Movie theatre popcorn

Snack

Item Rating: 40/100

1 serving (50 grams) contains 375 calories, 5.0 grams of protein, 30.0 grams of fat, and 30.0 grams of carbohydrates.

Nutrition Information

1 cup (200g)

Calories		1500
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		120 g	153%
	Saturated Fat	60 g	300%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0 g
Cholesterol		0 mg	0%
Sodium		2400 mg	104%
Total Carbohydrates		120 g	43%
	Dietary Fiber	20 g	71%
	Sugars	0 g
protein		20 g	40%
Vitamin D		0 mcg	0%
Calcium		0 mg	0%
Iron		2 mg	11%
Potassium		200 mg	4%

* 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

🍯 Low sugar

⚠️ Contains trans fat

🧈 High saturated fat

Source of Calories

Fat: 1080 cal (65.9%)

Protein: 80 cal (4.9%)

Carbs: 480 cal (29.3%)

About Movie theatre popcorn

Movie theatre popcorn is a popular snack typically made from whole-grain corn kernels that are heated until they pop. Originating from the Americas, popcorn has been a staple for centuries and is now synonymous with cinema culture worldwide. Traditional movie theatre popcorn is prepared with added butter or butter-flavored oils and is often heavily salted, resulting in a high-calorie and high-sodium profile. Without added toppings, plain air-popped popcorn is naturally low in calories and fat while being rich in dietary fiber. A standard large serving at theaters, however, can exceed 1,000 calories, with significant amounts of saturated fats and sodium due to preparation methods.

Health Benefits

• Popcorn is a whole grain and contains dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
• It is a source of polyphenols, antioxidants that may reduce oxidative stress and support overall cellular health.
• Plain popcorn contains small amounts of B vitamins, such as niacin and thiamine, which contribute to energy metabolism.

Dietary Considerations

Allergens: Contains none, unless butter or other dairy additives are used

Suitable for: Vegetarian, vegan (if no butter is used), gluten-free

Not suitable for: Low-sodium, low-fat, dairy allergy (if butter added)

Selection and Storage

Store unpopped kernels in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. Once popped, consume immediately for freshness, or store in an airtight container for up to 1 day to prevent staling.

Common Questions About Movie theatre popcorn Nutrition

Is movie theatre popcorn high in calories?

Yes, movie theatre popcorn is typically high in calories due to the added butter or oil used in preparation. A medium serving (around 10 cups) can contain 600-1,200 calories depending on the toppings added, with substantial saturated fat and sodium content.

Can I eat movie theatre popcorn on a keto diet?

Movie theatre popcorn is not ideal for a keto diet as it contains a significant amount of carbohydrates. For example, a medium serving can have over 50g of carbs, which exceeds the daily carbohydrate limit for most keto plans.

Is movie theatre popcorn vegan or vegetarian?

Movie theatre popcorn is typically vegetarian as it’s largely made from popped corn. However, its vegan compatibility depends on the seasoning and butter used. Many theatres use non-dairy buttery flavoring, but you should check ingredients or ask staff to confirm.

What is a healthy portion size for movie theatre popcorn?

A healthy portion size would be about 3-4 cups of plain, air-popped popcorn, which contains around 90-120 calories. Given the high calorie and sodium content in theatre popcorn, consider sharing a small size or requesting no butter to reduce added fats.

How does movie theatre popcorn compare to air-popped popcorn?

Movie theatre popcorn is much higher in calories, fat, and sodium compared to air-popped popcorn. Air-popped popcorn has approximately 30 calories per cup with negligible fat, while theatre popcorn can contain up to 60-120 calories per cup due to oil, butter, and salt.

Data Sources & Scientific References