1 serving (50 grams) contains 375 calories, 5.0 grams of protein, 30.0 grams of fat, and 30.0 grams of carbohydrates.
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Nutrition Information
Calories |
1785.7 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 142.9 g | 183% | |
| Saturated Fat | 71.4 g | 357% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2857.1 mg | 124% | |
| Total Carbohydrates | 142.9 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.8 g | 85% | |
| Sugars | 0 g | ||
| protein | 23.8 g | 47% | |
| Vitamin D | 0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 238.1 mg | 5% | |
* 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 Movie popcorn
Movie popcorn is a popular snack traditionally associated with theater-going, where kernels are popped and served warm, often seasoned with butter, salt, or other flavorings. Popcorn itself dates back thousands of years to indigenous cultures in Central and South America, where early maize was cultivated. Nutritionally, plain air-popped popcorn is relatively low in calories, high in dietary fiber, and provides small amounts of manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium. However, movie popcorn often contains substantial added fat, sodium, and artificial flavorings, which alter its nutritional profile. A typical serving can be calorie-dense due to added oil and butter toppings.
Health Benefits
- Rich in dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- Contains polyphenols, antioxidants that may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
- Provides magnesium, a mineral essential for nerve function and maintaining bone health.
Dietary Considerations
Selection and Storage
Store plain popcorn in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness; avoid storing buttered popcorn long-term as the fat may spoil.
Common Questions About Movie popcorn Nutrition
Is movie popcorn high in calories?
Yes, movie popcorn is generally high in calories, especially when topped with butter or other flavorings. A small serving (about 6 cups) of plain popcorn from a movie theater can range from 400 to 600 calories, and a large serving with butter can exceed 1,000 calories.
Can I eat movie popcorn on a keto diet?
Movie popcorn is not typically compatible with a keto diet due to its high carbohydrate content. A small serving can contain over 50 grams of carbs, making it unsuitable for keto, which typically limits carbs to 20-50 grams per day.
What health concerns are associated with movie popcorn?
Movie popcorn can be high in saturated fats, sodium, and calories, particularly if it's topped with butter or other additives. Excess sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, and the high calorie content can affect weight management. Additionally, some theaters use oils high in trans fats, which are harmful to cardiovascular health.
How much movie popcorn should I eat as a serving?
A reasonable portion size would be about 3 to 4 cups, which provides roughly 150-200 calories if the popcorn is air-popped without added butter. If eating theater popcorn, aim for the smallest available portion to manage calorie and fat intake.
How does movie popcorn compare to homemade popcorn?
Movie popcorn is typically much higher in calories, fat, and sodium than homemade popcorn. Homemade popcorn made with an air popper contains about 30 calories per cup with no added fat or salt, compared to movie popcorn, which may exceed 100-150 calories per cup depending on toppings and preparation methods.
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.
- Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025U.S. Department of AgricultureGeneral guidelines for snack foods like popcorn, highlighting healthy preparation and portion recommendations.
- Health Effects of Excessive Dietary SodiumNational Institutes of HealthDiscusses risks of high sodium intake, relevant to movie popcorn's typical sodium levels.
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.
