Product HUB

Categories

Compare products

Top products

Home

Candy and chocolate

Popcorn

Popcorn — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips

Popcorn photo

Listonic Team

September 6, 2024

When prepared correctly, popcorn is a healthy snack that's both tasty and satisfying. Explore the best kernels for popping, learn about the benefits of air-popped versus microwaved popcorn, and find out how to keep it fresh.

Popcorn nutrients

Check the detailed nutritional values of popcorn, including information such as calories, fats, carbohydrates, and proteins per 100 grams of the product.

Nutrition facts

Amount per 100 g

Calories

🔥 375 kcal

Nutrients per: 100 g% Daily Value*
Carbs78 g28.36%
Fiber15 g53.57%
Sugars1 g2%
Glycemic Index55 -
Protein11 g22%
Sodium7 mg0.3%
Total Fat4 5.13%

*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Among other things, here's what makes popcorn stand out:

15 g

✅ High Fiber Content

11 g

🧀 Good Protein Content

Popcorn facts & tips

😋
Popcorn is a whole grain and can be a healthy snack when prepared without excessive butter and salt.
📦
Store unpopped popcorn kernels in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to two years. Once popped, store popcorn in an airtight container and consume within a few days for the best freshness.

Health benefits

Discover how popcorn, when air-popped and lightly seasoned, can be a low-calorie, fiber-rich snack that supports healthy weight management and overall well-being.
  • High in fiber, promoting digestive health, regular bowel movements, and a healthy gut microbiome.
  • Low in calories when air-popped and without added fats, making it a healthy snack option for weight management.
  • Contains antioxidants such as polyphenols, which help protect the body from free radicals.
  • Provides whole grains, which are beneficial for heart health and overall well-being.

Health risks

Understand the associated risks with popcorn.
  • High fat and sodium content in many commercial or microwave popcorn varieties, which can contribute to hypertension, increased cardiovascular risks, and weight gain.
  • Risk of digestive discomfort such as bloating or gas when consumed in large quantities, particularly if not properly chewed.
  • Potential for artificial additives such as preservatives, flavorings, or colorings in some commercial popcorn, which may cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.
  • Risk of choking particularly in young children if the popcorn is not properly chewed before swallowing.
Conversion widget image

Add popcorn to your digital grocery list!

How to choose popcorn

Quality popcorn kernels should be uniform in size and have a golden color, ensuring they pop evenly. The kernels should be free of dust and debris, stored in a sealed container to maintain freshness.

Avoid popcorn that has a high number of unpopped kernels in the bag or smells musty, as these signs can indicate old or poor-quality corn. Packages with tears or holes should also be avoided, as exposure to air can make the kernels less likely to pop.

How to choose popcorn

How to store popcorn

Unpopped popcorn should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This helps keep the kernels fresh and ensures they pop well. Properly stored, popcorn kernels can last for up to a year.

Humidity can affect the popping quality of popcorn kernels. Avoid storing them near sources of moisture, which can lead to mold and spoilage. Always keep the container tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent pests.

✅ Extra Tip

For optimal popping, consider storing popcorn kernels in the freezer; this helps maintain the right moisture level inside the kernels, ensuring they pop better.

How long does it last?

Popcorn can last for 6-12 months when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Once popped, it is best consumed within 1-2 weeks.

What to do with leftovers?

Leftover popcorn can be used in a variety of fun and creative ways. Toss it with melted butter, cheese, or spices for a savory snack, or mix it with caramel, chocolate, or marshmallows for a sweet treat. Popcorn is also great when used as a topping for salads, soups, or casseroles, adding a crunchy texture.

Use popcorn as a base for popcorn balls by mixing it with melted marshmallows and pressing into balls, or make a batch of popcorn trail mix by combining it with nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate. If you have a lot of popcorn, consider making a batch of popcorn brittle by coating the popcorn in caramel and baking until crispy. Popcorn can also be used as a crunchy topping for ice cream or yogurt, or mixed into a no-bake bar with peanut butter and honey. For a quick snack, reheat popcorn in the oven and toss with your favorite seasonings, or mix it into a savory or sweet snack mix.

👨‍⚕️️ Medical disclaimer

The content on this website is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

How popcorn supports specific health conditions

Popcorn is a whole grain snack rich in fiber, supporting digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements. It is also low in calories, making it ideal for weight management. When air-popped and lightly seasoned, popcorn provides a healthy, low-fat snack option that can also be a source of antioxidants, promoting heart health. Avoiding excessive butter or salt ensures maximum health benefits from this nutritious snack.

Discover products from other categories