Popcorn, microwave, salted

Source: USDA Nutrient Database. Protein daily value based on ISSN Position Stand for an individual weighing ~150 lbs.

Popcorn FAQ

Table of Contents

• Is popcorn gluten free?
• Is popcorn keto?
• Is popcorn low FODMAP?
• Is popcorn vegan?
• Is popcorn paleo?
• Is popcorn low histamine?
• Is popcorn whole30?
• Is popcorn high in fiber?
• Is popcorn high in carbs?
• Is popcorn high in potassium?
• Is popcorn kosher?
• Is popcorn halal?
• Is popcorn high in cholesterol?
• Does popcorn contain fat?
• Does popcorn contain protein?
• Does popcorn contain sugar?
• Is popcorn high in sodium?
• Does popcorn contain antioxidants?
• Does popcorn contain iron?
• Is popcorn high in lectins?
• Is popcorn high in oxalate?
• Is popcorn high in uric acid?
• Is popcorn high in phosphorus?
• Is popcorn good for fertility?
• Can you eat popcorn on the Atkins diet?
• Is popcorn high in purines?
• Is popcorn high in saturated fat?
• Is popcorn vegetarian?
• What are some popcorn alternatives?
• Is popcorn high in arginine?
• Can you eat popcorn on the Mediterranean diet?
• Does popcorn contain calcium?

Is popcorn gluten free?

Yes, popcorn is naturally gluten-free as it is made from corn, which does not contain gluten. However, if you are highly sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease, be aware that popcorn can sometimes be contaminated with gluten depending on preparation methods or additives used, especially in commercial products. Be sure to check the label to ensure the item is gluten-free.

Is popcorn keto?

While popcorn does not contain sugar, its carbohydrate content is considerable. One serving of microwave popcorn, which is about 3 cups popped, contains around 12 grams of carbs. Considering that the ketogenic diet typically limits carbohydrate intake to about 20-50 grams per day, popcorn could take up a significant portion of this daily allotment, thus making it not the most keto-friendly snack. If you are on the keto diet, you may wish to consume in moderate portions.

Is popcorn low FODMAP?

Popcorn is considered a low FODMAP food. FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols, which are short-chain carbohydrates that some people can’t digest. Monash University, the creators of the low FODMAP diet, classify popcorn as safe in servings of up to 7 cups popped.

Is popcorn vegan?

Pure popcorn is indeed vegan, as it is made from a plant product. However, many commercially available microwave popcorns, including salted varieties, contain butter or artificial butter flavorings, some of which may include animal-derived ingredients. Thus, read the ingredient list before consumption or simply pop your own kernels at home to ensure they meet vegan standards.

Is popcorn paleo?

No, popcorn is not considered paleo. The paleo diet is built around foods that could be hunted or gathered in the Paleolithic era, which includes lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds — foods that in the past could be obtained by hunting and gathering. Popcorn is a type of corn, which is classified as a grain, and grains are generally excluded from the paleo diet.

Is popcorn low histamine?

Yes, popcorn is generally considered low histamine. It is not typically on the list of foods that are known to be high in histamines. However, everyone’s body reacts differently, so while popcorn can be considered low histamine for most people, it can possibly trigger histamine response in some.

Is popcorn whole30?

No, popcorn is not compliant with Whole30. Whole30 eliminates all grains, including corn, from the diet for 30 days. Therefore, popcorn, being a product of corn (which is a grain), is not allowed during a Whole30 diet.

Is popcorn high in fiber?

No, popcorn is not high in fiber but may contribute to meeting your needs. One serving of microwave popcorn (about 3 cups) contains roughly 2 grams of dietary fiber, which is 7% of the recommended daily value based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Dietary Guidelines recommend adults consume between 25 and 38 grams of fiber per day, depending on age and gender, making popcorn a good source.

Is popcorn high in carbs?

No, popcorn is not high in carbs, but contains some carbs. Three cups of popped popcorn typically contains around 12 grams of carbohydrates, which is about 4% of the recommended daily value (DV based on a 2000 calorie diet).

Is popcorn high in potassium?

Popcorn only contains a moderate amount of potassium. On average, a cup of popped popcorn will have about 26.2 milligrams of potassium. This is a very small amount, contributing only about 1% to the recommended daily value (DV based on a 3,500 mg intake).

Is popcorn kosher?

Yes, popcorn itself is kosher as it is a naturally grown whole grain. However, it is important to note that microwave popcorn often includes added ingredients such as oil or flavorings. While these ingredients can also be kosher, the processing equipment must be kosher as well. Some brands specify on their packaging that their microwave popcorn is certified kosher.

Is popcorn halal?

Yes, popcorn in its pure form is considered halal as it is a vegetable product. However, similar to kosher considerations, the additional ingredients added to microwave popcorn, such as artificial flavors or non-halal meats in certain flavored varieties, could make it non-halal. Fortunately, many brands produce popcorn that is certified halal. Always look for a halal certification on the packaging of the product for reassurance.

Is popcorn high in cholesterol?

No, popcorn is not high in cholesterol. In fact, it contains no cholesterol at all.

Does popcorn contain fat?

Yes, microwave popcorn does contain fat. A standard serving (3 cups) of microwave popcorn typically contains 8 grams of fat, depending on the brand and butter content. For reference, the USDA suggests a daily fat intake between 20 to 35% of total calories for adults which typically equates to about 44 to 78 grams of fat per day.

Does popcorn contain protein?

Yes, popcorn does contain some protein, but not much. Generally, a 3-cup serving of microwave popcorn contains about 1 gram of protein. The recommended daily intake of protein is 46 grams for women and 56 grams for men.

Does popcorn contain sugar?

Generally, salted microwave popcorn does not contain significant amounts of sugar. However, if the popcorn is coated with a sweet flavoring or caramel, the sugar content will be higher. You can check the nutritional information on the bag for precise details. For context, The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting added sugars to less than 10% of calories daily

Please note these answers are average estimations and can vary significantly depending on specific brand choices and preparation methods.

Is popcorn high in sodium?

The sodium content of microwave popcorn varies significantly depending on the brand and the flavoring used. But on average, a 3-cup serving of microwave popcorn can contain around 300 to 600 mg of sodium. According to the American Heart Association, it is recommended that people aim to eat no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day. Therefore, some brands and flavors of microwave popcorn might be considered high in sodium.

Does popcorn contain antioxidants?

Yes, popcorn does contain antioxidants. In particular, it contains a type of antioxidant called polyphenols. Polyphenols are plant-based compounds that have multiple health benefits. A serving of popcorn contains approximately 300 milligrams of polyphenols, much higher than the amount found in many fruits and sweet corn.

Does popcorn contain iron?

Yes, popcorn does contain a small amount of iron. A 3-cup serving of plain, air-popped popcorn contains about 0.7 mg of iron. To put it in perspective, the recommended daily intake is 18mg for women of reproductive age and 8mg for men and women over the age of 50. Therefore, while popcorn does contain iron, it should not be relied upon as a primary source of this nutrient.

Is popcorn high in lectins?

Popcorn does not contain a high concentration of lectins. Lectins are typically found in higher amounts in grains that have not been popped. However, popping the corn kernels greatly reduces the content of the lectins, making popcorn a low-lectin food.

Is popcorn high in oxalate?

No, popcorn is not high in oxalate. Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds found in a wide array of foods, but popcorn tends to be lower in oxalate content in comparison with other foods. An oxalate-rich food would provide more than 50mg of oxalate per serving, but popcorn generally contains less than that. However, exact amounts can depend on the specific brand and preparation method.

Is popcorn high in uric acid?

Popcorn itself does not contain uric acid. Uric acid is a chemical created by the breakdown of substances called purines, which are found in certain foods and drinks. Neither popcorn nor corn generally contain purines or uric acid.

Is popcorn high in phosphorus?

Microwave popcorn does contain moderate amounts of phosphorus – approximately 100 mg per 100 g serving. The recommended daily intake of phosphorus for most adults is between 700-1250 mg, so popcorn can contribute to this but is not extraordinarily high in phosphorus.

Is popcorn good for fertility?

There’s no direct connection between the consumption of popcorn and increased fertility. Popcorn can be part of a healthy, well-balanced diet due to its fiber content and low calorie count (when served without excessive butter or salt). However, a diverse diet rich in various nutrients is generally most supportive for fertility in both men and women – not individual foods. You should also maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and minimize stress for optimal fertility health. Overall, if you enjoy popcorn, you can certainly include it as part of a balanced, fertility-supportive diet, but it’s not a magic fertility food in and of itself.

Can you eat popcorn on the Atkins diet?

No, you are not advised to eat microwave popcorn during the initial stages of the Atkins diet. The Atkins diet begins with a very low carbohydrate phase, and a typical 3-cup serving of popped microwave popcorn contains around 15 grams of carbohydrates. As the Atkins diet starts with a limit of 20 to 25 grams of carbohydrates per day, popcorn would not be an optimal choice. However, during the later stages of the Atkins diet, where more carbs are allowed, moderate popcorn consumption could be incorporated into the diet.

Is popcorn high in purines?

No, popcorn is not high in purines. Purines are substances that are part of many foods, and in the body, they are broken down into uric acid. Some people need to follow a low-purine diet to manage medical conditions like gout. Fortunately, popcorn is a low-purine food — a large portion (around three cups of popped microwave popcorn) contains only about 60 milligrams of purines. As per the Cleveland Clinic, foods with less than 100 milligrams of purines per 100-gram serving are considered low in purines.

Is popcorn high in saturated fat?

No, popcorn is generally not high in saturated fat if consumed plain. A 3-cup serving of plain popcorn contains less than 1 gram of saturated fat, well below the daily limit recommendation of 13 grams based on a 2,000-calorie diet. However, microwave popcorn often contains added butter or oil which can increase the amount of saturated fat. For example, a 3-cup serving of a commonly consumed butter-flavored popcorn can contain up to 2.5 grams of saturated fat. Check the specifics of the microwave popcorn brand for exact amounts.

Is popcorn vegetarian?

Yes, popcorn is vegetarian. It is a whole grain made from a type of corn kernel that pops when heated. There are no animal products used in the basic production of popcorn, although flavored variations may sometimes contain animal derivatives like butter or cheese flavors. Most plain or salted microwave popcorn should be okay for vegetarians, but as always, verify ingredient lists if you’re not sure or if the popcorn is heavily flavored.

What are some popcorn alternatives?

If you’re looking for alternatives to popcorn, there are a few options that have similar satisfying crunch. Rice cakes, whole grain toast, and different types of nuts are all good choices. You might also consider raw veggies with a healthy dip, like hummus. Always remember to check portion sizes and ensure that you’re maintaining a balanced diet.

Is popcorn high in arginine?

Popcorn falls in the middle range when it comes to arginine content. One cup of air-popped popcorn provides approximately 0.067 g of arginine. When considering that the dietary reference intake (DRI) for arginine is not specified for adults, but estimated adequate intake for a healthy adult is 3-6 grams per day, popcorn could contribute to this when included as a part of a balanced diet.

Can you eat popcorn on the Mediterranean diet?

Yes, you can enjoy a serving of popcorn on the Mediterranean diet. This diet emphasizes whole grains, and popcorn is a whole grain. However, it’s important to bear in mind that Mediterranean diet encourages low salt and low fat intake. Therefore, you should opt for air-popped popcorn, which is lower in fat and you can control the amount of salt added.

Does popcorn contain calcium?

Popcorn does offer a small amount of calcium, but it’s quite minimal. One cup of air-popped popcorn will provide you with about 2 mg of calcium which doesn’t significantly contribute to the recommended daily intake (RDI) of 1000-1300 mg for adults. If you’re looking to increase your calcium intake, consider more potent sources like dairy products, leafy greens, or fortified food and drinks.