If you’re looking for a healthy snack that’s low in calories, you might think of popcorn. But just how many calories are in a serving of popcorn? And is it really as healthy as people say?
Here we’ll take a look at the calorie content of popcorn. Using our Popcorn Calorie Calculator, you can uncover how many calories there are in this tasty snack.
Popcorn contains more than just empty calories! Eating popcorn can provide you with a number of different nutrients too.
How Many Calories Are in Popcorn?
To determine the calorie content of popcorn, you can generally estimate around 375 calories per 100 grams. However, the specific calorie count can vary depending on factors such as the type of topping used and the method of popping the kernels.
Use our Popcorn Calorie Calculator to find the specific number of calories in your popcorn.
Popcorn Calorie Calculator
This handy popcorn calorie calculator will help you figure out how to calculate popcorn calories.
The results from the calculator are not exact and should be used as a rough guide.
How Many Calories are in Microwaved Popcorn?
For those who enjoy the occasional bag of microwave popcorn, it’s important to know how many calories are in a serving. Most brands of microwave popcorn contain between 100 and 150 calories per serving, which is around 350 per 100gs.
While this may not seem like a lot, it’s important to remember that popcorn is a high-calorie food and if you’re munching away whilst watching a movie, you can eat quite a lot of it!
The topping can also have a big effect on the calories in your microwaved popcorn, with sweet toppings like caramel bumping up the calories per 100g to over 600!
Here are the calories in popular microwave popcorn products:
| Microwave Popcorn | Calories Per 100g / 3.5oz |
|---|---|
| Preferred Popcorn Natural Microwave Popcorn | 500 |
| Preferred Popcorn Butter Microwave Popcorn | 500 |
| Preferred Popcorn Jalapeno Popcorn | 454 |
| Quinn Real Butter Microwave Popcorn | 515 |
| Quinn aged Parmesan & Rosemary Popcorn | 515 |
| Quinn Vermont Maple Popcorn | 515 |
| Quinn White Cheddar & Seasalt Popcorn | 515 |
| Jolly Time Simply Popped Microwave Popcorn | 441 |
| SkinnyPop Sea Salt Microwave Popcorn | 433 |
| SkinnyPop Butter Microwave Popcorn | 468 |
| Pop Weaver Microwave Popcorn (extra butter) | 406 |
| Orville Redenbacher’s Ultimate Butter Popcorn | 457 |
| Orville Redenbacher’s Movie Theatre Butter | 470 |
| ACT II Butter Microwave Popcorn | 400 |
| ACT II Movie Theatre Butter Popcorn | 441 |
| ACT II Extreme Butter Popcorn | 444 |
| ACT II Llama Party Cotton Candy Popcorn | 483 |
| Newman’s Own Organics Butter Popcorn | 393 |
| Newman’s Own No Salt, No Butter Popcorn | 263 |
All calorie values are taken from the manufacturers
Which Microwave Popcorn Has the Lowest Calories? Lowest Calorie Popcorn
Newman’s Own No Salt, No Butter Popcorn has the lowest amount of calories (263). This is probably because it’s just pure popcorn without any toppings.
Which Microwave Popcorn Has the Most Calories?
All varieties of Quinn popcorn have 515 calories per 100g / 3.5oz, which, out of all the brands listed, is the highest amount of calories in microwave popcorn.
How Many Calories in a Bag of Ready-to-Eat Popcorn?
The amount of calories in ready-to-eat bagged popcorn varies considerably between brands.
However, as a general rule of thumb, you should assume that your 3.5oz single bag of ready-to-eat popcorn will contain around 500 calories but could contain over 600!
600 calories is nearly more than a third of an average adult’s recommended calorie intake! And that’s not even counting any additional toppings or dressings you may add. So if you’re looking to keep your calorie intake in check, it’s best to enjoy bagged popcorn in moderation. How many calories does popcorn have in ready-made bags?
Here are the calories in popular bagged popcorn products:
| Bagged Popcorn | Calories Per 100g / 3.5oz |
|---|---|
| SkinnyPop Original | 555 |
| SkinnyPop White Cheddar Popcorn | 535 |
| SkinnyPop Seal Salt & Pepper | 535 |
| YOLO! White Cheddar Popcorn | 400 |
| YOLO! KISS (Salted) Popcorn | 388 |
| YOLO! Original | 476 |
| YOLO! Pure Maple | 476 |
| Smartfood Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn | 496 |
| Smartfood White Cheddar | 567 |
| Smartfood Movie Theatre Butter | 567 |
| Lesser Evil Himalayan Pink Salt | 384 |
| Lesser Evil “Himalayan Gold” Organic Popcorn* | 392 |
| Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP Sweet and Salty | 500 |
| Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP Sea Salt Popcorn | 535 |
| Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP Dark Chocolaty | 548 |
| Colby Ridge Gourmet White | 500 |
| Live Love Pop Salt Truffle Popcorn | 500 |
| Pipcorn Heirloom Mini Popcorn Sea Salt | 428 |
| Pipcorn Heirloom Mini Popcorn Truffle | 482 |
| State Street Snacks Popcorn Pecan Caramel | 428 |
| State Street Snacks Popcorn Sea Salt Caramel | 457 |
| State Street Snacks Popcorn Old-Fashioned | 428 |
| Oogie’s Gourmet Wisconsin Cheddar Popcorn | 535 |
| Oogie’s Gourmet Movie Time Butter Popcorn | 535 |
| Oogie’s Gourmet Original Kettle Corn Popcorn | 500 |
| Cheetos Cheddar Popcorn | 564 |
| Cheetos Flamin Hot Popcorn | 564 |
| Cheetos Jalapeño Cheddar | 564 |
| Popcorn Indiana Movie Theater Butter Popcorn | 600 |
| Pop Daddy Butter Flavor Popcorn | 500 |
| Popcornopolis Caramel Corn Popcorn | 464 |
| PRO POP Protein Popcorn, Salted Caramel | 571 |
| PRO POP Protein Popcorn, Cheddar Jalapeno | 571 |
| Funky Chunky Gourmet Sea Salt Caramel | 464 |
| Funky Chunky Gourmet Peanut Butter Cup | 500 |
| Funky Chunky Gourmet Chip Zel Pop | 500 |
| Funky Chunky Gourmet Chocolate Pretzel | 500 |
| POPSALOT Gourmet Southern Pecan Caramel | 428 |
| POPSALOT Hawaiian Macadamia Caramel | 432 |
| POPSALOT Brazilian Cashew Caramel Popcorn | 428 |
| POPSALOT California Almond Caramel | 366 |
| POPSALOT Saigon Cinnamon Kettle Corn | 400 |
| POPSALOT Moroccan Harissa Kettle Popcorn | 400 |
| POPSALOT London Kettle Corn | 433 |
| POPSALOT Costa Rican Cocoa Kettle Corn | 433 |
| POPSALOT Clandestine Caramel Popcorn | 366 |
All calorie values are taken from the manufacturers
Which Ready-to-eat Bagged Popcorn Has the Lowest Calories?
Surprisingly even though they have a caramel flavoring, POPSALOT Clandestine Caramel Popcorn (366) and POPSALOT California Almond Caramel (366) have the lowest amount of calories.
Which Ready-to-eat Bagged Popcorn Has the Most Calories?
Popcorn Indiana Movie Theater Butter Popcorn has a huge 600 calories per 100g / 3.5oz which is the most calories in all the bagged popcorn we listed. Make sure you don’t munch too much of that one!
Check out this article for more information on calories in movie theater popcorn.
Is Popcorn Good for Weight Loss?
Yes, popcorn can be good for weight loss.
Popcorn is a whole-grain food that is low in calories and high in fiber. For these reasons, it can be a helpful part of a weight loss diet. Popcorn is also a good source of antioxidants and has been linked to several health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes.
However, popcorn can also be high in sodium and sugar, so choosing healthy toppings and avoiding processed varieties is important. When eaten in moderation, popcorn can be a nutritious and satisfying snack that may help with weight loss. Moderation is the key!
How Much Protein in Popcorn
Popcorn is predominantly made up of carbohydrates but on average, contains around 11% protein.
Calories in Popcorn Toppings
Popcorn toppings can add a significant amount of calories to your popcorn so you must choose carefully if you’re trying to reduce your calorie intake.
Butter is one of the most popular choices, but it also happens to be one of the highest in calories, with 100 calories in just one tablespoon. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, salt is your best option as this doesn’t contain any calories.
High calories toppings to be wary of include caramel, chocolate, and sugar. Here’s a rough guide to the number of calories in some of the most popular popcorn toppings.
| Topping | Calories per Tablespoon |
|---|---|
| Butter | 100 |
| Caramel | 76 |
| Salt | 0 |
| Cheddar | 30 |
| Sugar | 48 |
| Cinnamon | 19 |
| Parmesan | 22 |
| Chocolate | 90 |
| Maple Syrup | 52 |
| Toffee | 40 |
Calorie values are approximate and should be used as a guide only.
Which Popcorn Topping has the Least Amount of Calories?
The popcorn topping with the least amount of calories is salt. Salt doesn’t really contain any calories so it’s a good choice if you’re looking to lose weight or reduce your overall calorie intake.
Which Popcorn Topping has the Most Amount of Calories?
Butter has the most amount of calories. Butter is a popular popcorn topping, especially at movie theatres, but it contains a lot of calories. Buttered popcorn should always be eaten in moderation (easier said than done!).
What Types of Fats are in Popcorn?
Believe it or not, all types of fats are in popcorn, and these do vary in quantity depending on the topping. The main type of fat in popcorn is polyunsaturated fat, which is a “good” fat that lowers cholesterol levels.
Popcorn also contains small amounts of monounsaturated fat and saturated fat. Although saturated fat has been demonized in recent years, it’s actually necessary for good health. The body needs saturated fat to absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K. Saturated fat also helps to maintain cell membranes and supports the immune system.
Plain, air-popped popcorn contains the lowest amount of fat; however, movie theater buttered popcorn contains a high amount of fat.
FAQs How Many Calories are in Popcorn
How many calories are in plain, air-popped popcorn?
A serving of plain, air-popped popcorn typically contains around 31 calories per cup (8 grams).
How many calories are in popcorn with butter?
Adding butter to popcorn increases its calorie content. On average, a cup of popcorn with butter can have around 122 calories.
What is the calorie count of popcorn with caramel or other sweet coatings?
Popcorn with sweet coatings like caramel tends to be higher in calories. Depending on the specific recipe and serving size, it can range from 100 to 150 calories per cup or even more.
How many calories are in microwave popcorn?
The calorie count of microwave popcorn can vary based on the brand and flavor. On average, a standard serving size of microwave popcorn (around 3 cups) contains approximately 120 to 180 calories.
Are there fewer calories in homemade popcorn compared to store-bought options?
Homemade popcorn can be a healthier option since you have control over the ingredients used. By using minimal oil and avoiding excessive toppings, you can reduce the calorie content compared to some store-bought varieties.
Do different popcorn kernel varieties have varying calorie counts?
The calorie content of different popcorn kernel varieties remains relatively similar. However, the specific preparation and added ingredients can significantly impact the overall calorie count.
How can I calculate the calorie content of popcorn if I use different toppings?
To calculate the calorie content with different toppings, you can refer to the nutrition labels on the packaging of the specific ingredients used. Add up the calories for each component to determine the total calorie count.
Is popcorn a low-calorie snack option?
Plain, air-popped popcorn can be a relatively low-calorie snack, particularly when compared to other snack foods like chips or cookies. However, it’s important to be mindful of the portion size and any added toppings or coatings that can increase the calorie content.
How many calories are in flavored popcorn?
Flavored popcorn, such as cheese or barbecue-flavored varieties, can have a higher calorie content compared to plain popcorn. Depending on the brand and serving size, it can range from 120 to 200 calories per cup.
Are there any low-calorie options for popcorn toppings?
Yes, there are low-calorie options for popcorn toppings. Some examples include using spices like cinnamon or nutritional yeast, which can add flavor without significantly increasing the calorie count.
How many calories are in popcorn from a movie theater?
Movie theater popcorn tends to be higher in calories due to the use of added butter or oil. A large serving of movie theater popcorn can have up to 1,000 calories or more.
Is popcorn a good choice for weight loss or calorie-conscious diets?
Plain, air-popped popcorn can be a good choice for weight loss or calorie-conscious diets as it is relatively low in calories and provides a satisfying crunch. However, it’s important to watch portion sizes and be mindful of any added ingredients or toppings.
Does the type of oil used in popcorn affect its calorie content?
The type of oil used in popcorn can affect its calorie content. For example, using coconut oil or butter can increase the calorie count compared to using healthier options like olive oil or avocado oil.
How accurate are the calorie estimates for popcorn?
Calorie estimates for popcorn can provide a rough idea of its calorie content. However, it’s important to note that the actual calorie count can vary depending on factors such as the brand, preparation method, and specific toppings or ingredients used.
Is Popcorn Empty Calories? 💭
Popcorn is sometimes considered to be ’empty calories’ as popped corn contains a lot of air. This can make for a filling snack with a relatively low-calorie count. Popcorn is a delicious snack and is often considered quite healthy, especially when compared to potato chips.
However, depending on the topping, it could contain a high amount of calories, so it should always be eaten in moderation.
Next, check out how healthy Smartfood’s white cheddar popcorn is.
