If you’re looking online for popcorn with a high protein content to enjoy after a workout, don’t focus on the protein figure in isolation. According to REWE’s figures, around 7.2% of the energy in REWE Beste Wahl Sweet Microwave Popcorn comes from protein, which is below the 20% threshold the Consumer Advice Centre gives for the claim ‘high protein’. For other varieties, compare the protein and energy figures for the same product. If protein intake is your priority, you could also consider a snack other than popcorn.
If protein is your priority in a post-workout snack, the nutritional information matters more than the word ‘protein’ on the pack. Before choosing popcorn for this purpose, check the protein and energy figures for the same quantity.
If you’re mainly after warm, sweet popcorn, compare the sugar per 100 g, pack size and preparation instructions when ordering online. This kind of snack doesn’t also have to be your source of protein.
If you prefer savoury popcorn and keep an eye on your sugar intake, check the salt content too. For microwave popcorn, it’s also important to follow the instructions on the pack for your appliance.
First decide whether you’re mainly looking for a protein-focused snack or popcorn that suits your taste. Then compare the nutritional information for the specific variety and, for microwave popcorn, check the preparation instructions and availability for your delivery address.
| Criteria | What to check when buying | Especially important if |
|---|---|---|
| Protein content | Compare protein in g and energy in kcal per 100 g for the same variety. The Consumer Advice Centre says that ‘high protein’ products must get at least 20% of their energy from protein. | If I want my post-workout snack to provide mainly protein, a figure in grams without reference to energy isn’t enough. Around 45% of consumers put this question first. |
| Ordering and preparation | Check availability for your delivery address, as well as the wattage and cooking times shown on the pack. | I want to order the popcorn with my groceries and then prepare it in my microwave. For around 33% of consumers, this practical consideration comes first. |
| Flavour, sugar and salt | Compare sugar and salt per 100 g for your preferred sweet or savoury variety. | I want to decide between sweet and savoury popcorn by looking at the nutritional information too. Around 22% of consumers put this comparison first. |
Several grams of protein per 100 g aren’t enough to justify the claim. REWE lists 7.5 g of protein and 417 kcal per 100 g for its sweet microwave popcorn. Based on these figures, around 7.2% of its energy comes from protein.
Compare protein and energy for the same quantity. The Consumer Advice Centre gives a minimum of 20% of energy from protein for the claim ‘high protein’.
REWE lists 22 g of sugar per 100 g for REWE Beste Wahl Sweet Microwave Popcorn, while EDEKA lists 16 g per 100 g for GUT&GÜNSTIG Sweet Microwave Popcorn. The protein figure alone doesn’t tell you enough about these recipes.
Compare sugar and protein per 100 g, then decide which matters most to you when buying.
According to REWE, Chio Savoury Microwave Popcorn contains 0.8 g of sugar, but also 1.5 g of salt per 100 g. A lower sugar content doesn’t tell you how much salt it contains.
Check both the sugar and salt per 100 g on the pack you choose.
What’s available may depend on your location: REWE asks you to select a location for its online shop, while EDEKA notes that products may vary between stores.
Before deciding, enter your delivery address or select your store, then check whether the specific item is available.
These examples refer to specific microwave popcorn varieties, not each brand’s full range. When buying online, check the product information for the pack you’re actually choosing.
REWE lists its sweet microwave popcorn in a 300 g pack.
EDEKA sells sweet microwave popcorn in three 100 g bags.
The savoury microwave popcorn variety featured here is listed by REWE.
This selection from Joybuy features bars for people who would rather have a protein-focused snack than popcorn. Both products are in a different snack category, so compare the nutritional information on each pack before deciding.
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A bar to consider if you’d rather choose a protein-focused snack than popcorn.
Banana flavour; pack size: 35 g.
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A bar to consider if you’re choosing a protein-focused snack instead of popcorn. Check the nutritional information for the variety you choose.
Chocolate Brownie flavour; pack size: 50 g.
No. According to REWE’s nutritional information, around 7.2% of the energy in REWE Beste Wahl Sweet Microwave Popcorn comes from protein. The Consumer Advice Centre gives a minimum of 20% for the claim ‘high protein’. For other products, compare the protein and energy figures for each variety separately.
According to REWE, Chio Savoury Microwave Popcorn contains 0.8 g of sugar per 100 g. For the sweet varieties featured, REWE lists 22 g and EDEKA 16 g per 100 g. Bear in mind that the Chio product also contains 1.5 g of salt per 100 g.
Follow the wattage and cooking time instructions on the pack, taking your appliance into account. For its sweet microwave popcorn, REWE gives a cooking time of around two to four minutes, depending on the power level, and warns that the bag will be hot and steam may escape when you open it.
You don’t always need an extra protein product. The German Nutrition Society says that getting enough protein is important for people who exercise, while the Consumer Advice Centre also points out that protein intake in Germany is generally good. So when choosing a snack, don’t focus only on protein claims; think about what else you eat overall.