How many calories are in 1 cup of white cheddar popcorn?

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to branded products and USDA data, one cup of white cheddar popcorn typically contains between 40 and 60 calories. This article breaks down exactly how many calories are in 1 cup of white cheddar popcorn and explains the factors that cause this number to fluctuate.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for one cup of white cheddar popcorn varies significantly by brand and preparation, influenced by oil and cheese content, with commercial brands often ranging between 40 and 60 calories per cup.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A single cup of white cheddar popcorn typically has 40 to 60 calories, depending on the brand and how it's prepared.
Brand Variation: Calories vary significantly across brands, with Smartfood and Angie's around 60 kcal/cup and Jolly Time microwave around 40 kcal/cup.
Homemade Control: Making your own popcorn allows for calorie control by selecting the type and amount of oil and cheese powder used.
Plain Popcorn is Lowest: Unflavored, air-popped popcorn is the lowest-calorie option at only ~31 calories per cup.
Healthier Cheese Alternative: Nutritional yeast is an excellent low-calorie alternative to traditional cheese powder, offering a similar savory flavor.
Beyond Calories: Commercial versions can be high in sodium and saturated fat, so checking the full nutrition label is recommended.
Moderation is Key: Enjoying white cheddar popcorn in moderation is fine, but for frequent snacking, healthier preparation methods are preferable.

Understanding the Calorie Count in White Cheddar Popcorn

Pinpointing a single, exact calorie count for one cup of white cheddar popcorn is challenging because the number can vary significantly. Factors like the specific brand, the type and amount of oil used, and the quantity of cheese powder all play a major role. For example, a commercial snack food might have a different calorie profile than a homemade version, which is why it's important to look at the specifics.

Brand-by-Brand Calorie Breakdown

Different brands of ready-to-eat white cheddar popcorn have varying nutritional information. This difference is largely due to variations in their recipes, particularly the oil and cheese-flavoring blends. By examining a few popular options, we can see the range of calories you might encounter when grabbing a bag off the shelf.

Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn: This popular brand reports a calorie count around 58 per cup, based on a serving size of 11g. This is a good reference point for a heavily flavored, store-bought product.
Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP White Cheddar: This brand states a calorie count of 60 per cup for its white cheddar flavor. The consistency with Smartfood suggests this is a common range for premium, ready-to-eat options.
Jolly Time White Cheddar Microwave Popcorn: For this product, the calories per cup come in at around 40. This lower count is likely due to the specific formulation for microwave preparation, which uses less oil and cheese per cup.
General Cheese-Flavor Popcorn (USDA data): A general reference for cheese-flavored popcorn is approximately 58 calories per cup, which aligns with commercial ready-to-eat brands.

The Impact of Preparation Method

The way popcorn is prepared at home has a direct impact on its calorie content. Air-popped popcorn, which uses no oil, has a very low base calorie count, while adding oil and cheese powder increases it substantially.

Air-Popped Popcorn (Plain): A single cup of plain, air-popped popcorn contains only about 31 calories. This provides the best starting point for a truly low-calorie snack.
Homemade with Oil and Cheese Powder: By melting butter and tossing it with cheese powder, you add fats and calories. A common recipe might involve 1/4 cup of melted butter and 1/3 cup of white cheddar powder for 8 cups of popcorn. This adds a significant number of calories, making the final product more comparable to a commercial brand, depending on how heavily you season it.
Nutritional Yeast Alternative: For a cheesy flavor without the dairy fat, nutritional yeast is a popular substitute. It offers a rich, nutty flavor and a significantly lower calorie count than cheese powder. This is a great way to control calories while still enjoying a savory, cheesy taste.

Comparison Table: White Cheddar Popcorn Calories


Popcorn Type	Preparation Method	Calories per 1 Cup	Notable Factors
Smartfood White Cheddar	Ready-to-Eat	~58 kcal	Added oils, commercial cheese flavoring.
Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP	Ready-to-Eat	~60 kcal	Made with real cheddar cheese, added oils.
Jolly Time Microwave	Microwave	~40 kcal	Lower calorie microwave formulation.
General Cheese-Flavor	US Food Data	~58 kcal	Based on average nutritional data.
Air-Popped (Plain)	Homemade	~31 kcal	Unflavored, no oil added.
Homemade with Oil & Powder	Homemade	Varies (Higher)	Depends on oil type, butter, and powder amount.

Nutritional Considerations Beyond Calories

While calories are important for weight management, a full nutritional picture is crucial. White cheddar popcorn, particularly the store-bought varieties, can be high in sodium and saturated fat. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has flagged some commercial white cheddar popcorn products as unhealthy ultra-processed foods due to high saturated fat and moderate processing concerns. However, as a whole grain, popcorn does offer dietary fiber and other nutrients. Moderation is key, especially with commercial products. For a healthier take, popping your own at home provides control over the quality of ingredients, like using a neutral oil with a high smoke point (e.g., avocado oil) and adjusting the seasoning.

The Bottom Line

The number of calories in 1 cup of white cheddar popcorn is not a fixed number. Instead, it is a variable that is determined by the specific product or preparation method used. While commercial brands like Smartfood and Angie's generally contain around 60 calories per cup, opting for a lower-calorie microwave variety or making your own at home allows for better control. The plain, air-popped version is the leanest option at about 31 calories per cup, and from there, you can add controlled amounts of melted butter and cheese powder or a healthier alternative like nutritional yeast. When enjoyed in moderation, white cheddar popcorn can be a satisfying snack, but being mindful of brand differences and ingredients is essential for calorie-conscious consumers. For more on the nutritional benefits of plain popcorn, visit The Popcorn Board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Calories in homemade white cheddar popcorn can be lower or higher than store-bought, depending on the amount of oil, butter, and cheese powder used. You have full control over the ingredients, making it possible to create a healthier, lower-calorie version.

Plain, air-popped popcorn is low in calories because it contains very little fat. The addition of oil or butter for popping and the cheese powder seasoning in white cheddar popcorn significantly increases the overall calorie count.

It can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, but it is not as healthy as plain, air-popped popcorn. Commercial versions often contain higher levels of sodium and saturated fat from added oils and cheese powders, making them an ultra-processed food.

Some brands, like Jolly Time microwave white cheddar, are on the lower end of the calorie spectrum for pre-packaged options. However, the healthiest and lowest-calorie route is to make it yourself and control the ingredients.

Nutritional yeast is a great low-calorie alternative that provides a savory, cheesy flavor. It's a popular choice for adding a similar taste without the fat and calories from butter and cheese powder.

The cooking method has a huge impact. Air-popped popcorn is the lowest calorie method. Stovetop popping with oil adds calories, and commercially prepared bags or microwave versions have their own set calorie counts based on the ingredients used.

While it can vary by brand, a typical serving size is 1 cup of popped popcorn, though some packaging may define a serving as 3 or more cups. Always check the nutrition facts on the specific product packaging.