Pop Secret Homestyle microwave popcorn is a popular snack food. Many people enjoy popcorn as a tasty, low calorie snack. However, the number of calories can quickly add up if you eat an entire bag of popcorn in one sitting. Knowing the calorie count per bag is important for people monitoring their calorie intake.
The number of calories in a bag of Pop Secret Homestyle popcorn depends on the size of the bag. Pop Secret sells Homestyle popcorn in three sizes: individual snack size bags (2.5 oz), medium bags (10.5 oz), and family size bags (18 oz). The calorie count increases with the bag size.
Calories per Serving
According to the Pop Secret website, the calorie count per serving of Pop Secret Homestyle popcorn is:
Serving Size | Calories |
---|---|
2.5 oz (Individual bag) | 110 calories |
10.5 oz (Medium bag) | 460 calories |
18 oz (Family size) | 810 calories |
The individual snack size bag contains 110 calories per serving. The medium bag has 460 calories per serving. The family size bag contains 810 calories per serving.
Keep in mind the calorie count on the Pop Secret website is based on one serving size. The snack size bag is one serving, but many people eat the entire medium or family size bag which contains multiple servings.
Calories for Entire Bag
If you eat the entire bag of popcorn, the total calories are:
Bag Size | Total Calories |
---|---|
2.5 oz | 110 calories |
10.5 oz | 460 calories |
18 oz | 810 calories |
The calorie count for the whole snack size bag is 110 calories.
For the medium 10.5 oz bag, the total calories if you eat the entire bag is 460 calories.
The family size 18 oz bag of Pop Secret Homestyle popcorn contains 810 calories if you eat the whole bag.
As you can see, the calorie count jumps significantly as the bag size increases. Even though popcorn is low in calories by volume, it adds up quickly when you eat an entire bag.
Popcorn Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for Pop Secret Homestyle popcorn according to the Pop Secret website:
Snack Size Bag (2.5 oz)
Amount Per Serving |
---|
Calories 110 |
Total Fat 4.5g |
Saturated Fat 1g |
Trans Fat 0g |
Cholesterol 0mg |
Sodium 290mg |
Total Carbohydrate 18g |
Dietary Fiber 3g |
Total Sugars 0g |
Protein 3g |
Medium Bag (10.5 oz)
Amount Per Serving |
---|
Calories 460 |
Total Fat 17g |
Saturated Fat 4g |
Trans Fat 0g |
Cholesterol 0mg |
Sodium 610mg |
Total Carbohydrate 76g |
Dietary Fiber 12g |
Total Sugars 0g |
Protein 12g |
Family Size Bag (18 oz)
Amount Per Serving |
---|
Calories 810 |
Total Fat 22g |
Saturated Fat 8g |
Trans Fat 0g |
Cholesterol 0mg |
Sodium 970mg |
Total Carbohydrate 138g |
Dietary Fiber 17g |
Total Sugars 0g |
Protein 20g |
As you can see, the main nutrients in popcorn are carbohydrates and fiber. There is also a small amount of protein and fat. Popcorn gets most of its calories from carbohydrates. Even though fat is relatively low compared to other snacks, the calories still add up when you eat a whole bag.
Reasons Calories Increase with Bag Size
There are a few reasons why the calorie count increases dramatically with larger bag sizes of popcorn:
More Servings
Larger bags contain more servings per bag. For example, the medium 10.5 oz bag contains approximately 4 servings while the family size 18 oz bag has about 7 servings. If you eat the entire bag, you’re consuming 4-7 servings in one sitting which means a lot more calories.
More Oil and Butter
Bigger bags mean there’s more room in the bag for oil and butter flavoring. Pop Secret uses canola and/or soybean oil along with real butter to flavor the popcorn. More oil and butter equals more calories per bag.
More Kernels
With bigger bag sizes, there are simply more popcorn kernels in each bag. More kernels equals more starch and carbohydrates when popped which results in more calories.
People Eat More from Bigger Packages
Research shows people unintentionally eat more from larger packages, even when they’re not hungry. This is known as the portion size effect. When served a larger portion, people tend to eat more regardless of serving size. With a giant bag of popcorn in front of you, it’s easy to mindlessly overeat.
Tips for Reducing Calories When Eating Popcorn
Here are some tips to cut calories when enjoying popcorn:
Stick to Snack Size Bags
The individual snack size bags are a pre-portioned 110 calories which can fit into a healthy diet. Avoid the temptation of bigger bags.
Read Serving Sizes
Be aware of the serving size and number of servings per container. Remember the calorie count listed is usually for one serving, not the entire bag.
Split Large Bags
If you do buy a large bag, split it into smaller 100-200 calorie portions in snack size bags right away. Store extra servings out of sight.
Flavored or Plain
Opt for plain popcorn over flavored varieties to avoid extra oil, butter, and other calorie-boosting flavors. Season lightly with herbs, spices, or just a dash of salt.
Avoid Butter Topping
Buttered popcorn contains around double the calories vs air popped. Skip pouring on butter after microwaving to save calories.
Control Portions
Measure your portion into a bowl rather than eating straight from the bag. This helps you control portions and be more mindful of how much you’re eating.
Satisfy Cravings
If you’re craving a salty, crunchy snack, popcorn can satisfy the urge with less calories than other crunchy treats. Just keep portions in check.
Health Benefits of Popcorn
Despite the high calorie count of movie theater popcorn varieties, plain air popped popcorn is actually a healthy, nutritious snack in moderation. Here are some of the health benefits:
High in Fiber
Popcorn provides a good amount of fiber with around 12 grams per 3.5 ounces. Fiber keeps you full, aids digestion, and promotes heart health.
Whole Grain
Popcorn is a whole grain, meaning it contains the entire grain kernel with bran, germ, and endosperm. Whole grains provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients.
Low in Fat
Plain popcorn without extra oil or butter is very low in fat with just 1 gram per serving. This makes it a diet-friendly snack.
Gluten-Free
Popcorn is naturally gluten-free. This makes it a great snack option for anyone with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Antioxidants
Popcorn contains antioxidants including polyphenols that may help protect cells from damage. Antioxidants are beneficial for health.
When eaten in moderation and without lots of added fat or calories, popcorn can be part of a healthy diet as well as a satisfying lower-calorie snack. Just be mindful of portion sizes to keep calories under control.
Conclusion
The number of calories in a bag of Pop Secret Homestyle microwave popcorn ranges from 110 calories for a snack size bag up to 810 calories for a family size bag. Bigger bag sizes contain more servings, more butter and oil, and more popcorn kernels which all contribute to a higher calorie count. Be mindful of portion sizes, stick to snack bags, and avoid extra butter to keep popcorn a healthy low calorie snack. Enjoy popcorn in moderation as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle.