The right choice for you

For calorie- and portion-conscious shoppers

You want to take ready-to-eat popcorn with you, but don’t want to base your choice on pack size alone. Compare the energy per 100 g, then think about how much you’ll actually want to eat.

For fans of sweet popcorn keeping an eye on sugar

You enjoy sweet popcorn and want to keep track of its sugar content as well as its kcal. REWE lists 52 g of sugar per 100 g for Chio Sweet Popcorn and 51.8 g for ja! Caramelised Popcorn.

For picnic-goers who like to make their own

You can make popcorn before your trip and control how much oil, sugar or salt you add. Just remember to allow time for preparation and choose suitable packaging for the journey.

What to look for when buying

First decide whether you want ready-to-eat popcorn or would rather make your own. For ready-made varieties, nutrition information per 100 g gives you a common basis for comparison; you’ll also want to consider the amount you plan to take with you.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters most to
Energy and portion size Compare kcal per 100 g for similar popcorn products and think about how much you’d like to take with you. I want to pack a portion for my picnic rather than judge by the size of the bag. Around 36% of consumers prioritise keeping track of energy and portion size.
Sugar in sweet popcorn Check the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g and the ingredients list for sweet varieties. When choosing sweet popcorn, I want to know its sugar content, even if the kcal figure looks favourable at first. Sugar is the main consideration for around 29% of consumers.
Fat and salt in savoury popcorn As well as energy, compare fat and salt per 100 g. I prefer a savoury snack, but don’t want to assume its other nutritional values are low just because its sugar content is. Around 21% of consumers prioritise fat and salt.
Added ingredients and preparation If you’re using popcorn kernels, plan how you’ll prepare them in advance and decide how much oil, sugar and salt to add. If I have time before my visit to the park, I’d rather choose the added ingredients myself and don’t mind doing the preparation. This level of control is the top priority for around 14% of consumers.

Common comparison mistakes

  • Looking only at the pack size

    A bag’s size doesn’t tell you how much energy 100 g of popcorn provides or how large your own portion will be.

    Compare the kcal per 100 g, then measure out the amount you want for your picnic. The consumer advice centre explains that nutrition information per 100 g provides a basis for comparing packaged foods.

  • Assuming sweet popcorn with fewer kcal is low in sugar

    REWE lists both Chio Sweet Popcorn and ja! Caramelised Popcorn at 413 kcal per 100 g, but they contain 52 g and 51.8 g of sugar per 100 g respectively.

    For sweet varieties, check the sugar content as well as the energy figure, and read the ingredients list.

  • Assuming savoury popcorn is always a lighter option

    REWE lists Snackline Salted Popcorn as containing 1 g of sugar, but it also has 434 kcal, 16 g of fat and 1.3 g of salt per 100 g. Its low sugar content doesn’t tell you how many calories it contains.

    For savoury varieties, compare energy, fat and salt using the same basis for each.

  • Leaving transport arrangements until you’re heading out

    You’ll need suitable packaging for homemade or already-opened popcorn before your picnic. For ready-made products, follow the storage instructions on the relevant pack.

    Pack the portion you’ve planned in a dry, sealable container and follow the chosen product’s advice on heat and sunlight.

Brands to consider

Chio

Chio Sweet Popcorn is a ready-to-eat option for a picnic with no preparation needed.

  • REWE lists this variety as containing 413 kcal per 100 g and 124 kcal per stated portion.
  • At 52 g of sugar per 100 g, its sugar content is worth considering separately from the energy per portion.

Snackline

Snackline Salted Popcorn is a ready-to-eat savoury option.

  • REWE lists this product as containing 1 g of sugar per 100 g.
  • REWE also lists 434 kcal, 16 g of fat and 1.3 g of salt per 100 g; a low sugar content doesn’t mean these other values are low too.

Heimatgut

Heimatgut Organic Sweet & Salty Popcorn is a ready-to-eat variety listed by REWE as organic and vegan.

  • REWE lists this variety as containing 10 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • Its listed values of 450 kcal, 17 g of fat, 28 g of sugar and 0.7 g of salt per 100 g are still relevant when comparing nutrition information.

Popcorn kernels to make your own

If you’d like to make popcorn yourself before heading to the park and control what you add, popcorn kernels are one option. The nutritional values of the ingredients you use and the portion size determine what you ultimately take with you.

Alnatura Organic Popping Corn, 500 g

Alnatura Organic Popping Corn, 500 g

For popcorn you can make yourself before your picnic and season to taste. The pack contains 500 g of popcorn kernels; remember to factor in any ingredients you actually add when planning your portion.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I compare popcorn by calorie content?

For similar packaged popcorn products, start by comparing the kcal per 100 g, then decide on your portion. The consumer advice centre describes the per-100 g figure as a standard basis for nutrition labelling; a portion shown on the pack may not match the amount you take with you.

Does sweet popcorn always have more calories than savoury popcorn?

No, you can’t tell from the flavour alone: REWE lists both Chio Sweet Popcorn and ja! Caramelised Popcorn at 413 kcal per 100 g, while Snackline Salted Popcorn has 434 kcal per 100 g. If they matter to your choice, compare sugar, fat and salt as well.

When is homemade popcorn a good choice for a picnic?

Homemade popcorn is a good option if you want to control what you add and have time to prepare it before your trip. The Federal Centre for Nutrition notes that making it yourself lets you choose how much sugar, fat and salt to use; the nutritional composition of the finished popcorn depends on your ingredients and quantities.

Which nutrition information should I check on the pack?

As well as energy, check the values that matter to your decision, such as sugar for sweet popcorn or fat and salt for savoury varieties. The consumer advice centre explains that nutrition information on packaged foods includes values per 100 g for energy, fat, carbohydrates, sugars, protein and salt, among other things.