Garrett Popcorn's CheeseCorn is a beloved and iconic snack, but its cheesy, buttery flavor means it is more calorie-dense than a standard bag of plain popcorn. Understanding the specific nutritional values is key for anyone monitoring their intake. The official Garrett Popcorn website confirms that a single serving of their CheeseCorn contains 180 calories. However, it is crucial to pay attention to the serving size, as this number can vary depending on how much you are eating.
Garrett's CheeseCorn: A Closer Look at the Nutrition Label
While the 180-calorie count per serving is the headline number, a complete nutritional breakdown offers more insight into what you're consuming. For a standard serving of Garrett's CheeseCorn, the full nutritional information includes:
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 16g, or 21% of your Daily Value (DV)
- Saturated Fat: 8g, or 40% of your Daily Value (DV)
- Cholesterol: 10mg, or 3% of your Daily Value (DV)
- Sodium: 320mg, or 14% of your Daily Value (DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 7g, or 3% of your Daily Value (DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 1g, or 4% of your Daily Value (DV)
- Protein: 3g
Serving Sizes: A Variable Equation
The most important factor in calculating your intake is the serving size. A "serving" might be listed as 2 cups on one package, while a small bag could contain multiple servings. Always check the packaging to understand how many servings are in the tin or bag you are eating. Many people consume significantly more than one serving in a single sitting, and the calories can quickly add up. For example, if you eat an entire 5-ounce bag, you're consuming more than the standard serving's calorie count.
Comparing Garrett's Cheese Popcorn to Other Popcorn Varieties
To put Garrett's CheeseCorn into perspective, it's helpful to compare its nutritional profile to other common popcorn types. This comparison highlights why the rich, cheesy flavor has a higher calorie and fat content.
| Popcorn Type | Calories (per 1 cup) | Total Fat (per 1 cup) | Sodium (per 1 cup) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garrett's CheeseCorn | Approx. 90 (based on 180 cal/2 cups) | 8g (based on 16g/2 cups) | 160mg (based on 320mg/2 cups) |
| Air-Popped Plain Popcorn | 31 | 0.4g | 0-1mg |
| Movie Theater Popcorn | 375+ | 28g+ | 300mg+ |
| Light Butter Microwave Popcorn | 40 | 2g | 75mg |
This table illustrates the significant difference. While plain, air-popped popcorn is a very low-calorie, high-fiber snack, adding cheese, butter, and other flavorings, as Garrett's does, dramatically increases the calorie and fat content. Movie theater popcorn, notoriously high in calories, represents another end of the spectrum entirely.
The Impact of Ingredients on Caloric Content
Garrett Popcorn’s signature flavor is not accidental; it's a result of high-quality ingredients. Their CheeseCorn is made with real cheddar cheese, which contributes to its higher fat and calorie count compared to simpler popcorn varieties. Other ingredients, such as coconut oil and butter, also add to the overall richness and caloric density. It is the combination of these decadent ingredients that produces the unique, crave-worthy taste, but also explains the higher nutritional values. For those seeking a lower-calorie snack, the plain, unbuttered Garrett's Popcorn offers a far lighter alternative.
Conclusion
In summary, Garrett's cheese popcorn contains 180 calories per standard serving of 2 cups, along with notable amounts of fat and sodium. While a delicious treat, it's important for consumers to be mindful of serving sizes and the overall nutritional impact, especially when compared to healthier alternatives like plain, air-popped popcorn. By understanding the calorie count and ingredients, fans can enjoy this cheesy delicacy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in Garrett's cheese popcorn?
Garrett's cheese popcorn is made with real cheddar cheese, popcorn, and coconut oil, which contribute to its distinctive rich flavor and higher calorie content.
Is Garrett's cheese popcorn gluten-free?
Yes, according to information provided by retailers, Garrett's CheeseCorn is gluten-free.
Is Garrett's cheese popcorn a low-fat snack?
No, with 16g of total fat and 8g of saturated fat per 2-cup serving, Garrett's cheese popcorn is not considered a low-fat snack.
How does the calorie count of Garrett's cheese popcorn compare to their Garrett Mix?
One 2-cup serving of Garrett's cheese popcorn has 180 calories, whereas a 2-cup serving of Garrett Mix (cheese and caramel) can have more calories due to the added caramel.
What is a reasonable serving size for Garrett's cheese popcorn?
While the standard serving size is 2 cups, it is best to check the specific packaging to understand how many servings are contained within the bag or tin you have purchased.
Is there a healthy popcorn alternative to Garrett's cheese popcorn?
Yes, plain air-popped popcorn, which contains only about 31 calories per cup, is a much healthier, lower-calorie alternative.
Where can I find the official nutritional information for Garrett's Popcorn?
The official nutritional information can be found on the Garrett Popcorn Shops website, specifically on the product page for CheeseCorn.
