Ready-to-eat popcorn is convenient when you’re out and about, but a small bag or the type of product alone won’t tell you whether it can be labelled low fat. Compare the fat content per 100 g and the actual portion size. The ready-to-eat and microwave examples described by REWE contain between 6.1 and 18 g of fat per 100 g; the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g per 100 g for a low-fat claim on solid foods. With popcorn kernels, you can control how much oil you add, but you’ll need to prepare the snack first and check the fat content of the kernels too.
If you’re shopping for a low-fat diet, checking the fat content per 100 g makes it easier to compare different pack sizes. The term ‘low fat’ has its own EU criteria; it doesn’t automatically apply just because a product is called popcorn.
If you won’t have the chance to prepare it, ready-to-eat popcorn could be a good option. Check the net weight and serving information, as well as the fat and sugar content, before planning to eat a whole bag as one snack.
With popcorn kernels, you can decide whether to add oil, sugar or salt, and how much. But you’ll need time and somewhere to prepare it before you can take your snack with you.
First, decide whether you need popcorn that’s ready to eat. Then compare the fat content per 100 g with the portion you plan to have. For sweet or salted varieties, the sugar, salt and ingredients are worth checking too.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content | Compare the fat content per 100 g. According to the European Commission, solid foods can only be labelled ‘low fat’ if they contain no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g. | If I’m looking for popcorn to suit a low-fat diet, I want to assess the fat content regardless of bag size. For around 46% of shoppers, fat content is the top priority when buying. |
| Ready to eat and portion size | Check whether the popcorn is ready to eat, as well as the pack’s net weight and number of servings. | When I’m out and about, I want to open the bag without any preparation and eat only the amount I’ve planned. For around 27% of shoppers, being ready to eat and planning portions come first. |
| Ingredients | Compare the sugar and salt content per 100 g, and check the ingredients list for added fats. For microwave popcorn, follow the cooking instructions. | With sweet or salted popcorn, I want to consider the other ingredients and the preparation involved too. Around 27% of shoppers make this their top consideration when buying. |
The recipe makes a difference: according to REWE, the ready-to-eat and microwave products considered here contain between 6.1 and 18 g of fat per 100 g. All of them are above the EU limit of 3 g per 100 g for a low-fat claim on solid foods.
Check the fat content per 100 g on the specific pack. The limit for a low-fat claim isn’t a personal guideline for how much you should snack on.
A bag may contain several servings: REWE lists Chio sweet popcorn in a 120 g pack with four servings.
Compare the pack weight with the number of servings. If you don’t want to take the whole pack with you, portion it out beforehand.
You’ll need a suitable microwave and time to prepare it. When you open the Heimatgut microwave popcorn described by REWE, hot steam and fat may escape.
Follow the power, cooking time and opening instructions on the pack. If you want a snack that needs no preparation while you’re out, choose a ready-to-eat product instead.
Sugar and salt can affect your choice too. For example, REWE lists 52 g of sugar per 100 g for Chio sweet popcorn.
For products that meet your preferences for fat content, compare the other nutritional values and the ingredients list as well.
REWE sells Chio sweet popcorn as a ready-to-eat 120 g bag with four servings.
REWE describes Heimatgut organic salted popcorn as both a ready-to-eat 60 g bag and a microwave product.
The sweetened microwave popcorn described by REWE comes in a 300 g pack and needs to be prepared before eating.
REWE sells Seeberger popcorn kernels in a 500 g pack for you to prepare at home.
According to the European Commission, solid foods can only carry a ‘low-fat’ claim if they contain no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g. Check the fat content per 100 g in the nutrition table. This limit doesn’t determine your personal portion size.
No. REWE lists 3.8 g of fat per 100 g for Seeberger popcorn kernels, which is above the EU limit for a low-fat claim on solid foods. You can choose which extra ingredients to add, but remember to include any cooking fat in the nutritional value of your finished portion.
Check the fat content of the specific product and make sure you can prepare it according to the pack instructions. According to REWE, the microwave varieties considered here contain 13 or 18 g of fat per 100 g. Hot steam and fat may escape when opening the Heimatgut bag.
No. The net weight and serving information are what matter: REWE lists four servings in the 120 g bag of Chio sweet popcorn. If you only want to take one serving with you, don’t judge it by the size of the bag alone.