How many calories in a bag of popped pop secret popcorn?

Popcorn is a popular and delicious snack food enjoyed by many. Pop Secret is one of the most well-known brands of popcorn on the market. When air-popped, popcorn is naturally low in calories. However, when popcorn is prepared in oil or with added butter, the calorie count can increase significantly.

For those watching their calorie intake or managing their weight, understanding the calorie content of a typical bag of popcorn is important. In this article, we will explore how many calories are in a bag of popped Pop Secret popcorn, looking at calorie counts for different Pop Secret products and flavors.

Calories in Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn

Most people prepare their Pop Secret popcorn by popping it in the microwave. This is one of the simplest and most convenient ways to enjoy popcorn at home. Below are the calorie counts for Pop Secret’s main microwave popcorn offerings:

Pop Secret 94% Fat Free Microwave Popcorn

– Single serve bag (1.2 oz): 70 calories

– Snack size bag (2.5 oz): 120 calories

– Movie Theater Butter size bag (3.5 oz): 160 calories

Pop Secret Butter Microwave Popcorn

– Single serve bag (1.2 oz): 80 calories

– Snack size bag (2.5 oz): 140 calories

– Movie Theater Butter size bag (3.5 oz): 190 calories

Pop Secret Homestyle Microwave Popcorn

– Single serve bag (1.2 oz): 90 calories

– Snack size bag (2.5 oz): 150 calories

– Movie Theater Butter size bag (3.5 oz): 200 calories

As you can see, calorie counts range from 70 calories per serving up to 200 calories depending on the size of the bag and flavor. The 94% fat free options are the lowest in calories while the regular and homestyle versions with butter are higher.

Calories in Pop Secret Kettle Corn Microwave Popcorn

In addition to their regular popcorn, Pop Secret makes a kettle corn flavor. Kettle corn is popcorn that is tossed with a sweet flavor coating after popping. Here are the nutrition facts for Pop Secret’s kettle corn microwave popcorn:

– Single serve bag (1.2 oz): 80 calories

– Snack size bag (2.5 oz): 140 calories

– Movie Theater size bag (3.5 oz): 190 calories

The kettle corn flavor has a very similar calorie count to Pop Secret’s butter and homestyle flavors. The sweet coating adds a bit more calories than Pop Secret’s 94% fat free plain popcorn.

Calories in Pop Secret Popcorn Cakes

Pop Secret also offers pre-popped Popcorn Cakes. These are flattened cakes of popcorn held together with a binding agent. Popcorn cakes make individual portioned snacks. Here are the calorie counts:

Fudge Popcorn Cakes

– Mini popcorn cakes (0.8 oz): 70 calories each

– Regular popcorn cakes (1.5 oz): 140 calories each

Kettle Corn Popcorn Cakes

– Mini popcorn cakes (0.8 oz): 60 calories each

– Regular popcorn cakes (1.5 oz): 120 calories each

The kettle corn flavored popcorn cakes are slightly lower in calories than the fudge flavor. But both offer a portable single-serve lower calorie popcorn snack.

Factors Affecting Calories in Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn

When looking at the calorie content of Pop Secret microwave popcorn, here are some of the factors that affect the calorie count:

Portion Size

Larger bag sizes contain more popcorn and therefore more calories. The snack size bags range from 120-150 calories while the movie theater size bags provide 160-200 calories. Pay attention to portion size if watching calories.

Flavor and Additives

Plain air-popped popcorn is the lowest in calories. Pop Secret’s 94% fat free popcorn has the lowest calories of their microwave bags. The butter and homestyle flavors which contain butter and other flavor coatings are higher in calories.

Popping Method

Pop Secret microwave popcorn relies on oil to pop the popcorn. This adds some calories. Air-popped popcorn avoids oil and is even lower in calories.

Additions After Popping

What you add on top of your popcorn affects the calories too. Adding butter, olive oil, or other dressings increases the calories versus eating it plain.

Popcorn Type	Serving Size	Calories
94% Fat Free	Snack Size (2.5oz)	120
Butter	Snack Size (2.5oz)	140
Homestyle	Snack Size (2.5oz)	150
Kettle Corn	Snack Size (2.5oz)	140

Choosing Lower Calorie Popcorn Options

If you are looking for ways to enjoy popcorn as a lower calorie snack, here are some tips:

– Stick to single serve or snack size bags to control portions

– Choose flavors labeled 94% fat free or light for the lowest calorie options

– Air-pop your own popcorn at home to avoid oil used in microwave bags

– Top with seasonings instead of butter or oil after popping

– Measure added butter or oil if using on air-popped corn

– Select 100 calorie mini bags for portion control

Healthy Serving Sizes for Popcorn

When incorporated into a balanced diet, popcorn can be part of a healthy eating plan. Here are some recommended healthy serving sizes for popcorn:

– 3 cups of air-popped popcorn (about 100 calories)

– 1 snack size bag of light microwave popcorn (100-130 calories)

– 1 cup popped popcorn with 1 tsp olive oil or 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese (150-170 calories)

– 2 mini 100 calorie bags of microwave popcorn

Sticking to these sized portions allows you to enjoy popcorn as a diet-friendly snack while keeping calories in check.

Nutritional Profile of Popcorn

In its air-popped form without additives, popcorn is naturally low in calories and high in fiber. Here is the nutritional profile of air-popped popcorn per 100 grams:

– Calories: 387

– Protein: 12.02 g

– Carbohydrates: 79.51 g

– Fat: 4.64 g

– Fiber: 18.0 g

So in addition to being low in calories, popcorn provides filling fiber. This makes it a voluminous snack for few calories.

Popcorn vs. Other Popular Snacks

Compared to other snack choices, plain air-popped popcorn is lower in calories by volume than many alternatives. Look at how it compares per 100 gram serving:

Snack Food	Calories
Popcorn (air-popped)	387
Pretzels	379
Potato chips	536
Tortilla chips	448
Pita chips	407
Trail mix	567

As you can see, plain popcorn is lower in calories than these other popular crunchy snacks. So reaching for air-popped popcorn can be a healthier choice for snacking occasions.

Tips for Lightening up Your Popcorn

If you want to enjoy popcorn while keeping your snack light, here are some easy tips:

Season with Spices

Skip the butter and sprinkle on spices like garlic powder, chili powder, or cumin for extra flavor without the added fat and calories.

Use Oil Mister

Lightly mist air-popped corn with an oil mister to add just a touch of oil without soaking the popcorn.

Try Flavored Salts

Look for fun seasoned salt blends to sprinkle on your popcorn. Flavors like ranch, lime chili, and parmesan add big flavor for just a few calories.

Drizzle with Balsamic Vinegar

Aged balsamic vinegar adds sweetness and tang without many calories.

Use Non-Stick Spray

Lightly coat your popcorn bowl with non-stick spray before adding popcorn to prevent sticking.

Satisfying Low-Calorie Popcorn Recipes

You can enjoy flavor-packed popcorn while still minding calories with these slimmed-down popcorn recipes:

Cajun Popcorn

Ingredients:

– 10 cups air-popped popcorn
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1⁄4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1⁄4 tsp dried oregano
– 1⁄4 tsp garlic powder
– 1⁄4 tsp onion powder
– Salt to taste

Directions:

Mix dry seasoning ingredients together in a small bowl. Drizzle popped popcorn with a spritz of olive oil or non-stick spray. Sprinkle the cajun seasoning blend over the popcorn and toss to coat evenly. Enjoy this spicy low-calorie snack!

Sweet and Salty Popcorn

Ingredients:

– 10 cups air-popped popcorn
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1⁄4 tsp cinnamon
– Pinch of salt

Directions:

Drizzle honey over popped popcorn. Add cinnamon and salt. Toss until popcorn is evenly coated in the sweet mixture.

Cheesy Ranch Popcorn

Ingredients:

– 10 cups air-popped popcorn
– 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– 1 tsp dried dill
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a small bowl, mix together the parmesan cheese, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the popcorn and toss to distribute evenly. Enjoy this savory and creamy ranch-flavored popcorn.

Conclusion

When popped plain without any additives, popcorn is a healthy and satisfying lower calorie snack. Even Pop Secret’s Butter Microwave Popcorn can be a reasonable treat when consumed in moderation. Sticking to snacks size bags, choosing lighter options like 94% fat free, and adding your own lower calorie seasonings can all help keep your popcorn snack under control calorie-wise. With so many delicious flavor possibilities, popcorn gives you plenty of ways to enjoy a lighter snack!