Mindful label readers
You want to look beyond a claim about fat and check energy, sugar and how much you’ll actually eat. The European Commission explains how nutritional information is shown per 100 g.
Who this buying guide is for
Hosts who want to serve straight away
You’re looking for popcorn that’s ready to serve, and want to check what’s in it beforehand. Check the manufacturer’s product information for the exact variety.
Home poppers who want to control the additions
You want to decide how much oil and seasoning to add, and don’t mind preparing and tidying up. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes a method using loose popping corn, oil and seasoning.
What to look for when choosing
Start with what matters most to you: fat, energy and sugar, or convenience. The European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods. On its own, this claim doesn’t tell you how much sugar or energy a product contains.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fat and claims | Check the exact variety, the fat per 100 g and what any nutrition claim refers to. | If I mainly want to choose a lower-fat option, I compare the nutritional information for the exact variety and look beyond the claim alone. Around 36% of consumers make fat their top priority when shopping. |
| Energy, sugar and portion size | Compare products per 100 g first, then decide how much you’ll serve. | When planning portions for New Year’s Eve, I also want to consider energy and sugar. Around 29% of consumers prioritise energy and portion control. |
| Convenience | Check whether the popcorn is ready to eat, whether you’ll need any equipment and what the pack instructions say. | If I want to serve popcorn without popping it, I check what preparation is still needed. Around 21% of consumers put convenience at the top of their list. |
| Allergens | If you have a relevant allergy, read the ingredients and precautionary warnings on the current packaging. | When a guest has a known food allergy, I check the warnings for the exact variety. Around 14% of consumers prioritise allergen suitability. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming modest fat content means little sugar
Fat, sugar and energy are separate nutritional values. A lower fat figure doesn’t tell you how much sugar or energy the popcorn contains.
Read the full nutrition table and compare values on the same basis.
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Comparing unpopped corn with prepared popcorn
When you pop corn yourself, the nutritional values of the finished result depend in part on how you prepare it and which ingredients you add.
Don’t compare dry corn directly with ready-to-eat popcorn; take into account any oil and flavourings you use.
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Overlooking an allergen warning
An ingredients list that includes corn doesn’t rule out a precautionary warning about the possible presence of other allergens.
If you have a relevant allergy, also check the warnings on the packaging of the exact variety.
Brands to compare
Albert Heijn
Worth considering for loose organic popping corn and ready-to-eat sweet popcorn; preparation varies by product.
- AH Biologisch Popcorn mais lists corn as an ingredient and includes a separate allergen warning.
- According to Albert Heijn’s product information, AH Popcorn zoet contains 4 g of fat, 45 g of sugars and 419 kcal per 100 g.
- Check the ingredients, nutritional information and any claims for the exact variety; details for one product don’t automatically apply to the whole brand.
Jumbo
Worth considering for ready-to-eat sweet popcorn and salted microwave popcorn, which require different preparation.
- According to Jumbo, Popcorn Zoet 175 g contains 4.6 g of fat and 48.6 g of sugars per 100 g.
- The instructions for Jumbo Magnetron Popcorn Zout 3 x 90 g apply to this product only.
- The nutritional information and instructions for these varieties don’t necessarily apply to other Jumbo popcorn products.
Lidl
Snack Day Popcorn zoet is a relevant product to include in your comparison.
- Lidl’s Dutch product information lists Snack Day Popcorn zoet.
- Check the nutritional information and ingredients on the exact pack before choosing based on fat, sugar or portion size.
Aldi
SUN SNACKS Zoute popcorn is a relevant salted variety to include in your comparison.
- Aldi’s Dutch product information lists SUN SNACKS Zoute popcorn 100 g.
- A salty flavour doesn’t tell you how much fat the product contains; check the nutritional information for the exact variety.
Popcorn on Joybuy to compare
These products range from ready-to-eat popcorn to popping corn for you to prepare yourself. Compare the product variety and preparation method with what you’d like to serve on New Year’s Eve.
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SNACK MAZE Popcorn Cinema Butter 240 GR
Ideal if you’re looking for popcorn with a cinema-style butter flavour; the product name identifies the flavour.
Pack size: 240 g.
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g’woon Salted Popcorn 100g
Ideal if you want to serve salted popcorn; the product name identifies it as a salted variety.
Pack size: 100 g.
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Valle Del Sole Popcorn Maize (Butterfly) 900 g
Ideal if you want to pop loose corn yourself and choose what to add during preparation.
Pack size: 900 g. The pan-cooking method described uses vegetable oil; remember to include this addition when assessing the prepared popcorn.
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Yousmai Pengranxindong Popcorn (Caramel) 120g
Ideal if you want to serve sweet caramel popcorn straight away; if fat and sugar are important to your choice, compare the nutritional information on the exact pack.
Pack size: 120 g.
Frequently asked questions
When can popcorn be called ‘low fat’?
According to the European Commission, solid foods must contain no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g to carry a ‘low fat’ claim; the NVWA refers to European rules on nutrition claims. This limit applies to the ‘low fat’ claim. Check any other claim separately against the relevant rules.
How do I compare the nutritional information for different popcorn products?
First compare the values per 100 g, then consider the portion you’ll serve. The European Commission describes nutrition declarations per 100 g or 100 ml; portion sizes stated by manufacturers may vary.
How do I make popcorn with seasoning at home?
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes a recipe using 50 g of popping corn, 1 teaspoon of oil and seasoning. Use a pan with a thick base and a well-fitting lid. Remove the pan from the heat when the popping has mostly stopped.
Can I restart microwave popcorn after interrupting the cooking?
For Jumbo Magnetron Popcorn Zout 3 x 90 g, the instructions say not to restart the cooking after an interruption. Follow the instructions on the packaging of your exact product.
Is popcorn with only corn listed as an ingredient automatically suitable for someone with an allergy?
No. For example, AH Biologisch Popcorn mais states that it may contain gluten-containing cereals, soya and wheat. If you have a known allergy, check the ingredients and warnings on the current packaging.