Who might find the differences important?

Calorie-conscious home cooks

You want to choose your own portion size and additions. Popcorn kernels let you decide how much fat or sugar to add when preparing them.

Film-night snackers in a hurry

You want to make popcorn in the microwave. Compare the nutrition information for the prepared recipe, and follow the instructions about the hot bag and steam.

Own-brand shoppers who like to compare

Check the quantity and nutrition information per 100 g on each specific pack, rather than assuming you know what is in it from the brand name.

What should you look for when buying?

First decide whether you want to choose the recipe yourself or eat popcorn without preparing it. Then compare the energy values per 100 g. If you make your own popcorn, remember to include the additions you actually use.

Criterion What to check when buying Who it matters to
Energy and ingredients Compare kcal, sugar and fat per 100 g. With popcorn kernels, you also need to account for any additions you choose yourself. If I make my own popcorn, I want to decide what goes into my portion besides the corn. For around 42% of consumers, having this control is the priority.
Preparation For microwave popcorn, check the instructions for the appliance, heating and opening the bag carefully. For a film night, I want to keep preparation to a minimum, but I still need to handle a hot bag and steam. Quick preparation is the main concern for around 33% of consumers.
Pack size Compare pack sizes and read the nutrition information on the specific own-brand product. If I’m sharing, I want to choose a suitable amount without skipping the nutrition comparison. Around 25% of consumers consider this their first priority.

Common mistakes when buying popcorn

  • Assuming popcorn is automatically low in calories

    Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the “low calorie” claim for solid foods is limited to a maximum of 40 kcal per 100 g. Popcorn with no added sugar does not automatically meet this limit either.

    Check the energy value per 100 g on the specific pack before applying the claim to a product.

  • Looking only at portion size for sweet popcorn

    The recipe may already contain sugar and fat. REWE lists 22 g of sugar and 13 g of fat per 100 g for its sweet microwave popcorn.

    As well as portion size, compare the nutrition information and ingredients list. If you want to control the additions yourself, popcorn kernels are an option.

  • Ignoring the instructions on microwave popcorn

    Heating popcorn for too long can burn it, and the bag, contents and steam may be hot when you open it.

    Follow the instructions on the pack for your appliance, heating time and waiting time. Open the bag carefully, pointing it away from yourself.

Using brands as a guide

REWE Beste Wahl

The option considered is sweet microwave popcorn with a set recipe.

  • REWE lists the ingredients and nutrition information for this option, along with preparation instructions.
  • At 417 kcal, 22 g of sugar and 13 g of fat per 100 g, it is above the limit for the “low calorie” claim for solid foods.

Seeberger

The popcorn kernels considered are intended for home preparation.

  • According to the product information published by REWE, this option consists of popcorn kernels; you can control the amount of sugar and fat yourself when preparing them.
  • The dry kernels contain 341 kcal per 100 g. Oil, butter or sugar will change the nutrition values of the prepared popcorn.

Snackline

The option considered is ready-to-eat sweet popcorn in a resealable 250 g tub.

  • This type of packaging can be handy if you want to share the popcorn or store it after opening.
  • REWE lists 478 kcal, 31.3 g of sugar and 19.1 g of fat per 100 g for this option.

Suitable products at Joybuy

When shopping on Joybuy, look for plain popcorn kernels if you want to control the amount of sugar and fat yourself, or choose ready-to-eat popcorn for convenience. Compare the nutrition information per 100 g and check the ingredients before buying.

Frequently asked questions

Is popcorn automatically low in calories?

No. Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, a solid food must contain no more than 40 kcal per 100 g to be described as “low calorie”. For the options considered here, REWE lists 341 kcal per 100 g for dry popcorn kernels, 417 kcal for sweet microwave popcorn and 478 kcal for sweet ready-to-eat popcorn.

Which nutrition values should I compare?

Compare energy, fat, sugar and salt per 100 g. The German Food Federation explains that these values form part of the nutrition table; an additional serving-size figure does not replace a comparison using the same reference amount.

How can I choose the ingredients when making popcorn?

With popcorn kernels, you can decide whether to add oil, sugar, butter or spices, and how much to use. To prepare them in the microwave, you need a suitable container and must follow its manufacturer’s instructions. Lidl notes that air must be able to escape during heating.

What should I bear in mind with microwave popcorn?

Follow the wattage, timing and opening instructions on the specific pack. REWE Beste Wahl’s sweet microwave popcorn should be left to stand for 30 seconds after popping. Open the bag facing away from yourself because the steam will be hot.