For a short hike, ready-to-eat popcorn can make a convenient portioned snack if you consider the nutritional values per 100 g alongside the amount you actually pack. The sweet popcorn examples listed by REWE contain 413 to 450 kcal per 100 g, so they are not “low energy” under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, published on EUR-Lex. For longer or more strenuous walks, plan to have popcorn as an extra snack alongside drinks and other provisions.
You want something to nibble on during a short hiking break and prefer to decide on your portion in advance. Compare the nutritional values per 100 g and base your calculations on the portion you’ll actually take with you, rather than assuming it’s “light”.
If you’re out for several hours or tackling a strenuous route, drinks and other provisions need to be part of your plan. The German Alpine Club highlights the importance of food and drink for performance and concentration; popcorn can be an extra snack.
You may want to portion it yourself or prepare popcorn kernels or microwave popcorn before setting off. Let freshly prepared popcorn cool before packing it, and check the ingredients, allergen information and storage instructions on the specific pack.
Start by comparing the nutritional values with your planned portion. Then decide whether the snack suits the length of your walk and whether you want to prepare it in advance.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Calories and portion size | Compare kcal and sugar per 100 g, and take the weight of the portion you’re packing into account. | If I want to take sweet popcorn on a short hike, I want to decide on my snack portion in advance rather than treating the whole pack as one portion. Portion control is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Provisions for the walk | Check the length and difficulty of the route, and plan drinks and other provisions separately from the popcorn. | For a longer or more strenuous walk, I need more than one portion of snacks and don’t want to overlook my drinks. Adequate provisions for a walk are the main concern for around 46% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and preparation | Read the ingredients and allergen information, and check whether the popcorn is ready to eat or needs to be prepared before you set off. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients or want to pack popcorn I’ve prepared myself, the specific product needs to suit my requirements and preparation plans. Around 18% of consumers prioritise these points. |
A small portion may contain fewer calories than a large one, but that doesn’t change the product’s energy density. For solid foods, Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, published on EUR-Lex, sets a limit of 40 kcal per 100 g for the “low energy” claim. The popcorn examples listed by REWE contain 413 to 450 kcal per 100 g, which is above this limit.
Compare the nutritional information on the same basis, then decide how many grams you want to take with you.
Popcorn doesn’t replace drinks. For longer or more strenuous hikes in particular, your other provisions need to suit the route. The German Alpine Club highlights the importance of food and drink for performance and concentration.
Plan drinks and additional provisions separately from your portion of popcorn.
Microwave popcorn needs to be prepared as directed at home. REWE also warns that the bag and steam can be hot when opening its Beste Wahl own-brand microwave popcorn.
Follow the instructions on the pack, open the bag carefully and let the popcorn cool before packing it.
Information can vary between popcorn products: REWE says its ja! caramelised popcorn may contain traces of milk, while the sweet Chio variety listed there is labelled vegan.
If you have allergies or specific dietary requirements, always check the current label on the exact pack you’ve chosen.
The sweet microwave popcorn listed is an option if you want to prepare your snack at home before your hike.
The Chio sweet popcorn listed by REWE is ready to eat, so you can take it as a portioned snack without any preparation.
The Bio Popcorn Süß listed by REWE may suit consumers who are interested in the ingredients of this specific variety.
The caramelised popcorn listed by REWE is a ready-to-eat sweet snack that you can portion out before your walk.
This selection includes ready-to-eat sweet popcorn, as well as popcorn kernels and microwave popcorn to prepare before your hike. The right choice depends on how you want to prepare it and the portion you’ll actually pack.
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This 90 g microwave bag could be an option for a hike if you can prepare the popcorn in advance and let it cool.
Compare the nutritional information on the specific pack and portion out the amount you’ll take with you.
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This 500 g pack of popcorn kernels is a good fit if you want to prepare the popcorn yourself before your walk and portion it afterwards.
When comparing your finished snack portion, remember to factor in any ingredients you add during preparation.
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This sweet popcorn is intended for a short hiking break when you want a ready-to-eat snack.
The pack contains 150 g; if you’d prefer a smaller portion, you can measure out the amount you want before setting off.
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This caramelised popcorn is an option for a quick break with no preparation needed.
The pack contains 120 g. Check the nutritional information, ingredients and allergen details for this Toffee Caramel variety on the current pack; information about other Chio products doesn’t automatically apply to it.
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This ready-to-eat caramel popcorn is an option if you want to pack a sweet portion for a short hiking break.
The pack contains 140 g. Before buying, read the nutritional information and the ingredients and allergen details for the specific pack.
The sweet examples considered here aren’t: REWE lists 413 to 450 kcal per 100 g. For solid foods, Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, published on EUR-Lex, sets a maximum of 40 kcal per 100 g for the “low energy” claim. The number of grams you pack also matters when planning your snack.
You shouldn’t rely on popcorn as your only provisions for a long or strenuous hike. The German Alpine Club stresses that food and drink are important for performance and concentration. Plan drinks and other provisions to suit your route.
Microwave popcorn is intended to be prepared before your hike, provided you have access to a suitable microwave. Follow the instructions on the pack, open the hot bag carefully and let the popcorn cool before packing it.
The organic label alone doesn’t mean it has fewer calories. REWE lists 450 kcal per 100 g for Heimatgut Bio Popcorn Süß. To make your choice, compare the nutritional values of the specific products and the portion size you have in mind.
Read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety you plan to buy. The Verbraucherzentrale lists ingredients and allergens as important information on packaged foods; precautionary statements about possible traces can also vary from product to product.