A small bag of movie theater popcorn contains almost 400 calories, depending on the type of popcorn and the amount of added ingredients. Generally, a small bag of movie theater popcorn is about 9 cups and is considered to be one serving. The calorie count can vary depending on the style and flavor of the popcorn, as well as any added condiments, such as butter or oil.
Air-popped movie theater popcorn typically contains around 110 calories per cup, which comes to a total of nearly 1,000 calories in a full small bag. This traditional style is often served without any added ingredients.
Other types of movie theater popcorn may be popped in oil or butter, resulting in a higher calorie count per cup — up to 250 calories. This means that a small bag can contain up to 2,250 calories when popped in oil or butter.
The calorie count increases further when condiments are added to the movie theater popcorn. For example, adding butter spray or melted butter can add 50 to 120 calories per tablespoon. Caramel corn also adds significant calories — up to 300 per cup — so it is important to consider any additions when counting how many calories are in a small bag of movie theater popcorn.
In addition to the calorie count, it is also important to consider the fat content in movie theater popcorn. Air-popped versions tend to have very low fat content — usually no more than 2 grams per cup — while other styles may contain up to 12 grams per cup due to their higher oil content. A full small bag can contain up to 24 grams of fat if it is popped in oil or butter with additional condiments such as melted butter or caramel corn added on top.
Conclusion: How many calories are in a small bag of movie theater popcorn? Generally speaking, it will contain around 400 calories but this number can vary significantly depending on the type and flavor of the popcorn as well as any additional condiments that are added on top. It is important for people who are watching their weight and calorie intake to keep an eye on these factors when indulging in movie theater snacks like popcorn.