Households preparing several portions from scratch
Popcorn kernels can be stored and prepared as needed. The key things to consider are whether you have suitable equipment and how much oil or seasoning you want to use for your portions.
Who are the different pack types suited to?
People who work out and have a microwave but little time to prepare food
A microwave bag is a convenient option for preparing popcorn at home, as long as you’re happy with the recipe. The contents and steam will be hot after heating.
Shoppers comparing nutritional information and ingredients
If you pay attention to sugar, salt or fat when planning snacks, check the specific variety. Products with similar descriptions can have different nutritional values and ingredients.
What should you consider when choosing?
Popcorn kernels give you more choice over how you prepare and season them, while a microwave bag cuts down on preparation time and ready-to-eat popcorn needs no equipment. The right pack also depends on how many portions you’ll actually use and the recipe you prefer.
| What matters to you | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Stocking up and portion sizes | Compare the pack size with the number of portions you want to prepare or take from it. | If I’m making popcorn more than once, I don’t want to open a separate bag for every snack. Around 42% of shoppers prioritise having a supply to hand when choosing. |
| Preparation time | Check what equipment you’ll need, the preparation instructions and how long to wait before safely opening a hot bag. | When there’s little time before a workout, I want to prepare a snack without spending too long on it. Around 33% of shoppers prioritise this convenience. |
| Recipe and nutritional information | Compare the sugar, fat and salt per 100 g, as well as the ingredients and recommended portion for the specific variety. | If I’m keeping an eye on sugar, salt or fat in my snacks, a description such as ‘sweet’ or ‘salty’ isn’t enough. The recipe is the top priority for around 25% of shoppers. |
The German Nutrition Society notes that the right amount of carbohydrate for sport depends, among other things, on your body weight and the duration of your activity. So the word ‘popcorn’ alone isn’t enough to determine a suitable pre-workout portion.
Which mistakes can you avoid?
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Assuming a large pack means lots of suitable portions
The pack weight alone won’t tell you how much popcorn you’ll want to eat at a time. With kernels you pop yourself, any extra ingredients you use will also affect the finished snack.
Check the actual pack contents and plan your portion based on how you prepare it.
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Using ‘sweet’ and ‘salty’ to compare nutritional values
According to the product information, REWE Beste Wahl sweet microwave popcorn contains 22 g of sugar per 100 g, while XOX sweet microwave popcorn contains 2.7 g. Chio lists 1.2 g of salt per 100 g for its salty microwave popcorn. These figures apply only to these varieties.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g, then take into account the portion you plan to eat.
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Relying only on information shown outside the pack
The information on the pack you actually receive is the one to rely on for ingredients, allergens and nutritional values.
Read the details on the pack before eating, especially if particular ingredients or allergens are relevant to you.
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Opening a hot microwave bag straight away
Hot steam can escape when you open the bag. Cooking times also depend on the product and the power of your microwave.
Follow the instructions on the bag and, once the recommended waiting time has passed, carefully open it away from your body.
Brands and product ranges to help you choose
Seeberger
Seeberger sells 500 g packs of popcorn kernels for you to prepare yourself, as well as 90 g bags of sweet microwave popcorn.
- The kernels can be prepared in a frying pan, saucepan or popcorn maker; you choose how to season them.
- The microwave bag requires a microwave and is a different type of pack from a supply of kernels.
REWE Beste Wahl
The sweet microwave popcorn variety featured here is sold in a 300 g pack.
- The product information includes instructions for different microwave power settings.
- For this variety, REWE lists 22 g of sugar and 13 g of fat per 100 g. Compare these figures with the portion you plan to eat.
XOX
The sweet microwave popcorn variety featured here comes in three bags, with a total weight of 300 g.
- This variety is listed as containing 2.7 g of sugar and 12 g of fat per 100 g.
- The ingredients list includes sucralose and palm oil, so check whether the recipe suits your preferences.
Chio
Chio offers, among other things, 100 g bags of microwave popcorn and 120 g bags of ready-to-eat popcorn.
- A bag of ready-to-eat popcorn needs no preparation.
- Single bags don’t offer the same stock-up convenience as a larger multipack, and nutritional values vary between varieties.
Popcorn products at Joybuy
This selection features popcorn kernels for you to prepare yourself. When choosing between packs to stock up on, consider the actual quantity supplied as well as the seasoning.
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Alnatura Organic Popping Corn Kernels, 500 g
For shoppers who want to prepare several portions of popcorn themselves and season them to taste.
500 g of popcorn kernels; the preparation method described uses a saucepan and oil. If you have relevant allergies, check the information on the pack you receive.
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Seeberger Popcorn Corn Kernels, 500 g according to the title
For shoppers who want to prepare popcorn kernels themselves and season them with sweet, salty or savoury flavours.
The product description gives instructions for preparing the kernels in a saucepan or popcorn maker. The title says 500 g, but the description refers to a bundle of ten 500 g packs. Check what’s included before ordering. Oil is also needed for the preparation method described.
Frequently asked questions
Is popcorn automatically a suitable snack before a workout?
No. The product category alone doesn’t tell you what portion to eat or when to eat it. The German Nutrition Society explains that the amount of carbohydrate needed for sport depends, among other things, on your body weight and the duration of your activity. Check the specific recipe and the portion you plan to have.
Does salty popcorn always contain less sugar than sweet popcorn?
No, that doesn’t apply to every variety. Chio lists 16 g of sugar per 100 g for its sweet microwave popcorn and 0.9 g of sugar and 1.2 g of salt per 100 g for its salty variety. Compare the nutritional information on the specific packs.
How should I open microwave popcorn after cooking?
Wait for the time stated on the pack, then carefully open the hot bag away from your body. The instructions for REWE Beste Wahl microwave popcorn recommend waiting briefly after popping and warn that the contents and steam will be hot. Always follow the instructions for your own product.