A Flavorful Breakdown: How many calories are in Cretors popcorn?

November 5, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that plain, air-popped popcorn is a low-calorie whole grain snack, often with as few as 30 calories per cup? For those wondering how many calories are in Cretors popcorn?, the answer varies significantly depending on the flavor and serving size, as added ingredients and coatings directly impact the nutritional profile.

Quick Summary

This article breaks down the caloric content of popular Cretors popcorn flavors, comparing options like The Mix, Simply Salted, and Caramel Corn. It explains how different ingredients affect nutritional values and provides guidance for making mindful snack choices.

Key Points

Calorie Variation: The number of calories in Cretors popcorn depends on the flavor, with complex mixes containing more calories, fat, and sugar than simple salted versions.
Flavor Specifics: A 1 1/4 cup serving of Cheese & Caramel Mix contains 140 calories, while a smaller 1/2 cup of Caramel Corn has 120 calories.
Healthiest Option: Cretors Simply Salted is the lowest-calorie option per volume, with 150 calories per 3 3/4 cup serving, due to minimal ingredients and no added sugar.
Portion Control is Key: For any flavored popcorn, monitoring portion size is crucial to manage calorie and sugar intake effectively.
Ingredient Impact: Additives like cheese seasoning and caramel dramatically increase a snack's caloric and fat content compared to plain or lightly salted popcorn.
Making Healthier Choices: For maximum health benefits, opt for air-popped popcorn with minimal seasonings over pre-packaged, flavored varieties.

Popcorn is a versatile snack, celebrated for its high fiber content and whole-grain status when prepared simply. However, the nutritional landscape changes dramatically with the addition of flavorings, fats, and sugars. For G.H. Cretors' gourmet popcorn, with its range of decadent flavors, understanding the calorie count requires a closer look at each specific product.

Calorie Breakdown by Cretors Popcorn Flavor

The Cheese & Caramel Mix (The Mix)

One of Cretors' most popular offerings, The Mix, combines savory cheddar with sweet caramel corn. Its calorie count reflects this flavorful blend of ingredients, which includes brown sugar, butter, and cheese.

Serving Size: A standard serving of The Mix is approximately 1 1/4 cups (28g).
Calories: A 1 1/4 cup serving contains 140 calories.
Other Nutrition: It also contains 6g of total fat, 13g of sugar, and 1g of fiber per serving.

Caramel Corn

For those with a sweet tooth, Cretors' Caramel Corn offers a rich, buttery, and sugary coating. This results in a higher calorie density per serving compared to less-sweet options.

Serving Size: The serving size for Caramel Corn is about 1/2 cup (28g).
Calories: A 1/2 cup serving contains 120 calories.
Other Nutrition: This serving includes 3.5g of total fat, 18g of sugar, and 1g of dietary fiber.

Simply Salted Organic

This is Cretors' option for those seeking a purer, simpler snack. Made with organic popcorn, sunflower oil, and sea salt, it is significantly lower in calories and fat.

Serving Size: A larger serving of 3 3/4 cups contains 150 calories.
Calories: It contains 150 calories per 3 3/4 cup serving.
Other Nutrition: A single serving has 9g of fat and 3g of fiber, with no sugar added. This is a great example of how simple preparation can make popcorn a very healthy choice.

Butter & Cheddar Mix

Similar to The Mix but without the sweet component, this flavor provides a savory, cheesy experience. It contains a higher fat content due to the real butter and cheddar cheese used.

Serving Size: A serving is about 2 cups (28g).
Calories: Each 2-cup serving has 160 calories.
Other Nutrition: Per serving, it contains 11g of fat (including 3g of saturated fat), 230mg of sodium, and 2g of fiber.

A Quick Comparison of Popular Flavors

To help visualize the difference, here is a comparison of the calorie and sugar content across different popular Cretors' flavors based on a 28g serving size.


Flavor	Serving Size (approx. 28g)	Calories	Total Fat	Total Sugars	Fiber
Simply Salted	3.75 cups	150	9g	0g	3g
Caramel Corn	0.5 cup	120	3.5g	18g	1g
Cheese & Caramel Mix	1.25 cups	140	6g	13g	1g
Butter & Cheddar Mix	2 cups	160	11g	0g	2g

What Makes the Calories Vary?

The caloric differences between Cretors popcorn flavors come down to the ingredients used for flavoring and coating. While the corn kernels themselves are relatively low in calories, the additions significantly increase the energy density.

Factors that Increase Calories:

Added Sugars: Caramel corn and other sweet varieties use brown sugar and cane sugar, which are high in calories and contribute to the sugar content.
Fats and Oils: The type and amount of oil and butter used play a crucial role. For example, the Butter & Cheddar Mix has a higher fat content due to butterfat. The caramel corn contains salted butter.
Cheese Seasoning: Real cheddar cheese is a key ingredient in many savory flavors, adding fat and calories. The preparation process can also impact the final calorie count.

Factors that Decrease Calories:

Minimal Ingredients: Simply Salted is the lowest-calorie option because it uses minimal ingredients: popcorn, sunflower oil, and sea salt.
Air-Popping vs. Oil-Popping: While Cretors uses oil, the method of preparation for any popcorn can affect calories. Air-popped popcorn has a much lower calorie density than oil-popped versions.

Navigating Snack Choices for a Balanced Diet

Popcorn can be a healthy part of a balanced diet, provided you are mindful of how it's prepared and what's added. Here's how to make a smart snack choice:

Check the Label: Always read the nutrition label to understand the calorie count and ingredients for the specific flavor you choose. Serving size is also critical for managing intake.
Prioritize Fiber: Popcorn's fiber content helps you feel fuller for longer. Options like the Simply Salted variety retain more of popcorn's natural fiber benefits.
Balance Portion Sizes: The most significant factor in maintaining a balanced diet is portion control. Even with higher-calorie flavors, keeping your snack to a single serving size is key.
Consider Homemade: For the lowest calorie option, consider air-popping your own kernels and seasoning with minimal salt or nutritional yeast instead of relying on pre-made snacks.

For further insights into the health benefits of popcorn, the American Heart Association provides a helpful overview.

Conclusion

The calorie content of Cretors popcorn varies significantly across its flavor portfolio, from the simple, lower-calorie Simply Salted to the more decadent, calorie-dense Caramel and Cheese Mixes. While gourmet options like The Mix offer a delicious treat, mindful portion control is essential due to higher fat and sugar levels. For those prioritizing a healthier snack, opting for a simpler flavor or even making air-popped popcorn at home will yield the best nutritional profile. By understanding these differences, you can make informed decisions that align with your dietary goals while still enjoying your favorite snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Among the common flavors, the Butter & Cheddar Mix tends to have a higher calorie count per 28g serving size, with 160 calories for approximately 2 cups, due to the fat content from butter and real cheese.

Yes, many of Cretors' handcrafted, small-batch popcorn varieties are certified gluten-free, Kosher, and use non-GMO corn.

As a gourmet, sweet and savory mix, Cretors The Mix is a more indulgent snack due to its higher sugar and fat content. It can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and with attention to portion size.

Cretors popcorn generally has a lower calorie count and fewer additives per serving than a large movie theater popcorn, which can contain over 1,000 calories and excessive sodium.

No, Cretors Simply Salted Organic Popcorn has no added sugars. It contains just organic popcorn, organic expeller-pressed sunflower oil, and sea salt.

You can include Cretors popcorn in a diet by practicing portion control. For a lower-calorie snack, the Simply Salted option is the best choice. High-sugar or high-fat flavors should be enjoyed sparingly.

Serving sizes vary by flavor but typically range from 1/2 cup for sweet varieties like Caramel Corn to several cups for simpler options like Simply Salted. Always check the packaging for the precise serving size.