Is Smartfood Popcorn Ultra Processed? An In-Depth Look

November 11, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2024 study in The BMJ, high intake of ultra-processed foods is linked to over 30 adverse health outcomes, raising questions about popular snacks. So, is Smartfood popcorn ultra processed? The answer lies in a closer examination of its ingredients and the industrial methods used to create its signature flavor.

Quick Summary

This article explains why Smartfood popcorn is classified as an ultra-processed food by analyzing its ingredients based on the NOVA system, contrasting it with homemade versions, and discussing potential health implications.

Key Points

Ultra-Processed Classification: Smartfood popcorn is classified as an ultra-processed food under the NOVA system due to its industrial-scale processing and ingredient profile.
Ingredient Analysis: The presence of ingredients like maltodextrin and proprietary 'natural flavor' signals a level of processing beyond simple food preparation.
Distinction from Whole Foods: Unlike whole-grain popcorn kernels, Smartfood contains multiple additives and refined ingredients that are not typically used in home cooking.
Associated Health Risks: High consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to negative health outcomes such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues.
Homemade is a Healthier Alternative: Making popcorn at home from plain kernels gives you full control over the ingredients, allowing for a minimally processed and more nutritious snack.
Beyond Basic Processing: Smartfood is not simply 'processed' (like cheese or canned vegetables) but 'ultra-processed,' involving more extensive industrial techniques and additives.

Understanding the NOVA Food Classification System

To determine if Smartfood is ultra-processed, it is helpful to understand the NOVA system. This system classifies foods into four groups based on processing.

Group 1: Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods: Unaltered or slightly altered foods, like fresh fruit or plain popcorn kernels.
Group 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients: Substances from Group 1 foods used in cooking, such as oils and salts.
Group 3: Processed Foods: Simple products made by adding Group 2 ingredients to Group 1 foods, like canned vegetables or cheese.
Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs): Industrial formulations using food extracts and additives not common in home cooking, designed for palatability and convenience.

Smartfood Popcorn: A Look at Its Ingredients

Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn's ingredient list indicates it falls into the ultra-processed category. It includes popcorn, vegetable oil (corn, canola, and/or sunflower oil), natural flavor, whey, maltodextrin (from corn), buttermilk, cheddar cheese, and salt.

Key markers of ultra-processing in this list are:

Vegetable Oil Blend: Refined oils used in industrial processing.
Natural Flavor: A complex chemical mix to enhance taste, a common UPF characteristic.
Maltodextrin: A corn-derived additive not typically used in home cooking.

The combination of these ingredients and industrial processing pushes Smartfood into the ultra-processed category.

Smartfood vs. Homemade Popcorn: A Comparison

Comparing Smartfood to homemade popcorn highlights the processing difference.


Feature	Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn	Homemade Popcorn
Processing Level (NOVA)	Ultra-Processed (Group 4)	Minimally Processed (Group 1/2)
Core Ingredients	Popcorn, Vegetable Oil Blend, Cheddar Cheese	Popcorn Kernels, Oil (e.g., coconut), Salt
Additives	Maltodextrin, Natural Flavor, Whey, Buttermilk Powder	None
Industrial Techniques	Air-popping, blending of oils, addition of formulated powdered ingredients	Air-popping or stovetop popping with simple ingredients
Health Impact	Higher in sodium, certain fats; linked to negative health outcomes in high intake	Contains whole grains and fiber; nutrients are not stripped

Why Processing Matters for Your Health

High consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to numerous adverse health outcomes. This is likely due to several factors:

Nutritional Changes: Processing can strip natural nutrients like vitamins and fiber.
Unhealthy Additives: UPFs often contain excessive salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
Hyper-Palatability: Additives can make UPFs overly appealing, leading to overconsumption.
Health Links: Diets high in UPFs are associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain mental health disorders.

The “Simply” Smartfood Line

The "Simply" Smartfood line is marketed with fewer additives, claiming "no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives". However, this doesn't guarantee it's not ultra-processed, as ingredients like natural flavors and maltodextrin may still be present. Reading the label is crucial to assess the processing level based on the NOVA system.

Conclusion

Based on its ingredients and industrial processing, Smartfood popcorn is classified as an ultra-processed food by the NOVA system. While popcorn itself is a healthy whole grain, the added refined oils, maltodextrin, and proprietary flavors categorize Smartfood differently. For a healthier option, homemade, air-popped popcorn with minimal added oil and salt is recommended, offering whole-grain benefits without the health risks associated with ultra-processing.

Choose Better Snacks by Reading Labels

To make healthier snack choices, look for foods with short, recognizable ingredient lists. Focus on the store's perimeter where fresh foods are typically found. For popcorn, buy plain kernels and season them yourself to control additives. Understanding the distinction between processed and ultra-processed foods, based on industrial interventions and additions, helps in making informed decisions.

For further information on the NOVA classification system, explore the Food and Agriculture Organization's definition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Processed food involves simple alterations like canning or salting. Ultra-processed food, however, uses extensive industrial techniques and additives that are not common in home cooking, creating a highly palatable, convenient product.

No. While Smartfood contains real cheese ingredients, it also includes other markers of ultra-processing, such as maltodextrin and 'natural flavor' additives, which place it in the ultra-processed category regardless of the cheese content.

Not necessarily. The processing level depends on the ingredients. Always check the label. Some brands may offer simpler ingredient lists closer to homemade, while others add numerous flavors and additives.

'Natural flavor' is a vague term for complex chemical mixtures created from natural sources to manipulate taste. The purpose is to create a desired flavor profile industrially, which is a key characteristic of ultra-processed foods.

The 'Simply' line is marketed with fewer artificial additives but may still contain industrial markers like maltodextrin and natural flavors, making it ultra-processed according to NOVA standards.

Look for long, complex ingredient lists containing substances you wouldn't use in home cooking, such as maltodextrin, protein isolates, hydrolyzed proteins, emulsifiers, and artificial flavors or colors.

To make a healthier popcorn snack, start with plain popcorn kernels. Air-pop them or cook on the stovetop with a small amount of a healthy fat like coconut oil. Season with simple salt or other spices instead of relying on packaged powders.