Who should take care when choosing?

Hosts keeping an eye on added fat

You want to decide for yourself whether to add oil or butter to the popcorn for your guests, and how much, or compare the fat content of packaged varieties per 100 g.

Party planners short on preparation time

You want to serve popcorn quickly and are weighing up ready-made options against the extra preparation involved in popping your own, which gives you more control.

Hosts checking ingredients and allergens

You’re shopping for guests with different needs and want to check not only the fat content but also the ingredients and any declared allergens in the specific variety.

What should you look for when buying?

Make your own popcorn

A good choice if: You want to control how much oil and butter you add.

The trade-off: You’ll need time and a suitable method of preparation; the fat content depends on the ingredients you actually use.

Ready-to-eat popcorn

A good choice if: You want popcorn ready for the party without having to pop it yourself.

The trade-off: The ingredients are already set, so compare the nutrition information and ingredients lists on the packs.

What to consider What to check Who should consider it?
Fat content Compare fat and saturates per 100 g. If a product is labelled ‘reduced-fat’, check which comparable product it is being compared with. I want to control how much fat I add for the party, or be able to compare the fat content of packaged varieties. This is the top priority for around 45% of consumers.
Preparation Decide whether you want popcorn that’s ready to eat or whether you have the time and a suitable method to pop your own. If there’s little time before the party, I want to serve a snack without lots of preparation. Having it ready quickly is the top priority for around 36% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Compare sugar and salt per 100 g, and read the ingredients list and any highlighted allergens on the specific pack. I want to know what’s in the popcorn I’m serving and whether any declared allergens are relevant to my guests. This is a top priority for around 19% of consumers.

Which common mistakes can you avoid?

  • Assuming ‘reduced-fat’ means ‘low-fat’

    These terms mean different things. According to the European Commission, solid foods can only be described as ‘low-fat’ if they contain no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g. ‘Reduced-fat’, on the other hand, means at least 30% less fat than a comparable food.

    Check the fat content per 100 g and, if the product claims to be reduced-fat, check what it is being compared with.

  • Looking at the fat content alone

    The fat content alone won’t tell you how much sugar or salt a packaged popcorn variety contains.

    Compare fat, saturates, sugar and salt on the same per-100-g basis.

  • Heating popcorn kernels in a tightly sealed container

    When cooking popcorn in the microwave, steam needs to be able to escape. Lidl also notes that the kernels expand significantly as they pop.

    Use a microwave-safe container, add only a small amount of kernels and don’t seal the lid airtight. Follow the preparation instructions for the container you’re using.

  • Assuming ‘popcorn’ is suitable for all your guests

    Seasoned varieties and snack mixes in particular may contain additional ingredients. The product name alone isn’t a substitute for checking allergens.

    If any of your guests have known allergies, check the ingredients list and highlighted allergens on each specific pack.

Brands to consider

There are no brand profiles here at the moment.

Popcorn products at Joybuy

Suitable products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is reduced-fat popcorn also low-fat?

Not necessarily. According to the European Commission, solid foods can only be described as ‘low-fat’ if they contain no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g. ‘Reduced-fat’ means at least 30% less fat than a comparable food. So check the specific fat content on the pack.

Which nutrition values should I compare for packaged popcorn?

Compare fat, saturates, sugar and salt per 100 g. Using the same reference amount makes it easier to compare packs of different sizes; the serving information can also help you plan.

Can I make popcorn from kernels in the microwave for a party?

Yes. According to Lidl, you can prepare popcorn kernels in a suitable microwave-safe container. Add only a small amount of kernels and allow the steam to escape. With this method, you decide whether to add fat and how much.

What should I check if any of my guests have allergies?

If anyone has a known allergy, check the ingredients list and highlighted allergens on the pack you’ve chosen. According to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Home Affairs, certain allergenic ingredients must be declared on food packaging. The word ‘popcorn’ alone doesn’t tell you what’s in a seasoned variety or mix.