1 serving (50 grams) contains 225 calories, 3.0 grams of protein, 12.0 grams of fat, and 30.0 grams of carbohydrates.
Calories |
900 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48 g | 61% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20 g | 100% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1200 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrates | 120 g | 43% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20 g | 71% | |
| Sugars | 0 g | ||
| protein | 12 g | 24% | |
| Vitamin D | 0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 8 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.
Small movie popcorn is a popular snack originating from the Americas, where Indigenous people first cultivated maize. Traditionally tied to U.S. cinema culture, popcorn is made from kernels that expand and pop when heated due to their water content. A small serving (around 3 cups) of plain air-popped movie popcorn typically contains about 90-120 calories, 3 grams of protein, 1-4 grams of fat (depending on added butter or oil), and 18-20 grams of carbohydrates, including 3-4 grams of dietary fiber. When prepared with butter or salty toppings, the calorie, sodium, and fat content can significantly increase. Popcorn is naturally gluten-free, whole grain, and low in sugar, offering a quick source of energy.
Store plain, unpopped kernels in a cool, dry environment in an airtight container. Once popped, consume within a day or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
A small movie popcorn typically contains around 400-500 calories depending on the theater and if butter or oil toppings are added. It also provides about 5-6 grams of protein and is relatively low in vitamins and minerals, except for small amounts of dietary fiber from the popcorn itself.
Small movie popcorn can be suitable for a vegan diet if it is made with plant-based oils and does not have traditional butter or dairy-based flavoring. However, many cinemas use butter or butter-flavored toppings that may contain dairy, so it's important to check with the theater first.
Small movie popcorn provides some dietary fiber and is relatively low in sugar, but it can be high in sodium and saturated fats depending on the oil or butter used to prepare it. Regular consumption of heavily seasoned or buttered popcorn may contribute to health concerns like high blood pressure or weight gain.
A reasonable portion size for small movie popcorn is about 3-4 cups, which aligns closely with the serving size of a small container offered in most theaters. Avoid additional butter or toppings to keep the calorie and fat content lower.
Small movie popcorn is significantly higher in calories, fat, and sodium compared to air-popped popcorn due to the use of oils, flavoring, and seasoning. Air-popped popcorn is a healthier option, with fewer than 100 calories per 3-cup serving and negligible fat or sodium.
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.
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