People who work out and prioritise protein
If the protein content of your snack is your priority, check the figures per portion. A different type of snack might be worth considering if the popcorn format matters less to you.
Which snack is right for you?
Crunch fans who plan their portions
If you’re mainly after something crunchy after your workout, compare the protein, energy, fat, sugar and salt in the amount you plan to eat.
People who make their own popcorn
If you want to choose how much sweetener, fat and seasoning to add, you can make popcorn from kernels. However, making it yourself doesn’t automatically make it higher in protein.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether protein content or the popcorn format matters more to you. Then compare the nutritional values for your planned portion and consider how much preparation is involved.
| Criteria | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Protein content | Compare the protein per 100 g and in the portion you actually plan to eat. | If I want to plan my protein intake after a workout, the amount in my portion matters more to me than the popcorn format. Protein would be the main criterion when choosing for around 50% of consumers. |
| Other nutritional values | Compare the energy, fat, sugar and salt per 100 g and in your planned portion. | When choosing a sweet or strongly seasoned snack, I want to know how its nutritional values fit with my portion. Around 33% of consumers would look at this nutritional profile first. |
| Preparation | Check which appliance you’ll need, and follow the instructions on the specific pack of microwave popcorn. | After a workout, I want to be able to decide whether a ready-to-make bag or homemade popcorn fits into my routine. Easy preparation would come first for around 17% of consumers. |
Common mistakes when comparing snacks
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Assuming popcorn is especially high in protein just because it’s made from corn
The variety matters: EDEKA lists 8.1 g of protein per 100 g for GUT&GÜNSTIG salted microwave popcorn. This doesn’t tell you how much protein is in your portion, or how other varieties of popcorn compare.
Check the protein figure on the specific pack and work out how much it provides in your planned portion.
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Focusing only on the taste of sweet popcorn
EDEKA lists 51.7 g of sugar and 2.6 g of protein per 100 g for Herzstücke Toffee-Sahne-Karamell-Popcorn. If you’re choosing a snack based on its protein content, bear this in mind when considering this variety.
For sweet and savoury varieties, compare the protein, sugar, fat and salt using the nutritional information for each product.
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Applying a fat comparison to popcorn
funny-frisch compares the fat content of its Protein Chips with regular potato crisps, not popcorn. You can’t use this to compare the fat content of these crisps with popcorn.
Compare the nutritional values of the two products you’re actually choosing between.
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Comparing the wrong pack variant
For GUT&GÜNSTIG microwave popcorn, EDEKA notes that product information may differ from the details on the packaging.
Check the nutritional information, ingredients and allergen advice for the specific variety and pack size.
Brands and retailers to consider
EDEKA / GUT&GÜNSTIG
GUT&GÜNSTIG salted microwave popcorn provides a useful example for comparing the nutritional values of ready-to-make popcorn.
- EDEKA lists 8.1 g of protein and 430 kcal per 100 g for this variety.
- The information on the pack may differ from the details online.
funny-frisch
Protein Chips are a crisps option to compare if the popcorn format isn’t essential.
- funny-frisch lists 21 g of protein per 100 g for its Protein Chips.
- These are crisps, not popcorn; the manufacturer’s fat comparison is with regular potato crisps.
REWE
Heimatgut Bio Mikrowellen-Popcorn salzig is another example of a ready-to-make option.
- REWE provides preparation instructions and information about any unpopped kernels for this product.
- Check the pack to see whether the protein content of this variety suits what you’re looking for.
Lidl
Lidl explains how to make popcorn from kernels in a microwave or air fryer.
- When making it yourself, you can choose which fats, sweeteners and seasonings to add.
- That doesn’t automatically make homemade popcorn higher in protein.
Crunchy snack alternatives at Joybuy
This selection includes flips, a bar and lentil crisps for anyone considering a snack other than popcorn after a workout. Compare the information on each pack before deciding.
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ahead Protein Flips Paprika, 6 × 50 g
An option if you fancy something crunchy after a workout but aren’t set on popcorn.
The pack contains six 50 g bags. Compare the protein and salt in the portion you plan to eat.
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Corny Protein Crunchy Vanilla & White Choc Flavour, 12 × 45 g
A bar instead of popcorn if you’d prefer a snack portion that’s individually wrapped.
The multipack contains twelve 45 g bars. If you have a wheat or gluten intolerance, check the ingredients and allergen advice on the specific pack before buying.
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Funny-Frisch Sour Cream & Onion Lentil Chips, 90 g
Lentil crisps are worth considering if you’re after a crunchy snack but don’t need popcorn.
The pack contains 90 g. Check the protein, energy, fat and salt on the specific pack before comparing it with popcorn.
Frequently asked questions about popcorn after a workout
Is regular popcorn automatically high in protein?
No, the protein content depends on the specific variety. EDEKA lists 8.1 g of protein per 100 g for GUT&GÜNSTIG salted microwave popcorn; also consider how much you actually plan to eat.
Do I have to eat a protein snack straight after working out?
There’s no general requirement to eat a particular snack straight after every workout. The German Nutrition Society considers protein intake in relation to sport alongside your overall daily diet, taking your training status and goals into account.
Which nutritional values should I compare when choosing popcorn?
Compare the energy, fat, sugar, protein and salt per 100 g and in your planned portion. For different varieties, check the ingredients and pack size too, so you’re comparing like with like.
Is microwave popcorn a quick option after a workout?
Yes, if you have a suitable microwave and follow the instructions on the specific pack. EDEKA gives a cooking time of 1.5 to 3 minutes for its GUT&GÜNSTIG microwave popcorn, depending on the microwave’s power. REWE notes that some kernels may remain unpopped in its Heimatgut Bio Mikrowellen-Popcorn.