How many calories are in butterscotch corn?

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data from various sources, a standard 50-gram serving of store-bought butterscotch popcorn, a common form of butterscotch corn, can contain around 216 to 218 calories. This caloric content varies significantly depending on the recipe and portion size, particularly the amount of sugar and fat used to create the butterscotch coating. The simple addition of the sweet, buttery sauce dramatically increases the calorie count compared to plain, air-popped corn.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for butterscotch corn varies widely by preparation and portion size, ranging from approximately 216 calories per 50-gram serving for a commercial version to differing amounts for homemade varieties. Key factors influencing the total calories include the type of corn, the richness of the butterscotch coating, and the specific ingredients used, such as butter and sugar. This snack is typically high in sugar and carbohydrates due to its sweet coating.

Key Points

Calories vary: The calorie count depends on the type of corn and the amount of butterscotch coating.
Coating is the main factor: The butterscotch sauce, made from butter and sugar, adds the bulk of the calories to the snack.
Portion size matters: A small serving of butterscotch corn can have a moderate calorie count, but larger portions significantly increase intake.
Homemade allows control: Making butterscotch corn at home lets you control ingredients and reduce calories by using less fat and sugar.
Choose healthier alternatives: Plain popcorn with a savory seasoning offers a much lower-calorie and healthier snack option.
Beware of sugar spikes: The high sugar content in butterscotch corn can cause blood sugar spikes, a concern for people with diabetes.
Add-ins increase calories: Ingredients like nuts or chocolate chips can further boost the total calories of the snack.

Factors that Influence Calorie Count

The number of calories in butterscotch corn is not a single, fixed figure. Several variables contribute to the final energy content of this sweet snack. Understanding these factors can help in making informed dietary choices.

Type of Corn Base

The foundation of butterscotch corn is the corn itself. Plain, air-popped popcorn is a relatively low-calorie, high-fiber base, with a medium ear containing about 77 to 100 calories. Candy corn, if used, will significantly increase the calorie count due to its high sugar content.

Butterscotch Coating

The butterscotch coating is the primary source of additional calories, fat, and sugar. It is typically made from a combination of brown sugar, butter, and cream or corn syrup. The amount and richness of these ingredients directly impacts the caloric content. Butterscotch candies alone can contain around 391 kcal per 100g.

Added Ingredients and Portion Size

Additional ingredients like peanuts, nuts, or chocolate chips increase the caloric value due to their fat content. Portion size is a critical factor, as consuming more than a standard serving significantly increases calorie intake. Always check the nutritional label for serving size information on pre-packaged snacks.

Comparison of Calorie Counts: Store-Bought vs. Homemade


Feature	Store-Bought Butterscotch Corn	Homemade Butterscotch Corn
Calorie Count (per 50g)	~216 kcal to 218 kcal	Varies widely based on recipe
Ingredient Control	Limited control; ingredients are fixed by the manufacturer.	Full control over ingredients, including type of sugar, amount of butter, and optional mix-ins.
Fat Content	Typically lower in fat than many rich homemade recipes to reduce production costs.	Can be higher in fat, especially if using a recipe that calls for significant amounts of butter and heavy cream.
Sugar Content	May contain high levels of added sugar, corn syrup, and artificial flavors.	Sugar content can be controlled, potentially allowing for lower-sugar alternatives or natural sweeteners.
Added Ingredients	Often includes additional ingredients like peanuts or preservatives.	Can be customized with healthy add-ins or kept simple for a cleaner snack.
Convenience	Highly convenient, ready-to-eat snack.	Requires time and effort to prepare, including cooking the butterscotch and coating the corn.

Homemade Recipe for Controlling Calories

Making butterscotch corn at home offers control over calorie intake by allowing ingredient adjustments.

Example of a Lighter Homemade Recipe

Ingredients:

8 cups air-popped popcorn
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
2 tablespoons light butter or margarine
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread popcorn on a baking sheet.
Combine brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt in a saucepan. Cook and stir until melted.
Boil for 5 minutes without stirring.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Pour butterscotch over popcorn and toss.
Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.

Using lighter butter and controlling sugar and syrup amounts can reduce calories. Experimenting with natural sweeteners is another option.

Healthier Alternatives and Considerations

For a health-conscious option, consider plain, air-popped popcorn with savory seasoning. The butterscotch coating is the main source of calories, so modifying or eliminating it is effective. Drizzling a small amount of butterscotch sauce is another approach. The high sugar content can cause blood sugar spikes, a concern for those managing blood sugar.

Here's a list of healthier alternatives to traditional butterscotch corn:

Plain, air-popped popcorn: Low-calorie, high-fiber.
Popcorn with a light savory seasoning: Nutritional yeast, garlic powder, or chili powder.
Small portion sizes: Control intake of butterscotch corn.
Fruit and nuts: Naturally sweet fruits and a small handful of nuts.

Conclusion

The calorie count of butterscotch corn varies based on preparation and portion size. A standard 50-gram serving of commercial butterscotch popcorn contains about 216-218 calories. The butterscotch coating, made with sugar and fat, is the main calorie contributor. Homemade versions allow for calorie control by adjusting ingredients. Healthier alternatives like plain popcorn or controlled portions can help manage calorie intake. Be mindful of portion sizes to maintain caloric balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a 50-gram serving, commercial butterscotch popcorn typically contains around 216 to 218 calories.

Yes, butterscotch corn is high in sugar. The butterscotch coating is made primarily from brown sugar and corn syrup, making it a very sugary snack.

To make a lower-calorie version, you can use less butter and sugar in your homemade recipe. Using light butter or a sugar substitute can also help reduce the calorie count.

Plain, air-popped popcorn is significantly lower in calories. An ear of plain corn has about 77 to 100 calories, while butterscotch corn has a much higher calorie density due to the sugary, high-fat coating.

Besides the calorie count, it is important to consider the high sugar and carbohydrate content. It is typically low in fiber and protein compared to plain popcorn.

Due to its high sugar content, people with diabetes should consume butterscotch corn in very limited quantities, as it can cause blood sugar spikes.

Yes, the type of corn can affect the total calories. While air-popped popcorn is low in calories, using pre-sweetened candy corn as a base will result in a much higher calorie snack.