How Many Calories Are in Pop Secret Double Butter Popcorn?

November 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the official Pop Secret website and other nutritional databases, a single serving (2 tbsp unpopped) of Pop Secret Double Butter popcorn contains 130 calories. This translates to a significantly higher number of calories when consuming the entire bag, which is often mistaken for a single serving. Understanding the actual calorie count is crucial for anyone monitoring their dietary intake.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the caloric content in Pop Secret Double Butter popcorn, including calculations for an entire bag. It explores the difference between a serving size and the full bag, compares the caloric density to other popcorn types, and offers tips for making healthier snacking choices. A comprehensive overview of the nutritional profile and implications for weight management is included.

Key Points

Serving Size Is Key: A typical bag of Pop Secret Double Butter popcorn contains about 3.5 servings, not one.
Full Bag Calorie Count: An entire bag contains approximately 455 calories, not the 130 calories listed per serving.
High in Fat and Sodium: The double butter flavor significantly increases the total fat and sodium content compared to plain or air-popped popcorn.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: Air-popped or 94% fat-free versions offer a much lower-calorie and lower-fat alternative.
Mindful Snacking Strategy: Measuring out a single serving rather than eating directly from the bag is an effective way to manage intake.

Caloric Breakdown of Pop Secret Double Butter Popcorn

Understanding the calorie count of Pop Secret Double Butter popcorn is more complex than just looking at the number for a single serving. The standard nutrition label is based on a serving of 2 tablespoons (25g) of unpopped kernels, not the entire bag. A typical 3.2-ounce (90g) bag contains approximately 3.5 servings. This often-overlooked detail can lead to a significant underestimation of total calorie consumption for those who eat the whole bag in one sitting.

Per Serving

A single 25g serving of unpopped Pop Secret Double Butter kernels contains:

130 calories
8g Total Fat
4g Saturated Fat
270mg Sodium
12g Total Carbohydrates
2g Protein

Per Bag

To calculate the total calories for a standard 3.2oz bag, you must multiply the per-serving values by 3.5 servings. For a full bag, the nutritional intake is as follows:

Total Calories: 455 (130 calories x 3.5 servings)
Total Fat: 28g (8g x 3.5)
Saturated Fat: 14g (4g x 3.5)
Sodium: 945mg (270mg x 3.5)
Total Carbohydrates: 42g (12g x 3.5)
Protein: 7g (2g x 3.5)

Comparison: Double Butter vs. Healthier Alternatives

When choosing a popcorn snack, the preparation method and ingredients dramatically impact the final nutritional profile. Below is a comparison table that highlights the significant differences in caloric and fat content.


Popcorn Type	Calories (per 3-cup serving)	Total Fat (per 3-cup serving)	Sodium (per 3-cup serving)
Pop Secret Double Butter	Approx. 110-120 calories	Approx. 7-8g	Approx. 230mg
Air-Popped (Plain)	Approx. 93 calories	Less than 1g	Negligible
Oil-Popped (Plain)	Approx. 105 calories	Approx. 5g	Negligible
94% Fat-Free Microwave	Approx. 80 calories	Approx. 2-3g	Approx. 150mg

Note: Calculations for popped microwave popcorn are based on the average 30 calories per popped cup, multiplied by 3 cups. The final values can fluctuate based on cooking methods and specific brand variations.

Tips for Mindful Snacking

For those watching their caloric intake, there are several ways to enjoy popcorn while keeping it healthy. Consider these strategies:

Measure your portion: Instead of eating from the bag, measure out a single serving (about 3 cups popped) and put the rest away.
Opt for lower-calorie versions: Pop Secret offers a 94% Fat Free Butter variety, which significantly reduces the fat and calorie count.
Add your own toppings: For full control, pop plain kernels and add your own seasonings. Nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor, while a light spray of olive oil and a dash of sea salt work wonders.
Air-pop your own popcorn: Investing in an air-popper is the healthiest option, yielding fresh, low-calorie popcorn with maximum control over ingredients.

Deconstructing the Ingredients List

The ingredients in Pop Secret Double Butter popcorn help explain its buttery flavor and higher calorie count compared to plain popcorn. The primary ingredients include whole-grain popcorn kernels, palm oil, salt, and natural flavors. The natural and artificial flavors, which include milk, and the use of palm oil contribute to the double butter taste profile but also drive up the fat and sodium content. Consumers should be aware that the product contains milk and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies. A freshness preservative, TBHQ, is also listed on some versions of the product. For more detailed information on food additives, the FDA provides comprehensive resources at https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/food-additives-and-packaging-list. This information helps individuals make informed choices about what they consume.

Conclusion

While a delicious and convenient snack, a full bag of Pop Secret Double Butter popcorn is a substantial source of calories, fat, and sodium. What seems like a single-serving snack is actually closer to four servings, containing an estimated 455 calories per bag. By being aware of serving sizes, opting for healthier preparation methods like air-popping, or choosing a lower-fat variety, you can enjoy popcorn without compromising your dietary goals. Paying close attention to nutritional labels and understanding the difference between unpopped and popped serving information is the first step toward mindful snacking.

Frequently Asked Questions

You must check the 'Servings Per Container' on the nutrition label and multiply the calories per serving by that number. For a standard 3.2oz bag, which has 3.5 servings, you multiply 130 calories by 3.5 to get 455 calories per bag.

Yes. Air-popped popcorn is much lower in calories, with only about 93 calories for 3 cups of plain popcorn, compared to the 455 calories found in a full bag of Pop Secret Double Butter.

The 130-calorie count refers to a single serving of 2 tablespoons of unpopped kernels, not the entire bag. The bag contains multiple servings, which is a common source of consumer confusion.

Healthier alternatives include air-popped popcorn with your own seasonings, Pop Secret's 94% Fat Free variety, or other crunchy snacks like roasted chickpeas or spiced pumpkin seeds.

The primary ingredients contributing to the high calorie count are whole-grain popcorn kernels and palm oil. The oil is responsible for the majority of the fat content.

According to nutritional labels, Pop Secret Double Butter popcorn is listed as having 0g of trans fats per serving. However, ingredients and nutritional information can vary slightly, and it is always best to check the most current label on the product.

To reduce calories, you can try varieties like Pop Secret's 94% Fat Free or simply air-pop your own popcorn kernels. You can also measure your portion size strictly and avoid consuming the entire bag.