People who want to make popcorn themselves
You want to measure out the oil, sugar and salt yourself, and are happy to prepare your popcorn in a saucepan, frying pan or popcorn maker.
Which type of popcorn might suit you?
Households short on time
You want to make popcorn quickly and need a way to manage portions, so one bag doesn’t turn into a larger snack than you planned.
Households buying popcorn in bulk
You’re planning for several people or occasions. As well as pack size, you’ll want to consider how to store it after opening and how much you’ll need for each occasion.
What to look for when buying
First, decide whether you want to make popcorn yourself, heat it in the microwave or serve it straight from the pack. You can then check the ingredients and nutritional information, and plan portions to suit your chosen type.
Loose popcorn kernels
A good choice if: You want to control what you add and make popcorn in a saucepan, frying pan or popcorn maker.
Keep in mind: Oil and other additions, along with the amount you prepare, will change the nutritional values of the finished portion compared with those listed for dry kernels.
Microwave popcorn
A good choice if: You want the convenience of an individual bag and have a suitable microwave.
Keep in mind: The ingredients are fixed, and the bag and steam may be hot when you open it.
Ready-to-eat popcorn
A good choice if: You want to have popcorn ready to serve to several people or for different occasions, without any preparation.
Keep in mind: If you open a large pack, measure out the amount you want before eating.
| Criteria | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Calories and ingredients | Compare kcal, sugar and fat per 100 g for products prepared in the same way, and take your planned portion into account. Figures for dry kernels are not directly comparable with those for ready-to-eat popcorn. | If I want to control the oil and sweetness myself, I’m happy to prepare it. For around 43% of consumers, having this control is a priority when buying in bulk. |
| Preparation and portions | Check how many bags are included, the preparation instructions and how much you want to serve from each bag. | After a long day, I want to make popcorn without much preparation, but I don’t want to open the whole stock without planning to. For around 29% of consumers, quick, easy-to-plan preparation comes first. |
| Stocking up and storage | Check the pack weight, storage instructions and whether the pack can be resealed; for larger packs, plan how much you’ll need for each occasion. | I want to have popcorn ready for several film nights without serving the whole pack each time. Planning how much to stock up on matters most to around 28% of consumers. |
Common misconceptions
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Judging all popcorn by the same calorie count
The nutritional values for unpopped kernels don’t automatically reflect a finished portion made with oil or other additions. Sweet microwave popcorn and ready-to-eat popcorn may also contain different ingredients.
Start by comparing the nutritional information per 100 g for products prepared in the same way. Then check the ingredients and think about how much you want to eat.
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Assuming the biggest pack gives you the right portion
An 800-g pack can be handy for sharing, but its weight alone doesn’t tell you how much popcorn you’ll eat on any one occasion.
If you buy a large pack, measure out the amount you want before eating and follow the storage instructions for after opening.
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Opening a hot microwave popcorn bag without care
The packaging for the sweet microwave popcorn from REWE Beste Wahl that we checked warns that the bag and steam may be hot.
Follow the instructions for your product, including those on microwave power, heating time and standing time. Open the bag carefully, keeping it pointed away from your body.
Brands to consider
Seeberger
The Seeberger popcorn kernels listed by REWE come in a 500-g pack for you to prepare yourself.
- The ingredients list popcorn kernels. According to REWE, the figures of 341 kcal, 1,4 g sugar and 3,8 g fat per 100 g are for the unpopped kernels.
- The instructions call for oil when preparing the kernels in a saucepan. Take the amount of oil and any other additions into account when considering the finished portion.
REWE Beste Wahl
The sweet microwave popcorn listed by REWE comes in a 300-g pack, with the popcorn prepared in the bag.
- The bags let you make popcorn without a saucepan or popcorn maker.
- According to REWE, the version we checked contains sugar and palm fat. It has 417 kcal, 22 g sugar and 13 g fat per 100 g. Take care when opening, as the steam may be hot.
Tise
The sweet and crunchy popcorn listed by REWE is a ready-to-eat 800-g pack.
- The pack can be shared between several people or occasions.
- According to REWE, the version we checked has 480 kcal, 38 g sugar and 23,8 g fat per 100 g. Choosing your portion size is a separate decision.
Heimatgut
REWE’s organic popcorn range includes Heimatgut options in smaller packs, including 55-g and 90-g sizes.
- Smaller packs may be a good option if you only want to buy a limited amount at a time.
- Check the ingredients and nutritional information on the packaging for the specific version you choose.
Popcorn kernels to prepare yourself at Joybuy
These popcorn kernels are suited to households that want to make popcorn themselves and take out enough for each occasion from a larger pack. The ingredients and nutritional values of the finished portion will also depend on what you add.
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Alnatura organic popcorn kernels, 500 g
For making popcorn yourself, with the option to take out smaller portions from a 500-g pack.
Remember to include oil and any other additions when considering the finished portion. If you have allergies, check the information on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nutri-Score enough to help me choose popcorn?
No. It doesn’t replace the ingredients list, nutritional information or portion planning. The Verbraucherzentrale (German consumer advice centre) says that comparing products using the Nutri-Score is most useful within the same product group or when products have the same intended use.
What should I bear in mind when opening microwave popcorn?
Follow the preparation and safety instructions on the bag. For the REWE Beste Wahl product we checked, the bag should stay in the microwave for 30 seconds after the popping has stopped. Then open it carefully, pointing it away from your body, as the bag and steam may be hot.
Should I check the allergen information for popcorn?
Yes, particularly if you need to avoid certain ingredients: check the label on the specific pack. The Seeberger popcorn kernels we checked may contain traces of tree nuts and peanuts. This doesn’t necessarily apply to other products or versions.
Is a large pack of popcorn automatically the better choice?
No. Pack size alone tells you nothing about the nutritional values or how much you’ll eat. Check the information per 100 g for the specific product, and think about how you’ll split the pack between different occasions and store it after opening.