Movie theater popcorn is one of the most popular snacks around, but how many calories are actually in it? Popcorn itself is a low-calorie, high-fiber snack, but all the added ingredients like butter and salt can drastically increase the calorie count.
A small serving of movie theater popcorn without any extra ingredients contains about 110 calories, 4.5 grams of fat, 15 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of protein. The majority of these calories come from the oil used to pop the corn. However, when you get your popcorn with added butter and/or flavored toppings like cheese or caramel, you can expect to consume significantly more calories—anywhere from 300 to 500 calories for a medium-sized bag.
Nutritional Value of Movie Theater Popcorn
Movie theater popcorn also contains some important vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of dietary fiber with 8 grams per serving as well as 5% of your daily recommended value for magnesium and iron. Additionally, it provides 5% of your daily value for vitamin E and 4% for zinc.
In general, movie theater popcorn is not the healthiest snack option out there, but it can be a reasonable indulgence if consumed in moderation. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to munch on at the movies, you may want to consider air-popped popcorn or other low-calorie snacks like pretzels or nuts.
Conclusion:
A small serving of movie theater popcorn without any extra ingredients contains about 110 calories while adding butter and/or flavored toppings can increase that number to 300 to 500 calories for a medium-sized bag. Movie theater popcorn also contains some important vitamins and minerals such as dietary fiber, magnesium and iron. Although it is not the healthiest option out there, it can be enjoyed in moderation if desired.