Microwave Popcorn Calories

Microwave popcorn is a popular choice among many, as an evening snack, or while watching the big game or a favorite movie at home. Also, there is an immense variety of microwave popcorn now available for you to choose from. However, have you ever thought about calories in microwave popcorn and other nutrition facts? Popcorn itself is considered to be a healthy snack, but with the availability of numerous flavors and types of microwave popcorn, the calories also just keep multiplying. Indulging in these rich and delicious flavors once in a while, is however, acceptable. We all have our weaknesses and sometimes it's okay to give in to them!

Microwave Popcorn Nutrition Facts

As mentioned before, popcorn itself is healthy, and nutritious because it is made from a whole grain. However, it is all the additives and flavors that contribute to the increased calories in popcorn. The table presented below enlists exact details of how many calories in microwave popcorn of different types, and all its other nutrition facts. The nutritional data is based on a serving of 1 ounce or 28 grams, where:

• g = grams
• mg = milligrams
• IU = International Units

Microwave Popcorn Type (1 oz - 28 g)	Calories	Carbohydrates	Fats	Proteins	Vitamin A	Calcium	Magnesium	Phosphorus	Potassium	Sodium
Regular Oil-Popped	163	12.6 g	12.2 g	2.0 g	43.1 IU	1.1 mg	22.1 mg	55.7 mg	51.0 mg	296 mg
Butter Flavored (made with palm oil)	148	15.6 g	8.4 g	2.4 g	39.8 IU	5.6 mg	25.8 mg	65.5 mg	61.3 mg	216 mg
Butter Flavor (made with partially hydrogenated oil)	148	15.6 g	8.4 g	2.4 g	70.6 IU	5.6 mg	25.8 mg	65.5 mg	61.3 mg	216 mg
Low Fat	119	20.2 g	2.7 g	3.5g	66.6 IU	3.1 mg	42.3 mg	73.9 mg	67.5 mg	248 mg
Low Fat and Low Sodium	120	20.6 g	2.7 g	3.5 g	41.2 IU	3.1 mg	42.3 mg	73.9 mg	67.5 mg	137 mg

Dangers of Eating Microwave Popcorn

Though it may seem harmless and light, microwave popcorn has its own set of dangers on regular consumption. As is the case with every processed and pre-packed food, it can never be as healthy as the original food item itself.

• As you may have noticed in the data presented above, microwave popcorn is high in sodium levels, which can be dangerous for the body in the long run. Eating too much salt results in bloating and other health related problems.
• A study by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has discovered the presence of a chemical in microwave popcorn bags, that breaks down in the process of heating. The acid that is extracted from this chemical could be a potential cause of cancer in human beings.
• The presence of a chemical called 'daicetyl' in the fake butter flavoring in microwave popcorn, is under research by the FDA, as a cause for lung cancer due to prolonged inhalation of this chemical. Due to this research, several manufacturers now do not use this chemical in their products.
• Microwave popcorn is enriched with artificial flavors and in some cases, food coloring too, which may be dangerous in the long run. It is better then, to make your own version of healthy microwave popcorn at home.

To make your own microwave popcorn, in a dish, pour some olive oil, and a little salt, and add regular popcorn kernels. Cover it and heat it on a high temperature. In the process of heating, you will hear the kernels being popped. Stop the microwave when the popping reduces to a minimum. Be careful not to burn the popcorn. It would ideally take 5 - 6 minutes for this procedure, though the temperatures vary among different brands of microwaves. You can also opt for air-popped popcorn if you are unsure about following this procedure in the microwave. These calories are definitely healthier than the brands of microwave popcorn available in the market.