What is the lowest calorie microwave popcorn?

According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, 3 cups of plain, air-popped popcorn contain only about 95 calories. However, when it comes to packaged options, many seek out the convenience of microwaveable bags while also asking: what is the lowest calorie microwave popcorn?

Quick Summary

This guide reveals the lowest calorie microwave popcorn choices, discussing leading brands, calorie counts per cup, and important nutritional information for making a healthier snack selection. It also explores alternatives and tips for preparing the lightest popcorn possible.

Key Points

• Homemade Popcorn is Calorie-King: Popping plain kernels in a paper bag provides maximum control and minimal calories.

• Orville Redenbacher's SmartPop! is a Top Pick: With just 100 calories for 6 cups, it offers a large portion for a low-calorie cost.

• Mini Bags for Portion Control: Act II and Jolly Time mini bags are excellent choices for a single, low-calorie serving.

• Read Labels Carefully: Always check the calories per cup of popped popcorn, as serving sizes and total bag calorie counts can be misleading.

• Flavor with Spices, Not Fat: Use nutritional yeast, chili powder, or other dried herbs for flavor without adding significant calories.

• Microwave Poppers are Healthier: A reusable silicone or glass microwave popper is a better option than chemically-coated bags for long-term health.

• Popcorn can be a Healthy Snack: As a whole grain, popcorn is naturally low in calories and high in fiber, aiding in weight management.

Understanding Microwave Popcorn Calories

When evaluating microwave popcorn for its calorie count, it's crucial to look beyond a single number. The nutritional information can be deceptive, with some bags claiming low-calorie counts that only apply to a single, small serving, while the entire bag contains much more. The total calorie content depends heavily on the added fats and flavorings, like butter and oil, which can significantly increase the final total. For health-conscious consumers, comparing calories per cup is the most reliable method for finding a truly low-calorie product. This ensures you are comparing equal amounts of popped popcorn, regardless of bag size.

Top Contenders for Lowest Calorie Microwave Popcorn

Several brands are recognized for offering low-calorie microwave options, often marketed with terms like "light," "skinny," or "healthy." These options typically reduce calories by using less oil and fat. Popular examples include:

• Act II 100 Calorie Butter Popcorn: Offers a mini bag with just 100 calories for the entire portion. This makes it an excellent option for portion control, providing a pre-measured snack to prevent overeating.
• Orville Redenbacher's SmartPop!: This product boasts a very low-calorie count per serving, with only 100 calories for 6 cups of popped popcorn. It's a 94% fat-free option designed for those seeking a light snack.
• Jolly Time Healthy Pop: Marketed as a natural, low-fat alternative, Jolly Time's Healthy Pop mini bags contain 100 calories per bag. This brand emphasizes its use of 100% whole grain, non-GMO kernels. Jolly Time also offers a "Simply Popped Butter" version, which contains only four simple ingredients.
• SkinnyPop Microwave Popcorn: SkinnyPop provides a microwave version of its popular pre-popped snack. The Butter flavor is around 30 calories per cup popped, making it a reliable low-calorie option, though shoppers should always verify the calories per cup on the specific product packaging.
• Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP Microwave Popcorn: The Sea Salt variety is a solid low-calorie choice, with 35 calories per cup popped and simple ingredients like whole grain popcorn, palm oil, and sea salt.

Creating Your Own Lowest Calorie Popcorn

The absolute lowest-calorie microwave popcorn isn't found in a pre-packaged bag but is made at home with minimal additions. You can use a standard brown paper bag and plain popcorn kernels for a healthier, homemade option. This method allows for complete control over ingredients, eliminating artificial flavors, excessive salt, and trans fats common in some commercial brands.

Here’s a simple process:

1. Take 1/4 cup of plain, unpopped kernels and place them in a standard brown paper lunch bag.
2. Fold the top of the bag over twice to seal it. Do not use tape or staples.
3. Microwave on high for approximately 2 to 4 minutes, or until the popping slows to a few seconds between pops.
4. Once popped, pour the popcorn into a bowl. At this stage, it will be plain, unsalted, and have the fewest calories possible. Adding seasonings without fat can add flavor without increasing the calorie count significantly.

Low-Calorie Microwave Popcorn Comparison

Brand	Flavor	Approx. Calories per Cup Popped	Key Features	Potential Downsides
Act II	100 Calorie Butter	~20-22	Excellent portion control, very low-calorie per mini bag.	Can be quite salty, may have a less natural butter flavor.
Orville Redenbacher's SmartPop!	94% Fat Free	~17	Very low in fat, large 6-cup serving for low calories.	Some may find the buttery flavor less intense.
Jolly Time Healthy Pop	100 Calorie Butter	~20	Non-GMO kernels, natural flavors, good portion control.	Similar to Act II, relies on mini bags.
SkinnyPop	Butter	~30	Gluten-free, non-GMO, no artificial ingredients.	Higher calorie count per cup than mini-bag options.
Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP	Sea Salt	~35	Simple, real ingredients, gluten-free, non-GMO.	Slightly higher calories per cup due to oil content.
Homemade (Paper Bag Method)	Plain	~30	Ultimate control over ingredients, no added oils or flavors.	No pre-added flavor, requires separate seasoning.

Calorie-Saving Toppings and Tricks

Once you have your low-calorie base, you can enhance the flavor without a significant calorie increase. Here are some smart toppings and preparation tips:

• Nutritional Yeast: This provides a nutty, cheesy flavor with B vitamins for minimal calories.
• Spices: Chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, or cinnamon can add a huge flavor punch for zero calories.
• Small Amount of Olive Oil: A very light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil offers healthy fats and flavor, but use sparingly to keep calories low.
• Powdered Seasonings: Look for low-sodium or salt-free powdered seasonings that offer various flavors without the extra fat and chemicals. A wide variety of savory and spicy blends are available.

Conclusion

The absolute lowest calorie microwave popcorn can be made at home using a brown paper bag and plain kernels, with homemade seasonings added afterwards. However, for those seeking the convenience of a pre-packaged microwave bag, brands like Act II 100 Calorie Butter, Orville Redenbacher's SmartPop!, and Jolly Time Healthy Pop offer the lowest overall calorie counts per portion. It is important to look at the calories per cup on nutrition labels and practice portion control, as these can vary significantly. By making informed choices and opting for healthy toppings, you can enjoy this whole-grain snack without compromising your health goals..

Key Takeaways

• Homemade is Lowest Calorie: The most calorie-efficient method is making popcorn from plain kernels in a paper bag in the microwave, adding your own seasonings.
• Mini Bags Aid Portion Control: Brands like Act II and Jolly Time offer 100-calorie mini bags that prevent overconsumption.
• Orville Redenbacher's SmartPop! is a Top Option: This product offers an impressively low-calorie count of 100 calories per 6 cups, making it a great low-fat choice.
• Check Calories Per Cup: Serving sizes can be misleading. Always compare the calorie count per cup of popped popcorn to find the best low-calorie option.
• Healthy Topping Alternatives Exist: Flavor can be enhanced with nutritional yeast, spices, or a light drizzle of healthy oil, keeping calories down.
• Avoid High-Fat Additives: Excess butter, sugar, and artificial flavors in many commercial brands drastically increase calories and undermine health benefits.
• Microwave Poppers are a Good Investment: For regular popcorn fans, a reusable microwave-safe popper bowl is an excellent, healthy alternative to pre-packaged bags.

FAQs

• What is the lowest calorie way to make popcorn? The lowest-calorie method is to make it plain using an air popper or a simple brown paper bag in the microwave without adding any oil or butter.
• Which microwave popcorn has the fewest calories? Brands that offer 100-calorie mini bags, such as Act II 100 Calorie Butter or Jolly Time Healthy Pop, are among the lowest-calorie pre-packaged options. Orville Redenbacher's SmartPop! also offers a very low-calorie-per-cup option.
• Is SkinnyPop microwave popcorn actually low calorie? Yes, SkinnyPop microwave popcorn is relatively low in calories, around 30 calories per cup popped, and uses simple ingredients. However, it's important to compare the calories per cup with other brands as serving sizes vary.
• How can I add flavor to my popcorn without adding many calories? You can use calorie-free seasonings like nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, various powdered spices (chili, garlic), or a dash of hot sauce to add flavor without increasing the calorie count.
• Is microwave popcorn bad for you? Some microwave popcorn can be unhealthy due to excessive butter, trans fats, and artificial flavorings. However, low-fat versions and mini bags offer healthier alternatives by controlling ingredients and portion sizes.
• Is popcorn a good snack for weight loss? Yes, plain, air-popped popcorn is a low-calorie, high-fiber, and whole-grain snack that can help you feel full, making it a good option for weight management.
• Is it better to make popcorn on the stovetop or in the microwave? For a low-calorie result, both the stovetop (with minimal healthy oil like avocado or coconut) and the paper bag microwave method can be healthy. The best method depends on your preference for taste and preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which brands offer the lowest-calorie pre-packaged microwave popcorn?

Brands known for offering some of the lowest-calorie options in pre-packaged mini bags include Act II 100 Calorie Butter Popcorn and Jolly Time Healthy Pop 100 Calorie Mini Bags.

How many calories are in plain, air-popped microwave popcorn?

When made at home with plain kernels in a brown paper bag and no oil, 3 cups of air-popped popcorn contain only about 95 calories.

Can I add flavor to my low-calorie popcorn without increasing calories much?

Yes, you can add flavor by using seasonings such as nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste, or a variety of spices like chili powder, garlic powder, or cinnamon, which contain minimal to no calories.

Are microwave popcorn bags with 'skinny' or 'light' in the name always low calorie?

While often lower in calories than their 'movie theater butter' counterparts, the calorie count can still vary. It's crucial to check the nutrition label for the calories per cup and compare it to other brands.

Is it safe to make popcorn in a paper bag in the microwave?

Yes, using a clean, standard brown paper lunch bag is a safe and effective way to make homemade, oil-free microwave popcorn. Ensure the bag is properly folded and no tape or metal is used.

What's a good way to control portions when eating microwave popcorn?

Opting for mini bags is the easiest way to control portions. Alternatively, you can pre-measure your own kernels and pop them, or pour a pre-packaged bag into a separate bowl to create defined serving sizes.

What are healthier oil options for making popcorn on the stovetop?

For healthier popcorn, consider using oils like avocado or extra virgin olive oil when making it on the stovetop. Use sparingly to keep the calorie count low.