Who is this comparison for?

Anyone comparing kcal

You want to compare popcorn by its kcal per 100 g, without mistaking a lower figure in this selection for a “low energy” claim.

Commuters with no time to prepare it

You need popcorn you can open and eat straight away. A microwave bag is only suitable if you can prepare it before setting off.

Anyone keeping an eye on sugar or salt

As well as kcal, you want to compare the “of which sugars” figure for sweet varieties or the salt content of savoury options on the specific pack.

What should you look for when buying?

What to consider What to check Who is it important for?
Putting calories into context Compare kcal per 100 g and consider how much you intend to eat from the pack. I want to compare the energy values of different varieties without assuming that the lower figure makes one a “low energy” choice. For around 42% of consumers, this calorie comparison is the main consideration.
Ready to eat Check whether the popcorn is ready to eat or needs a microwave. I can’t heat a bag on my way to breakfast. That’s why around 33% of consumers prioritise being able to eat their popcorn straight away.
Sugar and salt Check the “of which sugars” and salt figures per 100 g in the nutritional information for the variety you’re considering. With sweet popcorn, I check the sugar first; with savoury popcorn, I check the salt. For around 25% of consumers, one of these figures takes priority over comparing calories.

Common selection pitfalls

  • Assuming “fewer kcal” means “low energy”

    The Verbraucherzentrale (German Consumer Advice Centre) says that, for solid foods, a “low energy” claim means no more than 40 kcal per 100 g. Even the Seeberger salted microwave popcorn considered here exceeds this, with 364 kcal per 100 g according to REWE.

    Use kcal per 100 g to compare specific products, not as a substitute for checking whether a product meets this nutritional claim.

  • Expecting microwave popcorn to be ready to eat straight away

    A microwave bag needs to be heated before you eat the popcorn. The bag and steam may be hot when you open it.

    If you’re out and about without somewhere to prepare it, choose ready-to-eat popcorn. Only prepare a microwave bag somewhere with a suitable appliance, and follow the pack instructions.

  • Checking the kcal for just one variety

    Recipes also vary in their sugar and salt content: REWE lists 51 g of sugar per 100 g for Chio Sweet & Salty, while EDEKA lists 2.5 g of salt per 100 g for GUT&GÜNSTIG salted microwave popcorn.

    Check the nutritional information and ingredients on the specific pack before making your choice.

  • Assuming online information matches the pack

    EDEKA notes that the product information shown online may differ from the packaging.

    Check the product itself for the latest nutritional information, ingredients, allergen details and best-before date.

Brands to consider

Seeberger

The Seeberger salted microwave popcorn listed by REWE is an option if you can use a microwave before eating.

  • REWE lists 364 kcal and less than 0.5 g of sugar per 100 g for this product.
  • It isn’t ready to eat straight away. REWE also lists 16 g of fat and 1.8 g of salt per 100 g.

Chio

Chio’s ready-to-eat Sweet & Salty, listed by REWE, and its salted microwave popcorn differ in how they’re prepared.

  • Sweet & Salty can be eaten without any preparation; REWE lists 406 kcal per 100 g.
  • REWE lists 51 g of sugar per 100 g for Sweet & Salty. According to REWE, the salted microwave popcorn takes around two to three minutes to prepare.

GUT&GÜNSTIG

EDEKA sells both ready-to-eat sweet popcorn and microwave varieties under the GUT&GÜNSTIG brand.

  • EDEKA lists 385 kcal and 30 g of sugar per 100 g for its ready-to-eat sweet popcorn.
  • The sweet microwave variety needs to be prepared. EDEKA notes that the information on the packaging may differ.

Popcorn available at Joybuy

This selection features two options for a quick snack: ready-to-eat Cinema Popcorn and Seeberger microwave popcorn for when you have access to a microwave. Check the information on each pack to see how it fits your portion.

Cinema Sweet Popcorn, 150 g

Cinema Sweet Popcorn, 150 g

For a snack without a microwave: this popcorn is ready to eat straight from the bag.

Pack size: 150 g. Compare the nutritional information on the pack with the amount you plan to eat.

View at Joybuy
Seeberger Sweet Microwave Popcorn, 90 g

Seeberger Sweet Microwave Popcorn, 90 g

For a snack once it’s prepared: this variety needs a microwave, so it isn’t ready to eat while you’re out and about.

Pack size: 90 g. Follow the preparation instructions and take care when opening the hot bag.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is the popcorn compared here “low energy”?

None of the products considered meets the “low energy” threshold for solid foods given by the Verbraucherzentrale (German Consumer Advice Centre): no more than 40 kcal per 100 g. The listed values for the varieties considered range from 364 to 448 kcal per 100 g. Comparing products within this selection is therefore not the same as a “low energy” claim.

Which popcorn can I eat straight away when I’m out and about?

Ready-to-eat popcorn in a bag can be eaten without a microwave. Microwave popcorn must first be prepared according to the instructions on the relevant pack; the bag and steam may be hot.

What should I check besides the kcal?

For sweet popcorn, also compare the “of which sugars” figure; for savoury varieties, check the salt content. Both are given per 100 g. These figures can vary considerably between specific recipes. It’s also worth considering how much popcorn you’ll take from the pack, as this affects the amount you eat.

Is the nutritional information on a product page enough to make a decision?

Use it to narrow down your options, then check the specific pack before buying. EDEKA notes on its product pages that the information shown may differ from the packaging.