Once children are old enough to eat popcorn, making it from plain kernels gives you the most control over how much fat, sugar and salt you add, but it takes more time to prepare. For pre-packaged popcorn, check the nutrition information per 100 g, along with the ingredients and allergen information, rather than relying on the words ‘lower fat’ alone. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against giving popcorn to children under four, as it can be a choking hazard.
If you don’t yet know the ages of all the guests, find out before choosing what to put in the party bags. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against popcorn for children under four because of the risk of choking.
If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, check the sugar and salt figures per 100 g too, as well as the ingredients list. That way, you can compare specific varieties rather than relying on the claims on the packet.
If you’re preparing a large number of portions, pack size and preparation time matter. With microwave popcorn, you’ll also need to allow time for it to cool before portioning it out.
First, check whether popcorn is suitable for every child in the group. Then compare the nutrition information and ingredients, and decide how much preparation time you can allow.
| Criterion | What to check when buying | Who should pay particular attention |
|---|---|---|
| Children’s ages | Check the ages of all the guests; choose a different suitable party-bag filler for children under four. | If I’m packing bags for a mixed-age group, I need to know whether popcorn is suitable for everyone. For around 39% of consumers, age is the first thing to consider. |
| Fat, sugar and salt | Compare all three figures per 100 g on the same basis, then read the ingredients. | I want to choose something lower in fat, but I don’t want to overlook sugar and salt. Around 38% of consumers put this nutrition comparison first. |
| Preparation and portions | Check the pack size, number of individual bags and preparation instructions; allow time for it to cool. | If I need to get lots of party bags ready on time, I want to know how easy the popcorn is to prepare and divide up. For around 23% of consumers, preparation is the main consideration. |
Sweet and salted microwave popcorn can also differ in their sugar and salt content. A lower fat figure alone doesn’t tell you everything about what’s in it.
Compare the fat, sugar and salt per 100 g for the varieties you’re actually considering buying.
A different recipe won’t remove the choking risk for young children. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against popcorn for children under four.
Check the children’s ages in advance and plan a different suitable party-bag filler for those under four.
The bag and escaping steam can be hot after cooking, as REWE points out for its REWE Beste Wahl microwave popcorn.
Follow the instructions on the packet you buy and leave the popcorn to cool before portioning it out.
When sharing food with children, the information on the packet you’ve actually bought is what matters. EDEKA notes that online product information may differ.
Before handing out the party bags, check the ingredients, allergens, nutrition information and preparation instructions on every variety you’re using.
REWE sells popcorn kernels, ready-to-eat popcorn and microwave popcorn. Nutrition information should be compared for each variety individually.
GUT&GÜNSTIG salted microwave popcorn is a packaged option that comes with several individual bags.
The popchips and Protein Chips considered here are seasoned savoury snacks, not popcorn.
Naturals Leicht fein gesalzen are crisps and are included here only to distinguish them from popcorn.
No, fat content alone isn’t enough to make your choice. REWE lists 13 g of fat and 22 g of sugar per 100 g for its REWE Beste Wahl sweet microwave popcorn; EDEKA lists 21 g of fat and 2.5 g of salt per 100 g for GUT&GÜNSTIG salted microwave popcorn. Compare the figures for the variety you’re buying.
No, you shouldn’t include popcorn for children under four. The American Academy of Pediatrics cites the choking risk and advises against it for children below this age. If you’re not sure how old the guests are, check before packing the party bags.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packet of every variety you buy. Under EU labelling rules, allergenic ingredients in pre-packed foods must be emphasised in the ingredients list; additional ‘may contain’ warnings can vary by product.
Wait until it has been cooked and has cooled down. Follow the appliance and opening instructions on the individual bag: REWE warns that its REWE Beste Wahl microwave popcorn bag, contents and steam may be hot.