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Nutritional Density
Food guide

Popcorn

A whole grain snack that delivers real volume for very few calories when air-popped.

Whole GrainsFibre-RichPlant-Based
Popcorn, a nutrient-dense whole grains food, photographed on a plain linen surface

Nutrition per 100 g

Standardised to 100 g of popcorn for fair comparison. Typical serving: 25 g air-popped — 96 kcal per 25 g serving.

Nutrition information for Popcorn
NutrientPer 100 gPer serving (25 g)Per 100 kcal
Energy384 kcal96 kcal100 kcal
Protein12.4 g3.1 g3.2 g
Carbohydrate78 g19.5 g20.3 g
Fat4.4 g1.1 g1.1 g
Fibre14.4 g3.6 g3.8 g

Figures are typical values and vary with variety, preparation and brand.

Micronutrients

Vitamins and minerals per 100 g of popcorn, with a typical serving and FDA Daily Value for adults.

Micronutrients for Popcorn
NutrientPer 100 gPer serving (25 g)% DV
Vitamins
Vitamin E1.3 mg0.33 mg9%
Vitamin K62.3 µg15.6 µg52%
Thiamin0.18 mg0.045 mg15%
Riboflavin0.13 mg0.033 mg10%
Niacin8.1 mg2 mg51%
Vitamin B60.5 mg0.13 mg29%
Vitamin B120.14 µg0.035 µg6%
Pantothenic acid1.1 mg0.28 mg22%
Minerals
Calcium32 mg8 mg2%
Iron1.4 mg0.35 mg8%
Magnesium28 mg7 mg7%
Phosphorus299 mg74.8 mg24%
Potassium288 mg72 mg6%
Sodium1140 mg285 mg50%
Zinc0.98 mg0.25 mg9%
Selenium26.1 µg6.5 µg47%
Copper0.078 mg0.02 mg9%
Manganese0.23 mg0.058 mg10%

Source: USDA FoodData Central — KFC, Popcorn Chicken

% DV uses FDA Daily Values for adults. Nutrients that USDA does not report for this entry are omitted. Values vary with variety, preparation and brand.

Why eat popcorn?

  • One of the few wholegrain snack foods.
  • High volume per calorie, which helps satiety.

How to include it

  • Air-pop or use a lidded pan with a teaspoon of oil.
  • Season with paprika or nutritional yeast instead of butter.

Things to consider

  • Cinema and microwave versions can triple the calories with fat and salt.
  • Not suitable for very young children (choking risk).

Educational content. This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Speak to a qualified health professional about your individual circumstances.

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