Healthy Popcorn: Facts for Smart and Tasty Snacking

General Popcorn Knowledge

When was popcorn invented?

Popcorn has been around for over 6000 years.

Archeologists found evidence from Fossils in Peru that people have been enjoying popped corn as far back as 4,700 BC.

What are popcorn kernels?

Popcorn kernels are a kind of seed because they contain an embryo and can produce more popcorn kernels.

However, your chances of growing your own popcorn with commercially sold popcorn are slim.

They’ve been through too many harsh conditions.

How are popcorn kernels made?

Popcorn kernels are made from wild grass, called Zea Mays Everta.

This is the only type of corn that can pop.

When the wild grass reaches maturity, the corn is picked and the popcorn kernels are removed.

After these kernels get stored in a dry place within special containers.

The kernels specifically maintain a moisture level of around 14%, so they can be heated to make fluffy popcorn later.

How does a popcorn machine work?

A popcorn machine heats the popcorn kernel by using hot air.

The moisture inside of the popcorn kernels is heated and will turn into steam.

This creates pressure, and eventually bursts the outer shell.

When this happens the white fluffy “popped” popcorn appears in the popcorn machine.

When popcorn is heated over a flame, the kernel bursts open. why does this occur?

When the moisture inside of a popcorn kernel is heated it will turn to steam, which creates pressure.

When this pressure is stronger than the outer shell, it will burst and turn into white fluffy popcorn ready to enjoy.

Can there be Popcorn without kernels?

No, the kernels are needed to create the white fluffy substance we call popcorn.

The outer shell breaks, due to an increase in pressure.

Some popcorn kernels might not “pop”, in which case it’s best to have two bowls.

Put the popcorn after “popping” in one bowl and then transfer the “popped” popcorn into the other bowl.

The popcorn kernels that didn’t pop will be filtered out, so you don’t break your teeth.

Healthy popcorn

How to make healthy popcorn

The healthiest popcorn is “air-popped” popcorn, which means not using a microwave or a ton of oil.

The fastest and easiest way to make air-popped popcorn is with an at-home popcorn machine.

Just put in the popcorn kernels, wait for 30-60 seconds, and your healthy popcorn is ready.

It’s possible to use a stove as well, but it will require a bit more effort.

Preparing popcorn with extra virgin olive is still considered healthy, but it will add a bunch of unnecessary calories.

What popcorn toppings are healthy?

You can put a variety of toppings on your popcorn that is considered healthy, depending on the flavors you like.

Some options are cinnamon, black pepper, chili powder, sea salt, paprika powder, taco seasoning, burrito seasoning, garlic powder, curry powder, turmeric powder, cacao powder, sweeteners, zero-calorie syrups, etc.

When adding topping to your popcorn, it’s best to avoid high-calorie sugary topping and butter.

What is the best seasoning for (healthy) popcorn?

The best seasoning for healthy popcorn is cinnamon, black pepper, chili powder, sea salt, paprika powder, taco seasoning, burrito seasoning, garlic powder, curry powder, turmeric powder, etc.

You can experiment with other seasonings, depending on your taste.

What popcorn is low in calories?

The popcorn lowest in calories is “air-popped” popcorn.

The easiest and fastest way to make this is with an at-home popcorn machine.

It’s also possible to make it with a stove.

Just make sure to not use any high-calorie sugary toppings, oils, or butter.

Will popcorn make you fat?

Popcorn will not make you fat. Eating more calories, than your body uses in a day is what will make you fat.

Popcorn is a high-volume, but low-calorie kind of food.

The best way to keep popcorn low in calories is not using any oils, but instead to make it “air-popped”.

You can do this fast and easy with an at-home popcorn machine, or use the stove instead.

Be sure to avoid high-calorie sugary toppings and butter. These can add a lot of calories, which can easily make you “fat”.

Which popcorn is keto friendly?

Air-popped popcorn, or popcorn made with healthy oils, can be keto friendly.

You can make air-popped popcorn at home fast and easily using a popcorn machine, or with the stove.

Be sure to limit yourself to about one cup a day, to stay under the daily carbohydrate limit of ketosis (around 50 grams).

What popcorn is good for weight loss/ best for a diet?

The best popcorn for weight loss when you’re on a diet is “air-popped” popcorn, without adding any high-calory sugary toppings or butter.

You can make air-popped popcorn fast and easily at home with an at-home popcorn machine, or with the stove.

Add your favorite seasonings, and enjoy fresh delicious popcorn while you’re on a diet trying to lose weight.

Will popcorn raise blood sugar

Popcorn is a high-volume, but a low-calorie snack.

It’s a complex carbohydrate, and will in itself not significantly raise your blood sugar levels.

Air-popped popcorn (popcorn made without oil) is best for this.

Be sure to avoid high-sugary toppings and butter thought because these can be detrimental to blood sugar levels.

Always popcorn time

Can you eat popcorn for breakfast, lunch, or dinner?

Yes! You can eat popcorn for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

It’s a complex carbohydrate, that’s high in volume and low in calories.

‍It can be very healthy if you avoid high-calorie sugary toppings or butter.

You can make it air-popped or with a little bit of healthy oil, such as extra virgin olive oil.

You can enjoy it on its own, in a bowl on the side, or just throw it all over your other food.

For a complete meal add a source of protein.

Is popcorn good or bad for...?

Is popcorn good or bad for bodybuilding?

Popcorn can be a very good addition to a bodybuilding diet.

It’s a complex carbohydrate, that is high in fiber. You can eat a lot of popcorn because it’s a high-volume but low in calories kind of food.

This will be especially helpful when dieting to keep you full.

To keep the calories as low as possible, make air-popped popcorn, with an at-home popcorn machine or the stove.

Alternatively use a small amount of healthy oil.

Be sure to avoid high-calorie sugary toppings or butter to keep the diet clean.

Is popcorn good or bad for working out?

Popcorn is very good for working out because it’s a complex carbohydrate.

This means it’s a great source of energy that will provide you with energy for a long time.

It’s also high in volume, but low in calories, which means you can eat a lot of it.

This helps you to stay full, which can be very beneficial when trying to lose weight.

To keep the calories as low as possible, you can make air-popped popcorn. Alternatively, add some healthy oil.

Top it off with your favorite kind of seasoning or no-calorie sweetener.

Be sure to avoid high-calorie sugary toppings or butter.

Is popcorn good or bad for a weight loss diet?

Popcorn can be very good for a weight loss diet. It’s a complex carbohydrate, that is high in fiber.

You can eat a lot of popcorn for a low amount of calories, which is perfect for keeping you feel full.

To keep the calories as low as possible, you can make air-popped popcorn.

This can be done fast and easily with an at-home popcorn machine or the stove.

Top it off with your favorite kind of seasoning or no-calorie sweetener.

Be sure to avoid high-calorie sugary toppings or butter to keep the diet clean.

Is popcorn good or bad for diabetics?

Popcorn is a very good snack for diabetics because it’s high in volume for a low amount of calories.

It’s a complex carbohydrate source (whole-grain), that provides energy over a long period.

As long as you don’t eat a huge amount of popcorn, it will also not raise blood sugar levels by a significant amount.

Is popcorn good or bad for constipation?

Popcorn can be good for constipation if it’s air-popped, and you avoid high-calory sugary toppings and butter.

The popcorn itself is a complex carbohydrate, which is high in fiber.

This is perfect to relieve constipation.

However, the extra calories from oils, sugary toppings, and butter, which you find in movie theaters can make you constipated.

Is popcorn bad or good for diarrhea?

Popcorn is very healthy, but it may be best to avoid or limit it if you have diarrhea.

It’s a complex carbohydrate that contains a lot of fiber, which means it will make you go to the toilet.

While being great to relieve constipation, it’s detrimental if you’re currently having diarrhea.

Eat simple forms of carbohydrates instead, such as white rice or pasta.

Is popcorn good or bad during pregnancy?

Popcorn is a very good snack during pregnancy.

Popcorn is a complex carbohydrate, that is high in fiber.

It contains many vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin K, calcium, and potassium.

If it’s air-popped, it almost contains no fats or sugars.

Because it’s high in volume, but low in calories, it can keep you full without having to feel guilty.

Popcorn without oil

Can you make/ pop popcorn without oil?

Yes, you can make/pop popcorn without oil.

Here are multiple ways how to do it:

• Make air-popped popcorn with an at-home popcorn machine.
• Make air-popped popcorn in a pot on the stove.
• Make popcorn in the microwave, by having the popcorn kernels in a bag.

Out of these three options, an at-home popcorn machine is by far the fastest and easiest.

Your healthy, air-popped popcorn is ready in 30-60 seconds.

How to flavor air-popped popcorn without oil?

The best seasoning for air-popped popcorn is cinnamon, black pepper, chili powder, sea salt, paprika powder, taco seasoning, burrito seasoning, garlic powder, curry powder, turmeric powder, etc.

You can experiment with other seasonings, depending on your taste.

How many calories are in popcorn without oil?

Air-popped popcorn contains 374,8 kcal per 100 grams.

One cup (8grams) contains around 31 calories.

Popcorn is a low-calorie dense food, which means you can eat a lot of volume for the calories you eat.

Popcorn expiration

How long is popcorn good for?

Popcorn found on the shelves or in microwave bags, which is not popped, stays good for about 8 months.

After you can still eat it, but a couple of months after the expiration date the popcorn can become very dry.

Pre-packed “popped” popcorn stays good for about 2-4 weeks if it’s left unopened.

After opening the package it’s usually good for about 1-2 weeks.

With packaged or pre-packed “popped” popcorn you can also check out the best-before-date on the label.

Homemade air-popped popcorn stays good for up to two weeks after popping.

How long will popcorn stay fresh?

Popped popcorn will stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks if you store it in a dry space at room temperature.

Popcorn without a microwave

How to make/ cook microwave popcorn without a microwave?

The fastest and easiest way to make microwave popcorn is by using an at-home popcorn machine.

Simply open the bag, take the popcorn kernels out, and put them in the popcorn machine.

Alternatively, you can cook microwave popcorn on a stove.

Simply take the popcorn kernels out of the bag and put them in a large pot (with added oil/butter). Put it on medium heat.

Using these alternatives is also a lot healthier than using a microwave.

How to make/ pop popcorn without a microwave?

The fastest and easiest way to make popcorn without a microwave is by using an at-home popcorn machine.

You can simply put in popcorn kernels, wait for 30-60 seconds, and you have healthy air-popped popcorn.

Alternatively, you can pop popcorn kernels on a stove.

Just put the popcorn kernels in a large pot (with added butter/oil) and set it on medium heat.

Using these alternatives is also a lot healthier than using a microwave.

Popcorn versus

What is better popcorn or chips?

In general, air-popped popcorn is a lot healthier than chips.

Popcorn is a complex carbohydrate and is full of fiber.

It contains fewer calories, has almost no fats and sugar, and contains many vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin K, calcium, and potassium.

Chips are in general a lot higher in calories and contain way more fats.

However, if popcorn is made with a bunch of oil, and has high-calorie sugary toppings and butter, then the choice is not so clear.

If you’re at the movies and want to opt for the “best option”, then go for the salted popcorn.

This option will contain fewer calories than both sweet popcorn, and chips.

What is better popcorn or nachos?

In general, air-popped popcorn is a lot healthier than nachos.

Popcorn is a complex carbohydrate and is full of fiber.

It contains fewer calories, has almost no fats and sugar, and contains many vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin K, calcium, and potassium.

Nachos are in general a lot higher in calories and contain way more fats.

However, if popcorn is made with a bunch of oil, and has high-calorie sugary toppings and butter, then the choice is not so clear.

If you’re at the movies and want to opt for the “best option”, then go for the salted popcorn.

This option will contain fewer calories than both sweet popcorn, and nachos.

What is better popcorn or ice cream?

In general, air-popped popcorn can be enjoyed for longer for the same amount of calories.

Popcorn is a complex carbohydrate and is full of fiber.

It contains few calories for the volume you get, has almost no fats and sugar, and contains many vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin K, calcium, and potassium.

Now, if popcorn is made with a bunch of oil, and has high-calorie sugary toppings and butter, then this totally destroys the nutritional value.

A great example is popcorn at the movies, especially the sweet popcorn is very high in calories.

Ice cream totally depends on which ice cream you chose.

If you’re making healthy, high-protein, high volume, low-calorie ice cream yourself, then this will be totally different from a tub of Ben & Jerry’s.

Popcorn for animals

Is popcorn good or bad for dogs?

Air-popped popcorn, made without oils, is good for dogs in small quantities.

Make sure to avoid giving your dog popcorn that’s made with oil, or contains high-calorie sugary toppings or butter.

For this reason, you should be careful with pre-packaged popcorn.

Home-made air-popped popcorn is the healthiest and safest option.

Is popcorn good or bad for cats?

Air-popped popcorn, made without oils, is good for cats in small quantities.

Make sure to avoid giving your cat popcorn that’s made with oil, or contains high-calorie sugary toppings or butter.

For this reason, you should be careful with pre-packaged popcorn.

Home-made air-popped popcorn is the healthiest and safest option.

Is popcorn good or bad for birds?

Air-popped popcorn, made without oils, is good for birds in small quantities.

Make sure to avoid giving your bird popcorn that’s made with oil, or contains high-calorie sugary toppings or butter.

For this reason, you should be careful with pre-packaged popcorn.

Home-made air-popped popcorn is the healthiest and safest option.

Is popcorn good or bad for animals?

Air-popped popcorn, made without oils, is good for animals in small quantities.

Make sure to avoid giving your animal popcorn that’s made with oil, or contains high-calorie sugary toppings or butter.

For this reason, you should be careful with pre-packaged popcorn.

Home-made air-popped popcorn is the healthiest and safest option.