Who should consider their options?

Calorie-conscious snack lovers

If you fancy something crunchy after a workout, compare the energy, sugar and fat per 100 g, then work out what that means for your portion. The size of a bag of popcorn doesn’t tell you how much you’ll actually eat.

People after a longer or more intense workout

Popcorn can contribute carbohydrates to a snack. According to the German Nutrition Society, whether and how much this matters after exercise depends, among other things, on the duration and intensity of your workout.

Anyone keeping an eye on protein

If you want to consider how much protein your snack provides, check the nutritional information for the portion of popcorn you plan to eat and take it into account alongside your other meals.

What should you look for when buying?

Start by comparing popcorn varieties per 100 g, then work out the figures for your portion. With microwave popcorn, it’s also important to check the instructions on the specific bag.

What to look for What to check Who it matters to
Calories and portion size Energy value per 100 g and the weight of the portion you plan to eat. If I fancy a crunchy snack after a workout, I want to know how much energy my portion contains. This is the main concern for around 36% of consumers.
Protein content Protein per 100 g and for your planned portion; if needed, consider the rest of your meal too. If you’re also keeping an eye on protein after a workout, you won’t want to judge popcorn on its carbohydrate content alone. Around 29% of consumers focus on this.
Sugar, fat and ingredients Sugar and fat per 100 g, plus the ingredients list and allergen information for the variety. With sweet or coated varieties, I want to know what else is in my snack besides corn. This is the main concern for around 21% of consumers.
Preparation Ready-popped or microwave bag; for the latter, check the wattage, timings and safety instructions. If I want a snack in a hurry, it also matters whether I need to prepare it and can handle the hot bag safely. This is the main concern for around 14% of consumers.

Common mistakes when choosing

  • Assuming airy popcorn is always low in calories

    The coating can make a significant difference: EDEKA lists its sweet microwave popcorn at 395 kcal per 100 g and its toffee cream caramel popcorn at 509 kcal per 100 g. These figures are for two specific varieties, not a general comparison of preparation methods.

    Compare the energy value, sugar and fat on the same basis, then work out what they mean for your planned portion.

  • Relying on popcorn as your only source of protein

    Protein content depends on the variety and the amount you eat. EDEKA lists 7.7 g of protein per 100 g for its sweet microwave popcorn; this doesn’t tell you how much protein any one person needs after a workout.

    If protein is important to your choice of snack, check the amount per portion and take the other foods in your meal into account.

  • Ignoring the instructions on microwave popcorn

    Wattage and cooking time vary by product. REWE also warns that hot steam can escape from its sweet microwave popcorn after cooking.

    Follow the instructions on the bag and open it facing away from your body.

  • Overlooking coatings and allergen information

    According to EDEKA’s product information, one of its caramelised popcorn varieties contains milk ingredients, among other things. You can’t assume that other varieties contain the same ingredients.

    If you need to avoid certain ingredients, check the ingredients list and allergen information on the specific pack before buying.

Brands to consider

EDEKA GUT&GÜNSTIG

EDEKA’s range includes sweet and lightly salted microwave popcorn varieties under this brand.

  • EDEKA publishes ingredients, nutritional information and preparation instructions for some varieties.
  • Information on the current packaging may differ from the product page, so check the specific variety.

REWE Beste Wahl

REWE sells sweet microwave popcorn under this own-label brand.

  • The product information lists a 300-g pack and includes a warning about hot steam.
  • For a calorie comparison, check the nutritional information on the specific pack and consider your planned portion.

Heimatgut

REWE lists Heimatgut organic popcorn as both ready-popped popcorn and a microwave product.

  • You can choose the preparation method that suits the snack you’re after.
  • The organic label doesn’t tell you anything about calorie or protein content. Heimatgut notes that some kernels may remain unpopped in its microwave popcorn.

Chio

REWE lists ready-to-eat Chio popcorn in sweet and sweet-and-salty varieties.

  • If you don’t want to prepare microwave popcorn, you can compare the nutritional information for these ready-to-eat varieties.
  • REWE labels the sweet variety as vegan and vegetarian; these claims alone don’t tell you its energy value.

funny-frisch

funny-frisch Protein Chips are a different type of snack, not a variety of popcorn.

  • It’s important to distinguish between product categories if you’re comparing different types of snacks.
  • Information about Protein Chips shouldn’t be applied to popcorn or a complete post-workout meal.

Joybuy products on this topic

Relevant products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is popcorn a complete meal after a workout?

Popcorn alone shouldn’t automatically be considered a complete post-workout meal. The German Nutrition Society explains that the importance of carbohydrates in sport depends on the demands of your workout. If you’re also keeping an eye on protein, consider the contribution of your whole meal.

How can I choose a lower-calorie popcorn?

Compare the energy value of different varieties per 100 g and calculate it for the amount you plan to eat as well. Sugar and fat figures, along with the ingredients list, can help you compare sweet or coated varieties. A small or airy pack isn’t a substitute for checking these details.

What should I know about microwave popcorn?

Always follow the wattage and cooking time given on the specific bag. EDEKA lists different settings for its microwave popcorn depending on the power level. REWE warns that steam can be hot when opening one of its products and recommends opening the bag facing away from your body.

Can popcorn coatings contain allergens?

Yes. Ingredients vary by variety. EDEKA lists milk ingredients in its toffee cream caramel popcorn and notes that it may contain traces of cereals containing gluten. Always check the current ingredients list and allergen information on the pack you’re planning to buy.