A small popcorn from the movie theater typically contains between 250 and 500 calories, with butter adding an additional 100 to 200 calories. The calorie count of a small movie theater popcorn with butter varies depending on the type of popcorn, the amount of butter added, and the serving size.
Unbuttered popcorn is made primarily of air-popped corn kernels and typically contains between 250 and 300 calories per cup. Movie theater popcorn is usually cooked in oil, which increases the calorie count by up to 50%. A small, 1-cup serving of unbuttered movie theater popcorn can contain up to 450 calories.
Butter is added to movie theater popcorn for flavor and texture, but it also adds significant amounts of calories.
A tablespoon of butter can contain up to 100 calories, so a generous portion could add up to 200 extra calories. The amount of butter used in movie theaters varies, so it’s difficult to accurately estimate the calorie count for a small popcorn with butter.
Popcorn also contains some essential nutrients such as fiber, iron and magnesium. However, most of the nutrients are found in the unbuttered kernels so adding butter significantly reduces its nutritional value.
Conclusion:
Overall, a small movie theater popcorn with butter can contain anywhere from 350 to 650 calories depending on the type of popcorn used, how much butter is added and the serving size. Movie theater popcorn is high in calories and low in nutritional value due to its oil-popping method and additional butter topping.