If you want to control how much oil, sugar and salt goes into your popcorn for an Oktoberfest evening, popcorn kernels you pop yourself are a good choice. The calorie content of the finished portion will depend on what you add and how much you serve. Microwave popcorn is easier to prepare, but its ingredients are already set. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and think about how much you’re likely to eat.
You want to make your own popcorn for Oktoberfest and decide how much oil, sugar or salt to add. Popcorn kernels leave you in control, but remember that any extras count towards the finished portion.
You’d rather pop a ready-filled bag than choose the kernels and seasoning yourself. In return, you’re happy to accept that the ingredients in your chosen microwave popcorn are already set.
You compare the nutritional information and ingredients in different varieties, or check the allergen labelling on the specific pack for your guests.
First decide whether you want to control the ingredients yourself or use a ready-made microwave bag. Then compare the nutritional information on the same basis and plan how much you’ll serve for the evening.
| Criteria | What to check | Who should consider it? |
|---|---|---|
| Calories and fat | Compare calories and fat per 100 g. For popcorn you make yourself, remember to include the oil and the actual portion size too. | If I control the extras, I can decide how much to put in my snack bowl too. For around 42% of consumers, having control over ingredients and portions comes first. |
| Salt, sugar and ingredients | Check the nutritional information for salt and sugar, as well as the ingredients list and allergen labelling on the specific pack. | When serving guests, I want to know what’s in the variety I’ve chosen instead of relying on labels such as ‘sweet’ or ‘salty’. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this information. |
| Preparation time and effort | Check whether you plan to use a saucepan, a suitable appliance or a microwave, and follow the relevant preparation instructions. | Before the party, I want to make a snack with as little preparation as possible, so I’m happy to go with a fixed recipe. For around 25% of consumers, ease of preparation comes first. |
Popcorn products may already contain oil. For its salted GUT&GÜNSTIG microwave popcorn, EDEKA lists 430 kcal and 21 g of fat per 100 g.
Check the calories, fat and ingredients for the specific variety. With popcorn kernels, you can control what you add, but remember to include those extras in the finished portion.
EDEKA’s air fryer popcorn recipe lists 134 kcal per portion for a recipe made with 120 g of popcorn kernels and two teaspoons of oil, divided into four portions. By contrast, the nutritional information for EDEKA microwave popcorn is per 100 g, so the finished snacks can’t be compared directly.
Before comparing, make sure the figures are based on the same quantity, and take into account how much you’ll actually eat.
A label such as ‘salty’ or ‘sweet’ is no substitute for checking the pack. EDEKA lists 2.5 g of salt per 100 g for its salted GUT&GÜNSTIG microwave popcorn.
For every variety, compare the salt and sugar information and read the ingredients list. If you make popcorn yourself, you decide how to season it.
The recipe and labelling apply to the specific product. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity explains that the 14 most common causes of allergies and intolerances must be labelled.
Before serving, read the ingredients list and allergen information on the specific pack, especially if any of your guests need to avoid particular ingredients.
EDEKA describes its salted GUT&GÜNSTIG microwave popcorn as a pack containing three 100 g bags.
XOX describes its popcorn kernels, sold in a 500 g pack, as a base for popcorn you can make and season yourself.
Lidl Germany’s preparation guide offers tips for making popcorn at home, including in a microwave or air fryer.
These popcorn kernel products are suited to making your own popcorn for an Oktoberfest evening, so you can choose the seasoning and extras. For a calorie-conscious choice, compare the details on the specific pack and remember to include the oil and any other ingredients in the finished portion.
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For making popcorn yourself, with the freedom to choose how much oil and seasoning to use.
The product name specifies a 500 g pack. The nutritional values of the finished portion depend on how many kernels you use and what else you add.
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For anyone who wants to make their own popcorn and season it to taste.
Before buying, check the pack size and nutritional information for the variety you’ve selected. Remember that any extras added during preparation count towards the finished portion too.
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For making popcorn yourself and choosing how to season it.
The product name specifies 500 g; check the pack size for the variety you choose. If you’re buying for guests, check the allergen labelling on the specific pack. Oil and any other extras affect the nutritional values of the finished portion.
No. It depends on the specific product, how it’s prepared and how much you eat. EDEKA lists 430 kcal per 100 g for its salted GUT&GÜNSTIG microwave popcorn; if you make it yourself, remember to include the oil and any other extras in your portion.
Compare calories, fat, sugar and salt per 100 g, and read the ingredients list. If you want to use a figure for a portion, check what quantity it applies to as well. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity explains the relevant labelling requirements for packaged food in Germany.
Yes. If particular ingredients matter to you or your guests, the labelling on the specific pack is key. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity explains that the 14 most common causes of allergies and intolerances must be labelled.
Use popcorn kernels, also known as popping corn. Lidl Germany explains in its preparation guide that ordinary corn kernels aren’t suitable for making popcorn.
Check the salt content per 100 g and how much you plan to eat. EDEKA lists 2.5 g of salt per 100 g for its salted GUT&GÜNSTIG microwave popcorn; check the information on the pack for other varieties.