Popcorn is popular snack food, either purchased premade or made at home. The act of popping the kernels inside an air popper machine makes for an easy-to-eat and low-calorie treat.
However, many people like to add butter and other toppings that greatly change popcorn’s nutritional value.
How many calories are in a bag of popcorn?
Popcorn appears to have between 90–120 calories per bag when prepared without adding butter or oil. With added ingredients, the calories can dramatically increase.
For example, adding one teaspoon of butter increases the total calories by 52, and another tablespoon boosts calories to 200–210 per bag.
How many calories are in a whole bag of microwave popcorn?
The number of calories in a whole bag of microwave popcorn can vary widely. For example, an average two-gram bag of kernels heated in the microwave with three tablespoons (about 28 grams) of oil and one teaspoon (5 ml) of salt has 320 to 460 calories.
Some brands offer low-fat and lower-calorie versions containing roughly 20 percent fewer calories than traditional microwavable popcorn.
Microwave popcorn packets vary greatly depending on the size. A smaller three-ounce serving contains 200 to 240 calories, while larger nine-ounce servings have 550 to 700 calories.
The calorie count for specific brands varies drastically, with some providing more or less fat, sugar, or sodium per serving compared to other brands.
Many companies also offer low-fat and lower-calorie versions containing roughly 20 percent fewer calories than traditional microwavable popcorn.
In addition to the ingredients themselves, the preparation of popcorn can impact calorie count as well.
For example, stirring a small amount of oil into freshly popped kernels adds about 60 calories per three-ounce serving.
The same portion heated in a separate pan with no oil contains just 30 calories.
How many calories are in a regular bag of popcorn?
A regular bag of popcorn often contains around three servings.
One serving is about one cup, or around 120 grams, which leads to 270 calories if the bag’s contents are air-popped.
If you prefer to have your kernels popped in oil instead, there are more calories. A single serving is around 110 grams and has 300 calories if the bag is air-popped, but it would contain 375 calories if it were popped in oil instead.
For example, 100 grams of popcorn prepared using kernels yields 139 calories per serving. If it was prepared using the air popping technique, a single serving would yield 150 calories.
To pop popcorn like this at home, use about one tablespoon (15 ml) of cooking oil in a saucepan with a lid. Coat the bottom of the pan in oil and add three kernels.
When one pops, add 1/3 cup (75 ml) of popcorn kernels to the pan and cover it with a lid. Gently shake until most kernels have popped, taking care not to burn yourself on steam or hot oil.
Leaving the stove on medium heat for around five minutes per batch will make all kernels pop.
This yields roughly ten batches from 100 grams worth of kernels, whose calories range from 217 to 268 depending on how they’re prepared.
If you want a healthier option, air-popped popcorn is an excellent choice at just 31 calories per serving or around 2 cups.
If you prefer to have your kernels popped in oil instead, there are more calories. A single serving is around 110 grams and has 300 calories if the bag is air-popped, but it would contain 375 calories if it were popped in oil instead.
For example, 100 grams of popcorn prepared using kernels yields 139 calories per serving. If it was prepared using the air popping technique, a single serving would yield 150 calories.
To pop popcorn like this at home, use about one tablespoon (15 ml) of cooking oil in a saucepan with a lid.
Coat the bottom of the pan in oil and add three kernels. When one pops, add 1/3 cup (75 ml) of popcorn kernels to the pan and cover it with a lid.
Gently shake until most kernels have popped, taking care not to burn yourself on steam or hot oil.
Tips to burn calories at home without a workout.
Use these tips to burn calories at home without a workout.
1) Cut down on sugar and salt
We consume lots of sugar and salt in our diet. They make us feel full but don’t nourish the body. When you come back from work tired, a cup of tea and biscuit seem like a good idea, but they add more calories. Without realizing it, we eat more than required and put on weight.
2) Active day
If possible, walk or cycle to the office instead of taking the car or other means of transport.
This saves petrol which can be used for cooking and exercise as you mentioned below in your article about exercising after office hours. Take stairs instead of the lift or walk while talking on the phone at home.
3) Get active
Do not sit for long hours in front of the television or computer and avoid taking the car and other means to travel short distances (less than 5km). Walking, cycling or jogging is a good way to start your exercise regime.
Moreover, the advantage of exercising after office hours is that you don’t need to take additional burdens by squeezing these exercises into your already tight schedule. It works wonders, especially when you incorporate this with a healthy diet.
4) Quit smoking
Smoking leads to constriction of blood vessels, which reduces the supply of oxygen, nutrients, and important minerals like calcium and potassium, etc., essential for the normal functioning of our cells and organs. So quitting smoking can substantially reduce appetite leading indirectly to weight loss.
5) Reduce calories
It is always better to avoid calorie-rich and nutrient-poor foods for weight loss and maintenance.
These food items include samosas, pizzas, burgers, etc., which also cause harm by adding lots of oil and trans fats that lead to clogged arteries.
Conclusion
Popcorn can be a healthy snack if prepared with the right ingredients. There are many ways to add flavor without adding calories or unhealthy ingredients, such as tortilla chips and salsa, hummus and pita chips, vegetables and ranch dressing, etc.
The best way to enjoy popcorn is in moderation! Don’t eat an entire bag of microwave popcorn in one sitting.
However, eating a small amount of microwave popcorn is better than not eating any at all!
So when you have a craving for movie-style popcorn at home, try making your recipe instead of buying pre-packaged microwavable bags which can be high in fat and sodium.
Almond bark adds a sweet flavor to this salty-and-crunchy snack, but be careful eating it in large quantities.
A serving is only one ounce, which means you’ll have to measure out your portion.