Which option is right for you?

If you’re keeping a close eye on fat

Compare the fat per 100 g and take the time to prepare it if that means you can decide whether to add oil and how much to use.

If you want popcorn in a hurry

When it’s time for a film night, convenience matters. So, if you choose salted microwave popcorn, check the salt content as well as the fat.

If you prefer sweet popcorn

You want a ready-to-eat product, but compare fat and sugar together rather than choosing a variety based on its fat content alone.

What should you look for when buying?

Make your own popcorn

A good choice if: You want to decide whether to add oil and how to season it. EDEKA also describes a way to make it in an air fryer without adding fat.

Bear in mind: You’ll need suitable popcorn kernels and an appliance whose instructions allow this method.

Ready-made sweet popcorn

A good choice if: You want sweet popcorn with no preparation and are happy to compare the fat and sugar on the pack.

Bear in mind: EDEKA’s GUT&GÜNSTIG sweet popcorn contains 4,5 g of fat and 30 g of sugar per 100 g.

Salted microwave popcorn

A good choice if: Convenience matters more to you than controlling how much oil is added.

Bear in mind: EDEKA’s salted GUT&GÜNSTIG microwave popcorn contains palm oil, as well as 21 g of fat and 2,5 g of salt per 100 g.

What matters What to check Who it matters to
Fat and preparation Compare the fat per 100 g. If you’re making it yourself, also consider the oil you use and check your appliance’s instructions. I mainly want to control added fat myself and can prepare the popcorn at home. This is the main priority for around 50% of consumers.
Quick preparation For microwave popcorn, check the ingredients and the fat and salt per 100 g, not just the figures per serving. I want to know how much fat and salt are in my chosen bag, even when I’m short on time. This is the top priority for around 33% of consumers.
Sweet flavour For sweet popcorn, compare the fat and sugar per 100 g. I prefer ready-made sweet popcorn, but don’t want to judge its nutritional values by the fat content alone. This matters most to around 17% of consumers.

Common misconceptions

  • Assuming “less fat” means “low-fat”

    A relative claim compares a product with a reference. On its own, it doesn’t tell you how much fat the snack contains per 100 g. The Verbraucherzentrale says that solid foods can be described as “low-fat” if they contain no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g.

    Check the actual fat content in the nutritional information before deciding whether the popcorn is low-fat.

  • Assuming a small microwave bag means less fat

    Serving size alone doesn’t make the fat content of different products comparable. According to EDEKA, salted GUT&GÜNSTIG microwave popcorn contains 21 g of fat and 2,5 g of salt per 100 g.

    Compare fat and salt using the same reference amount, and check the ingredients for added oils.

  • Looking at fat alone in sweet popcorn

    EDEKA’s GUT&GÜNSTIG sweet popcorn contains 4,5 g of fat, but also 30 g of sugar per 100 g. A lower fat content than another variety doesn’t tell you how much sugar it contains.

    For sweet varieties, check both figures per 100 g and take into account how much you plan to eat.

Brands to help you compare

These examples can help you compare popcorn with similarly named snacks. A brand name alone won’t tell you the fat content of a specific product.

GUT&GÜNSTIG / EDEKA

EDEKA provides nutritional information for one sweet bagged popcorn and one salted microwave popcorn from its own brand.

  • The product information lets you compare fat and, depending on the variety, sugar or salt per 100 g.
  • For the two products described, EDEKA lists 4,5 g and 21 g of fat per 100 g respectively. The information on the individual pack is what matters when you shop.

Lidl

Lidl describes ways to make popcorn at home, including in a microwave or air fryer.

  • These tips are useful if you want to choose your own ingredients and seasoning.
  • A preparation idea doesn’t tell you anything about the nutritional values of the kernels or the finished popcorn.

Lorenz

Lorenz is an example of why a claim about reduced fat in another snack doesn’t apply to popcorn.

  • Lorenz lists 23 g of fat per 100 g for Naturals Leicht fein gesalzen.
  • Naturals are crisps, not popcorn. Their nutritional information doesn’t describe a popcorn variety.

funny-frisch

The product information relevant here relates to popchips and Protein Chips, not popcorn.

  • funny-frisch lists 14 g of fat per 100 g for popchips Red Paprika Style.
  • You can’t use the fat content of popchips to draw conclusions about a popcorn product.

Popcorn kernels at Joybuy

These popcorn kernels are intended for making your own popcorn. If you’re looking to limit fat, consider not only the information about the kernels but also any oil added during preparation.

Seeberger popcorn kernels, described as a 500 g variety

Seeberger popcorn kernels, 500 g

For anyone who wants to make their own popcorn and choose how to season it.

The product description states 500 g. Before buying, check the actual unit of sale, as the pack-size information varies.

The preparation method described uses oil. The amount affects the fat content of the finished popcorn.

The information about peanuts and tree nuts is contradictory. If allergens are a concern for you, check the current packaging before eating.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

What does “low-fat” mean when it comes to popcorn?

The Verbraucherzentrale says that solid foods described as “low-fat” can contain no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g. Check the fat content of the specific product; “less fat” compared with another snack means something different.

Does ready-made sweet popcorn contain less fat than microwave popcorn?

There’s no single answer that applies to every product. Of the GUT&GÜNSTIG varieties described by EDEKA, the sweet popcorn contains 4,5 g of fat per 100 g, while the salted microwave popcorn contains 21 g. For the sweet variety, you should also note the 30 g of sugar per 100 g listed on the pack.

Can I make popcorn without adding fat?

EDEKA describes a method using an air fryer without added fat. Use suitable popcorn kernels and first check whether your appliance’s instructions allow loose kernels to be cooked in it. Remember to account separately for any ingredients you add afterwards.

Why should I check the pack if the shop lists nutritional information?

The current pack is important when choosing a specific food. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and check the ingredients and allergens. EDEKA itself notes that information on product pages may differ from what’s on the packaging.