How Many Calories Are In Microwave Popcorn?

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 oz.
Calories 122 (509kJ)
Amount Per Serving % Daily
Total Fat 2.7g 4%
Saturated Fat 0.4g 2%
Trans Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0g 0%
Sodium 139mg 6%
Total Carbohydrate 20.8g 7%
Dietary Fiber 4g 16%
Sugars 0.2g
Protein 3.6g 0%
Calcium <0.1%
Potassium 68.4mg 0%
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As a light snack to end off the night, microwave popcorn, if chosen wisely, can be a healthy addition to your diet.  This is going to be much safer than noshing on a bag of chips, which is often considered the alternative, so something that you should feel relatively comfortable turning to.

Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional content in microwave popcorn so you can quickly see the nutritional benefits it has to offer.

Major Nutrients Found In Microwave Popcorn

Compared to movie theatre popcorn, microwave popcorn, provided you choose the low fat variety is going to be much lower in total calories as well as fat and pack in a good dose of fiber as well.  It’s virtually free of sugars so will be a slower digesting source of carbohydrates, making it a decent evening snack.

Since popcorn does also offer a small dose of protein, this helps round out the nutrition it has to offer and makes it fit easily into your day.

You do need to be careful though because if you aren’t choosing the low fat variety of microwave popcorn, this food can actually contain trans fats, which are something that must be avoided at all costs.  Choosing wisely will ensure that you can easily fit this within the context of your meal plan.

Storing/Selecting

Microwave popcorn will last, sealed, for months at a time so store it in your pantry away from direct heat and light.  Try and select lower sodium and fat varieties of microwave popcorn and if you must, find alternative methods to add your own flavouring.

Eat It With:

Popcorn is typically eaten with soda, however due to the sugar content in that beverage, you’re best off serving it with a tall glass of lemon water instead.

Burn Off Calories In Microwave Popcorn

To burn off the number of calories in a serving of microwave popcorn you would have to do:

  • 15 minutes of hill climbing
  • 17 minutes of general tennis
  • 18 minutes of canoeing