1 serving (28 grams) contains 110 calories, 3.0 grams of protein, 2.0 grams of fat, and 22.0 grams of carbohydrates.
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Nutrition Information
Calories |
880.0 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.0 g | 20% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1600 mg | 69% | |
| Total Carbohydrates | 176.0 g | 64% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 32 g | 114% | |
| Sugars | 0 g | ||
| protein | 24 g | 48% | |
| Vitamin D | 0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Iron | 4.8 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 400.0 mg | 8% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Food Attributes
Source of Calories
About Light popcorn
Light popcorn is a popular snack derived from maize (corn), a crop native to the Americas and domesticated around 9,000 years ago. Often considered a staple of casual and cinema-style dining, it is airy and crisp when prepared using minimal oil or air-popping techniques. Nutritionally, light popcorn is low in calories (approximately 30 calories per cup when air-popped) and provides dietary fiber, making it a filling, whole-grain snack. It also contains small amounts of vitamins like B vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus. Light popcorn is an unprocessed snack option with no added sugar or significant fat content, which contributes to its status as a healthier alternative to traditional buttered popcorn.
Health Benefits
- Promotes digestion due to its high dietary fiber content (1.2 grams per cup).
- Supports energy metabolism as it provides small amounts of B vitamins such as folate and niacin.
- Contributes to bone health through its magnesium content (approximately 7 mg per cup).
Dietary Considerations
Selection and Storage
Store unpopped kernels in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption. Once popped, keep popcorn in a sealed container for up to a week to maintain its crisp texture.
Common Questions About Light popcorn Nutrition
Is light popcorn high in protein?
Light popcorn is not particularly high in protein. A standard serving of 3 cups (approximately 24g) contains around 2-3 grams of protein, making it a low-protein snack compared to other options like nuts or seeds.
Can I eat light popcorn on a keto diet?
Light popcorn is not ideal for a keto diet because it is relatively high in carbohydrates. A serving of 3 cups contains around 15-20 grams of carbs, which might exceed the daily carb limit for strict keto dieters. It may work in small portions for a more flexible version of low-carb diets.
What are the health benefits or concerns of eating light popcorn?
Light popcorn is a low-calorie, whole-grain snack that provides dietary fiber, supporting digestion and promoting satiety. However, some pre-packaged varieties may contain added salt, oils, or flavoring agents, which can increase sodium or fat content. Choose plain or air-popped versions for the healthiest option.
How much light popcorn should I eat per serving?
A reasonable serving size of light popcorn is approximately 3 cups, which contains around 90-120 calories and provides about 3.5 grams of fiber. This portion size is considered appropriate for a low-calorie snack and helps control calorie intake while still satisfying hunger.
How does light popcorn compare to regular or buttered popcorn?
Light popcorn typically contains less fat and fewer calories compared to regular or buttered popcorn. For example, light popcorn has about 90-120 calories and 2 grams of fat per 3-cup serving, whereas buttered popcorn can contain upwards of 150-200 calories and 10 grams of fat per serving. Air-popping light popcorn is a cleaner preparation choice for reducing calorie and fat content.
Data Sources & Scientific References
Our nutrition data comes from trusted, authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. Below are specific scientific references and authoritative sources for this food item.
Additional Authoritative Sources:
Daily value percentages based on FDA guidelines. Nutrient recommendations from NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
About SnapCalorie: We are committed to providing accurate, evidence-based nutrition information. Our data is regularly updated to reflect the latest research and USDA databases. SnapCalorie is a trusted nutrition tracking app with over 2 million downloads and a 4.8/5 star rating.
