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Popcorn Calories by Type

Air-Popped (1 cup)
31 cal
8g
Oil-Popped (1 cup)
55 cal
11g
Microwave Butter (1 cup)
64 cal
11g
Microwave Bag (full)
480 cal
~8 cups
Theater Small
400 cal
~6 cups
Theater Large
1200 cal
~20 cups

Health Benefits of Popcorn

Whole Grain

Popcorn is 100% unprocessed whole grain, one of the healthiest snack options.

High Volume, Low Calorie

3 cups of air-popped popcorn has only 93 calories - great for satisfying snack cravings.

Rich in Fiber

1.2g fiber per cup supports digestive health and keeps you feeling full.

Antioxidants

Contains polyphenol antioxidants that may protect against chronic diseases.

Track Popcorn Instantly with Cal AI

Just snap a photo of your popcorn and Cal AI will automatically log the calories and nutrition.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in popcorn?

One cup of air-popped popcorn has only 31 calories. Microwave butter popcorn has about 64 calories per cup. Movie theater popcorn can have 400-1200 calories for a small to large bucket due to added butter and oil.

Is popcorn good for weight loss?

Yes, air-popped popcorn is excellent for weight loss. At just 31 calories per cup, it's a high-volume, low-calorie snack that keeps you feeling full. It's also a whole grain with fiber. Avoid adding butter and excessive salt for best results.

Is popcorn a healthy snack?

Plain air-popped popcorn is very healthy. It's a whole grain, high in fiber, low in calories, and contains polyphenol antioxidants. However, microwave and movie theater popcorn often have added fats, sodium, and artificial flavors that reduce the health benefits.

How many calories in a bag of microwave popcorn?

A standard 3.5oz bag of microwave butter popcorn contains about 400-500 calories for the entire bag (about 8 cups popped). Light or 94% fat-free versions have about 240-280 calories per bag. Always check the label as brands vary.

Is popcorn keto-friendly?

Popcorn is not ideal for strict keto diets. One cup has 6g carbs (5g net carbs). However, a small portion (1-2 cups) can fit into a relaxed low-carb diet. For strict keto, consider pork rinds as a crunchy alternative.