Who is this selection for?

Shoppers with specific protein criteria

What matters to you is whether the nutritional information for a particular snack supports the classification you’re looking for. Compare protein and energy using the same serving basis, rather than relying on the product name alone.

Father’s Day gift buyers looking for popcorn

If the gift is mainly for sharing, the flavour, pack size and whether the popcorn is ready to eat may matter more than a protein claim.

Active shoppers

You’d like to choose your snack with its protein content in mind, too. The German Nutrition Society does not make a separate protein recommendation for adult recreational athletes solely on the basis of their sporting activity.

Which criteria matter when buying?

First decide whether popcorn itself is a must-have, or whether protein content takes priority. For a Father’s Day gift, you can then consider flavour, ingredients and preparation.

Criterion What to check when buying Who it matters to
Protein content Divide the protein in g per 100 g × 4 kcal by the total calories per 100 g. Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, published on EUR-Lex, sets a minimum of 20% of energy from protein for the “high protein” claim in the version dated 13 December 2014. If I want a snack to fit into my diet plan, I want to be able to check its protein classification against the nutritional information. For around 50% of shoppers, this evidence comes first.
Popcorn to share Check the flavour, pack size, and sugar and allergen information for the variety you choose. For a Father’s Day get-together, I mainly want to choose popcorn that tastes good and is easy to share. Around 30% of shoppers put this occasion first.
Ingredients and preparation For microwave popcorn, check the pack instructions and the equipment required. For alternatives, pay particular attention to ingredients, allergens and salt information. Before giving a snack as a gift, I want to know whether it’s ready to eat and whether there are any ingredients to be aware of. For around 20% of shoppers, this practical check is a priority.

What shouldn’t you rely on alone?

  • Assuming “protein” in the name means high protein content

    The number of grams alone doesn’t show what proportion of the total energy comes from protein. For example, based on the figures published by funny-frisch for Protein Chips Barbecue Style, 21 g of protein and 443 kcal per 100 g work out to around 19%.

    Compare the protein and energy values using the same serving basis if protein content is a deciding factor for you.

  • Judging sweet popcorn by the occasion rather than the pack

    EDEKA lists 30 g of sugar per 100 g for its sweet popcorn and 51.7 g per 100 g for its cream caramel variety. So, choosing a flavour you like doesn’t tell you everything about its other nutritional values.

    For sweet varieties, compare the sugar content with the portion you plan to eat. Don’t assume popcorn is a sports snack simply because it’s for Father’s Day.

  • Leaving allergen and preparation checks until you give the gift

    According to the product information, EDEKA’s cream caramel popcorn contains milk; funny-frisch Protein Chips may contain milk. Microwave popcorn must also be prepared according to the instructions on the relevant pack.

    Read the ingredients and allergen information before buying. If you’re choosing microwave popcorn, check that a suitable appliance is available.

Brands to help you choose

EDEKA / GUT&GÜNSTIG

EDEKA’s product information covers sweet, cream caramel and salted microwave popcorn. These varieties can help you choose by flavour and preparation method, but they shouldn’t be taken as a blanket indication of protein content.

  • Product-specific nutritional information is available for the varieties listed.
  • Based on the stated protein and energy values, all three varieties work out at less than 20% of energy from protein. The information on the specific pack is what matters when you buy.

Heimatgut bei REWE

REWE lists Heimatgut popcorn in sweet and savoury varieties, among others. If you’re buying popcorn as a gift, you can choose a variety to suit the recipient’s taste.

  • The listed varieties offer a choice of flavours.
  • If you’re choosing based on protein content, check the nutritional information for the specific variety.

funny-frisch

Protein Chips Barbecue Style are a savoury alternative if popcorn isn’t essential for your gift.

  • The manufacturer states that they contain 21 g of protein per 100 g.
  • These crisps aren’t popcorn. funny-frisch states that they contain 1.9 g of salt per 100 g and may contain milk.

Lorenz

Lorenz’s German product range includes several snack lines, including Crunchips and Saltletts. If you’re specifically looking for high-protein popcorn, the exact product name is key.

  • The product range helps you distinguish between the snack lines listed.
  • The brand range alone doesn’t show whether a product qualifies as high-protein popcorn. You’d need the nutritional information for a specific popcorn product.

Joybuy products: snacks instead of popcorn

These products could make handy portioned snack alternatives for Father’s Day if popcorn doesn’t have to be on the table. If protein content or specific ingredients will influence your choice, check the nutritional and ingredients information on the relevant pack.

ahead Protein Flips Paprika, Tray 6x50g

ahead Protein Flips Paprika, Tray 6x50g

These paprika flips are an option if you’re after a savoury snack instead of popcorn. The product name states that the tray contains six 50 g packs; check the nutritional and salt information before buying.

View at Joybuy
Corny Corn-Nut-Protein Chocolate with Corn, 3x35g

Corny Corn-Nut-Protein Chocolate with Corn, 3x35g

If a chocolatey alternative to popcorn sounds good, you can assess this product using its nutritional and ingredients information. The product name states that it contains three 35 g portions; pay particular attention to the allergen information on the pack.

View at Joybuy
Frankonia Chocolat Power Motion No Sugar Added White Crisp Chocolate, 90g

Frankonia Chocolat Power Motion No Sugar Added White Crisp Chocolate, 90g

This white crisp chocolate could be a sweet gift if you’re looking for something other than popcorn. The product name states that it weighs 90 g; compare the nutritional information to help you choose, and read the ingredients and allergen information.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if popcorn is high in protein?

What matters is the proportion of energy from protein, not just the number of grams shown on the front of the pack. Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, published on EUR-Lex, sets a minimum of 20% for the “high protein” claim in the version dated 13 December 2014. With figures per 100 g, you can divide protein in g × 4 kcal by the total calories.

Does the EDEKA popcorn mentioned meet this protein threshold?

Based on the nutritional information provided, none of the three varieties described by EDEKA reaches 20% of energy from protein. For example, the salted microwave popcorn contains 8.1 g of protein and 430 kcal per 100 g, which works out at around 7.5%. This assessment applies to these specific varieties, not to all popcorn.

Does an active dad need a protein snack?

A protein snack isn’t necessary just because someone regularly takes part in recreational sport. The German Nutrition Society doesn’t make a separate protein recommendation for adult recreational athletes, so the flavour and the recipient’s preferences can also guide your choice of Father’s Day gift.

What should I bear in mind when serving microwave popcorn at a Father’s Day get-together?

Follow the pack instructions, taking the power of the appliance you’re using into account. For its salted microwave popcorn, for example, EDEKA recommends 2.5–3 minutes at 650 watts, 2–3 minutes at 800 watts and 1.5–2.5 minutes at 1,000 watts. Don’t apply these timings to other products.