Stocking up with fat in mind
If you’re shopping for several people and want to control how much fat you add, loose popcorn kernels are a good option. How you prepare them matters too.
Which type of popcorn is right for you?
Families who need a snack straight away
Ready-popped popcorn can be shared without any cooking equipment. For sweet varieties, check that the fat and sugar per 100 g suit how much you plan to eat.
Households with a microwave
Microwave popcorn bags are an option if you have a suitable microwave and want to make popcorn in portions. Check the wattage, instructions on the pack and the risk of hot steam when opening the bag before you buy.
What should you look for when shopping?
If you’re buying popcorn for several people, start by checking the nutritional information per 100 g, then compare pack size and preparation method. Think about which of these needs matters most to you.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content | Compare the fat per 100 g and, if you’re buying loose kernels, take into account how much oil or butter you plan to add. The Verbraucherzentrale sets a limit of 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low-fat’ claim on solid foods. | If I want to control how much fat I add, I need a starting figure for the dry kernels and must also consider how I prepare them. Fat content is likely to be the main reason for buying for around 42% of consumers. |
| Enough to share | Compare the net weight and preparation method: REWE lists the Yörem popcorn kernel varieties mentioned in 1 kg packs and Müller’s Mühle in a 500 g pack. | If I want to share popcorn on more than one occasion, I need to know how much is in the pack and whether I can prepare just some of it at a time. Pack size is the main consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Convenience | For ready-popped popcorn, check the fat and sugar per 100 g. For microwave bags, also check the appliance requirements and opening instructions. | If there’s no time to prepare a snack, I want to be able to share popcorn straight away or make it in the bag, and I’m willing to accept different nutritional values. Convenience is likely to be the main consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes when buying popcorn
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Assuming all popcorn is low in fat
The type of product and its recipe make a difference: REWE lists dry Yörem popcorn kernels as containing 0.7 g of fat per 100 g, compared with 23.8 g per 100 g for ready-popped Tise popcorn.
Compare the fat per 100 g on the pack rather than relying on the product name alone.
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Assuming the nutritional values for dry kernels also apply to ready-made popcorn
The figures for loose kernels don’t automatically describe a portion once it’s been prepared. Müller’s Mühle lists hot oil as one way to prepare its kernels.
Take oil, butter and toppings into account when assessing the nutritional values of the popcorn you eat.
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Checking only the fat in sweet popcorn
REWE lists Gunz Snackline Popcorn Sweet as containing 30 g of sugar per 100 g, and Stenger Poporn Goals Süß as containing 27 g per 100 g.
Check the fat and sugar content together, and make sure the pack size suits the occasion.
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Confusing microwave popcorn bags with ready-to-eat popcorn
Microwave popcorn needs to be prepared in a suitable appliance. Hot steam may escape when you open the bag.
Follow the wattage and timing instructions on the specific pack. Open the heated bag carefully, pointing it away from your body.
Brands and product ranges to help you choose
Yörem
Popcorn kernels in a 1 kg pack for households that want to prepare popcorn their own way.
- According to REWE, the variety mentioned contains popcorn kernels as its ingredient and 0.7 g of fat per 100 g.
- This fat content applies to dry kernels, not necessarily to prepared popcorn.
Müller’s Mühle
Popcorn kernels in a 500 g pack for you to prepare at home.
- For the variety mentioned, REWE lists 3.3 g of fat, 10 g of fibre and 10 g of protein per 100 g.
- The preparation instructions suggest using a popcorn maker or hot oil; using oil will change the nutritional values.
Gunz Snackline
Ready-popped sweet popcorn in the 300 g pack mentioned.
- You can share the popcorn without preparing it.
- REWE lists this variety as containing 3.7 g of fat and 30 g of sugar per 100 g.
Stenger
Ready-popped sweet popcorn in the 250 g pack mentioned.
- No preparation is needed before sharing.
- REWE lists this variety as containing 5.7 g of fat and 27 g of sugar per 100 g.
REWE Beste Wahl
Sweet microwave popcorn in the 300 g pack mentioned.
- The bags can be prepared in a suitable microwave.
- REWE lists 13 g of fat and 22 g of sugar per 100 g. Hot steam may escape when you open the heated bag.
Popcorn on Joybuy
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Frequently asked questions about popcorn for larger households
How can I tell if popcorn is labelled ‘low-fat’?
The Verbraucherzentrale sets a limit of 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low-fat’ claim on solid foods. REWE lists dry Yörem popcorn kernels as containing 0.7 g of fat per 100 g; if you make popcorn yourself, remember to account separately for any oil or butter you add.
When comparing large packs, should I check the portion or the figures per 100 g?
Start by comparing the nutritional information per 100 g so that different pack sizes don’t skew the fat and sugar figures. The Lebensmittelverband Deutschland explains that figures per 100 g are intended to help you compare products; you can then take your planned portion size into account.
What should I bear in mind with microwave popcorn?
Follow the wattage and timing instructions on the specific bag. According to REWE, the bag and its contents may be hot when you open prepared microwave popcorn, and hot steam may escape.
What should households with allergies check before buying?
Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the specific popcorn pack. The Lebensmittelverband Deutschland explains that allergenic ingredients must be clearly identified in the ingredients list, so don’t rely on information for a different variety.