If you want to choose how much oil, sugar and salt to add, loose popcorn kernels give you that flexibility. For a break-time snack that needs no preparation, ready-to-eat popcorn is more convenient, as long as you measure out a portion beforehand. Compare nutritional values on a like-for-like basis: the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods. And less total fat does not automatically mean less saturated fat.
If you make your own popcorn for a night shift, you can choose what to add. Albert Heijn and Jumbo list nutritional values for loose kernels as sold; your prepared recipe may differ, for example if you add oil.
If you want something ready to eat during your break, you can prepare a portion in advance. Albert Heijn recommends getting snacks ready before a night shift and dividing them into portions.
If you have access to a microwave at work, check saturated fat as well as total fat. Jumbo lists 5.1 g of saturated fat per 100 g for its microwave popcorn and 2.1 g for its ready-to-eat salted popcorn. Also check that the nutritional values refer to the same product state.
Compare nutritional values per 100 g and check the basis shown on the packaging, such as as sold or after preparation. The European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Total fat and the ‘low fat’ claim | Check the fat per 100 g and compare products in the same state. Also check saturated fat separately. | I want less total fat and don’t want to rely on the product name alone. Around 36% of consumers prioritise reducing total fat. |
| Portion size and energy | Weigh the portion you take with you and check the nutritional values for that amount. A portion size shown on the packaging is not personal dietary advice. | I want to choose a measured portion in advance and keep track of its energy content. Around 29% of consumers focus mainly on portion size and energy. |
| Preparation during your break | Check whether it’s loose kernels, ready-to-eat popcorn or microwave popcorn. Read the preparation instructions and storage advice, and check what equipment you’ll need. | I want to know whether I’ll need to pop the corn during my break or can eat it straight away. Around 21% of consumers prioritise preparation and convenience during breaks. |
| Sugar and salt | Check sugar and salt separately from fat, both per 100 g and for your own portion. If you’re using loose kernels, remember to account for anything you add yourself. | I mainly want to keep an eye on sugar or salt rather than choosing based on fat alone. Around 14% of consumers prioritise sugar or salt. |
Having less fat than another variety does not automatically mean a product meets the ‘low fat’ claim. The European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for solid foods.
Check the nutrition table per 100 g before relying on a claim. A smaller portion does not change the limit per 100 g.
Total fat and saturated fat are listed separately. Jumbo lists 12.4 g of total fat and 5.1 g of saturated fat per 100 g for its microwave popcorn; its ready-to-eat salted popcorn contains 23.9 g and 2.1 g per 100 g respectively. Check that the values refer to the same product state before comparing them.
Check both fat values and see whether the packaging gives nutritional information for the product as sold or after preparation.
Nutritional values for dry kernels do not automatically reflect the popcorn you end up eating. The preparation instructions for AH Biologisch Popcorn mais call for 2 tablespoons of oil.
When choosing, take the ingredients and quantities in your own recipe into account. Prepare your snack in advance if that suits your shift better.
The options reviewed include loose organic popcorn kernels and ready-to-eat salted popcorn.
The product types reviewed are loose kernels, ready-to-eat salted popcorn and microwave popcorn.
Lidl Netherlands’ Snack Day range description includes both salted and sweet popcorn.
ALDI Netherlands lists SUN SNACKS Zoute popcorn in a 100 g pack.
For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low fat’ claim. A small portion does not change the limit per 100 g.
Only if you’re comparing the same nutritional basis. According to European Union guidance, values may refer to the product as sold or after preparation. If you’re making your own recipe, remember to include oil and any other additions.
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 1.6 g of fat per 40 g bowl for the generic category of popcorn popped without oil or salt. This is not a product specification for any particular brand.
Think of popcorn as a snack, not as a proven replacement for a balanced meal. VGZ recommends eating a meal before your shift and suggests options for the night such as yoghurt or quark, unsalted nuts and raw vegetables; it does not recommend any particular popcorn product.
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging for the exact variety. AH Biologisch Popcorn mais lists the possible presence of gluten-containing cereals, soya and wheat; Jumbo Popcorn Zout lists the possible presence of milk. Don’t assume this information applies to other products.
