How many calories are in PopCorners?

December 3, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a single serving of PopCorners can range from 120 to 140 calories depending on the flavor. This calorie count is for a standard serving size, typically a 1-ounce or 28-gram portion, which is important to consider when evaluating how many calories are in PopCorners.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for PopCorners varies by flavor, typically falling between 120 and 140 calories per 1-ounce serving. This guide details the specific nutritional breakdown for popular varieties and compares them to traditional fried chips to help inform your snack choices.

Key Points

Calorie Count: A standard 1-ounce (28g) serving of PopCorners contains approximately 120-140 calories, depending on the specific flavor.
Flavor Variation: The calorie count varies by flavor, with simpler options like Sea Salt having fewer calories (around 120) than flavored varieties such as White Cheddar or Kettle Corn (closer to 130-140).
Never Fried: PopCorners are made using an air-popping technique, not fried in oil, which results in a lower fat content compared to traditional potato chips.
Processed Snack: Although a better alternative to fried chips, PopCorners are still a processed food with added oils, sugars, and seasonings, and are not as nutrient-dense as whole foods.
Portion Control: Due to their crunchy and satisfying nature, it's easy to consume multiple servings in one sitting, making mindful portion control essential for managing overall calorie intake.

PopCorners Nutritional Breakdown by Flavor

PopCorners are a popular snack, known for being air-popped and never fried, which positions them as a "better-for-you" alternative to traditional potato chips. However, their calorie and nutritional content can vary significantly based on the flavor and seasoning used. The following information provides a clearer picture of the calories in PopCorners across different varieties.

Kettle Corn

Often a fan favorite for its sweet and salty balance, the Kettle Corn flavor typically contains around 130 calories per 1-ounce (28g) serving. This variety is made with non-GMO corn, sunflower oil, cane sugar, and sea salt. While it has lower fat content than many fried snacks, the added cane sugar contributes to its carbohydrate profile.

White Cheddar

The White Cheddar flavor, known for its tangy, cheesy taste, is another popular choice. A standard 1-ounce serving generally contains 130-140 calories. This flavor's ingredients include whey, cheddar cheese, and other natural flavorings, which increase its sodium content compared to simpler varieties like Sea Salt.

Sea Salt

For those seeking the most straightforward option, the Sea Salt flavor is a minimalist's delight. With just yellow corn, sunflower oil, and sea salt, this variety is one of the lowest in calories and is an excellent option for more frequent snacking. A serving of Sea Salt PopCorners contains approximately 120 calories.

Spicy Queso

The Spicy Queso variety offers a zesty kick. The calories in PopCorners Spicy Queso flavor generally sit around 130 per 1-ounce serving. The seasoning blend adds to the sodium content and complexity of ingredients, but the overall calorie count remains relatively consistent with other savory flavors.

How PopCorners are Made

The manufacturing process for PopCorners involves a patented air-popping technique. Instead of being deep-fried in oil, whole corn kernels are combined with heat and moisture under pressure. This process causes the kernels to pop and fuse together into a crunchy, triangular crisp. A light drizzle of sunflower oil and seasoning is applied to achieve the final flavor. This manufacturing method is why PopCorners are positioned as a "never fried" snack and contributes to their lower fat content compared to traditional potato chips.

Comparison: PopCorners vs. Traditional Potato Chips

When considering your snack options, comparing PopCorners to conventional fried potato chips reveals notable differences in calorie and fat content. This comparison highlights why PopCorners are often marketed as a healthier alternative.


Feature	PopCorners (average 1 oz serving)	Traditional Fried Potato Chips (average 1 oz serving)	Key Difference
Calories	~120-140 calories	~150-160+ calories	PopCorners generally have fewer calories per serving.
Total Fat	~4-6 grams	~10+ grams	Significantly lower fat content due to being air-popped, not fried.
Sodium	~110-200+ mg (varies by flavor)	~150-200+ mg (varies by flavor)	Sodium can be comparable or higher in some flavored PopCorners, so it's important to check the label.
Ingredients	Simple ingredients for many flavors; some have complex seasonings	Often include a variety of oils and flavor enhancers	PopCorners can have a cleaner ingredient list, especially the Sea Salt flavor.
Processing	Popped using heat and pressure; never fried	Sliced potatoes are deep-fried in oil	The air-popping method is a key differentiator in terms of fat content.

Final Thoughts on PopCorners as a Snack Option

While PopCorners are a more health-conscious alternative to fried potato chips, they are still a processed snack and should be consumed in moderation. The best option for a healthier snack is the Sea Salt flavor, which has the simplest ingredient list and is lower in sodium. Flavored varieties, such as Kettle Corn or White Cheddar, contain added sugar or higher sodium levels. Portion control is crucial, especially when eating from larger bags, as the light and airy nature of the crisps can make it easy to overindulge. PopCorners can be a great way to satisfy a craving for a crunchy snack, but they do not replace the nutritional value of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, or nuts. For more detailed nutritional breakdowns, resources like the PepsiCo Product Facts page can offer the most current information.

What to consider

When incorporating PopCorners into your diet, it's wise to consider the full nutritional profile, not just the calories. Factors like sodium and added sugars are important, particularly in flavored options. Also, while air-popped snacks offer an advantage over fried snacks, pairing them with a source of fiber or protein, such as hummus or a handful of nuts, can increase satiety and make the snack more satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

A small, single-serving bag of PopCorners, which is typically 1 ounce or 28 grams, contains about 120 to 140 calories, depending on the flavor.

PopCorners are a healthier alternative to fried chips due to being air-popped and lower in fat. However, they are still a processed snack and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

PopCorners generally have fewer calories per serving than traditional fried potato chips. For example, a 1-ounce serving of PopCorners has around 120-140 calories, while a similar serving of potato chips can exceed 150 calories.

The Sea Salt flavor is typically the lowest in calories, with approximately 120 calories per 1-ounce serving, as it uses minimal ingredients.

No, PopCorners are not considered suitable for a ketogenic or strict low-carb diet. A standard 1-ounce serving contains about 18-24 grams of carbohydrates, which is too high for most keto plans.

Yes, most PopCorners varieties are certified gluten-free. It is always recommended to check the specific product's label to confirm its gluten-free status.

PopCorners are lower in fat because they are air-popped using a heat and pressure process instead of being deep-fried in oil like traditional potato chips.