popcorn Salt 3 x 90 g. For other variants, follow the instructions on their own packaging.
No. Nutrition claims are subject to European rules and must meet the relevant conditions. The NVWA monitors nutrition claims, so check the claim and nutritional information for the specific popcorn variant rather than relying only on the wording on the front of the pack.
