Which option is right for you?

For anyone who wants to control the fat

You want to decide for yourself whether to add oil and seasoning to your popcorn kernels, and how much to use. You’ll need time and a suitable way to prepare them.

For hosts short on preparation time

You want to have popcorn ready quickly for your Carnival get-together. Microwave popcorn cuts down on preparation time, while ready-to-eat popcorn can be served without heating. With either option, the recipe is already set.

For shoppers comparing packs

You choose a variety based on its nutritional information per 100 g and also check the ingredients and allergen information on the specific pack. The Verbraucherzentrale explains which details on packaged foods can help you make an informed choice.

What to look for when buying

First, decide whether you want to prepare the popcorn yourself or serve it straight away at your Carnival get-together. Then compare the recipes of the varieties you’re considering using their nutritional information per 100 g.

Buying criterion What to check Who it matters to
Added fat Popcorn kernels or a seasoned product; for ready-made recipes, check the fat per 100 g. If I prepare popcorn myself, I want to control how much oil and seasoning I use. This is a priority for around 42% of consumers.
Time until serving Ready-to-eat popcorn or microwave popcorn; a pack size to suit your group. I want to have a snack ready for my Carnival get-together without a long wait. Quick serving is the top priority for around 33% of consumers.
Flavour and recipe Fat, sugar and salt per 100 g; ingredients in your chosen variety. I want to choose a sweet or savoury variety without focusing only on its fat content. Around 25% of consumers give this comparison the most weight.

Common comparison mistakes

  • Treating “low fat” as a verdict on the whole recipe

    The claim refers to fat, not to sugar or salt as well. For example, a sweetened popcorn listed by REWE contains 4.8 g of fat and 36.6 g of sugar per 100 g.

    Check the fat, sugar and salt figures side by side in the nutrition table. No single figure tells you whether a variety meets your buying criteria.

  • Comparing only the front of the pack

    Flavour descriptions and portion sizes don’t give you a like-for-like comparison. ALDI SÜD notes that nutritional information per 100 g makes it easier to compare different packs.

    In particular, compare fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt per 100 g. Then check the ingredients list and allergen information for the variety you’re thinking of buying.

  • Overlooking what you add when making popcorn yourself

    With popcorn kernels, you control what you add. The amount of oil, sugar or salt in the finished snack therefore also depends on how you prepare it. The German Nutrition Society points out that the preparation method can affect the energy content.

    Decide which ingredients you want to use before you start, and measure out the oil and seasoning carefully.

Brands to consider

The examples below show different types of popcorn in the German REWE range. When comparing fat content, it’s the nutritional information for each variety that matters, not the brand name.

Chio

The REWE popcorn range includes Chio varieties that are ready to eat and options for the microwave.

  • You can choose between product types based on how much preparation you want to do.
  • Flavour and product type alone don’t tell you the nutritional values of each variety.

Seeberger

REWE lists Seeberger popcorn kernels and microwave popcorn. That means you can choose between making it yourself and using a ready-made microwave recipe.

  • With popcorn kernels, you can measure out the oil and seasoning yourself.
  • For microwave varieties, compare the fat, sugar and salt in the specific product. A vegan label doesn’t answer these questions.

Heimatgut

The REWE popcorn range includes Heimatgut organic popcorn and microwave varieties in different flavours.

  • The listed options let you choose between serving popcorn straight away and preparing it yourself.
  • The organic label doesn’t replace checking the fat, sugar and salt per 100 g.

Products at Joybuy

Suitable products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

What does “low fat” mean on popcorn?

“Low fat” is a regulated nutrition claim about fat content, not a judgement on the whole recipe. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity explains the EU requirements for these claims. When choosing a product, also compare the sugar and salt per 100 g.

How do I compare two packs of popcorn?

Use the nutritional information per 100 g for both varieties as a common basis for comparison. Check the fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt, and read the ingredients list for the options you’re considering most closely.

Do I need to check the allergen information on popcorn?

Yes. Check the information on the specific pack if allergens are relevant to your choice. The Verbraucherzentrale highlights ingredients and allergens as important information on packaged foods. The word “popcorn” alone won’t tell you what’s in a particular variety.

What do I need to make popcorn kernels in the microwave?

For the method described by Lidl, you’ll need popcorn kernels and a microwave-safe container with a lid. Make sure the container is suitable for this method and follow its instructions for use.