Budget-conscious shoppers stocking up
You want to buy popcorn for several occasions and compare the quantity, product type and preparation requirements before deciding whether a pack offers good value.
Who are these options for?
People who want a snack on the go with no morning prep
You want something to enjoy with your coffee without having to pop it first. Ready-to-eat popcorn fits the bill; if you buy a larger bag, you can measure out what you need rather than taking the whole bag with you.
Home poppers who want to control the portions
You’re happy to prepare popcorn at home and want to choose the quantity or toppings yourself. Loose kernels give you that option; microwave popcorn comes with its own preparation instructions and a pre-set mix of ingredients.
What should you look for when buying?
These percentages reflect consumers who want to stock up on popcorn for home and regularly take something to enjoy with their coffee on the commute.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Value per usable quantity | Compare the price per kilo within the same product type and flavour. If you’re popping it yourself, include the cost of the kernels and toppings. | When I stock up, I want to know what I’ll actually use and what’s involved in preparing it. Around 36% of consumers put the cost of stocking up first. |
| Taking it with you without preparation | Check whether the popcorn is ready to eat and whether you’re buying a large bag or individual bags. | If I don’t have time to pop it before heading out, I want to be able to grab a suitable amount easily at home. Around 29% of consumers prioritise being able to take it with them straight away. |
| Preparation that suits your routine | Check whether you’ll need a pan or microwave, and follow the instructions for the exact product variant. | When I want to pop popcorn at home, I look for a preparation method that fits my kitchen routine. Around 21% of consumers prioritise a preparation method that suits them at home. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Compare the nutritional values per 100 g and read the ingredients and allergen warnings on the packaging. | If ingredients or allergens affect my choice, I want to check the information for that exact product variant. Around 14% of consumers put checking ingredients first. |
Common buying mistakes
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Comparing the price per kilo of unpopped kernels with ready-to-eat popcorn
Dried kernels need to be prepared, so they’re not directly comparable with popcorn that’s ready to eat.
First, compare products in the same form and flavour. Then, if you’re popping it yourself, calculate the cost of the kernels and toppings, and bear in mind how much you’ll actually use.
Popping it yourself takes preparation and may also mean you need separate packaging for taking it on the go.
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Mistaking a microwave multipack for individual snack bags
Multiple inner packs may be intended for popping and aren’t necessarily ready to take with you.
Check whether the packaging is for preparation or for eating straight away, and follow the instructions for the product variant you choose.
You’ll still need to prepare the popcorn at home and may then need to pack it yourself for taking on the go.
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Choosing by packaging alone and overlooking the ingredients
Popcorn varieties can differ in their sugar and salt content, as well as their allergen warnings. The fact that it’s popcorn doesn’t in itself tell you whether a particular variety suits your needs.
Read the nutritional values and ingredients on the exact pack; don’t assume product information for one variety applies to another.
Relevant brands to consider
Albert Heijn
The range reviewed includes microwave popcorn and loose popcorn kernels for preparing at home.
- Albert Heijn lists 500 g for AH Organic Popcorn Kernels and 270 g for AH Microwave Popcorn Salt. Preparation instructions are provided for the microwave variety.
- Preparation methods and allergen information vary by product. AH Organic Popcorn Kernels may contain cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat.
Jumbo
The own-brand range reviewed includes ready-to-eat sweet and salted popcorn, as well as microwave packs.
- Jumbo lists microwave popcorn in packs of 3 x 90 g. The product description for Jumbo Sweet Popcorn 175 g says it’s ready to eat.
- For Jumbo Sweet Popcorn 175 g, Jumbo lists 48,6 g of sugar per 100 g and states that the product may contain milk; this applies to that variety.
Lidl
Lidl lists sweet and salted popcorn under its Snack Day snack brand.
- Lidl’s Dutch product page lists Snack Day Sea Salt Popcorn in a 200 g pack.
- The product page states that it’s sold in-store. Pack size alone doesn’t tell you whether a product offers better value.
ALDI
ALDI lists salted popcorn from Sun Snacks in its Dutch range.
- The Dutch product information lists a 100 g pack.
- The contents of a single pack don’t, by themselves, show that it’s a value pack or multipack.
Popcorn at Joybuy
This selection features microwave popcorn in a multipack for enjoying on several occasions.
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Pop Corn, 3 x 100g
Ideal if you have a microwave at home and want to keep popcorn for several occasions.
Three 100 g packs, designed for microwave preparation. Follow the instructions on the packaging and open the hot pack carefully.
Frequently asked questions
How can you compare the cost of different popcorn packs fairly?
Start with the price per kilo and the net weight of products in the same form and flavour. If you’re popping kernels yourself, include the cost of toppings too, and don’t compare unpopped kernels as if they were the same product as ready-to-eat popcorn.
How do you prepare AH Microwave Popcorn Salt?
Follow AH’s instructions for this variety: 2–3 minutes at 800 Watt or 3–4 minutes at 600 Watt. Stay by the microwave and open the pack carefully, as it will be hot and steamy.
How should you store popcorn for later?
Follow the storage and use-by instructions on the packaging for the variety you’ve chosen. Jumbo says to store Jumbo Sweet Popcorn in a cool, dry place; according to its product information, AH Microwave Popcorn Salt should also be kept out of direct sunlight.
Is popcorn maize automatically suitable for someone with a food allergy?
No. AH Organic Popcorn Kernels may contain cereals containing gluten, soya and wheat; Jumbo Sweet Popcorn may contain milk. If you have an allergy, check the information on the exact pack, as the product category alone doesn’t tell you whether it’s suitable.