Calories in Popcorn 🍿
Per 3 cups popped (24g)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 3 cups popped (24g)
About Popcorn
Popcorn is a staple grain product with a light crunchy character. At 93 calories per 3 cups popped (24g), it serves as a reliable source of carbohydrate energy for daily activities and exercise. Popcorn is known for whole grain snacking and has been a dietary foundation across many cultures for centuries. It pairs well with proteins, vegetables, and sauces for balanced, satisfying meals.
Health Benefits of Popcorn
Rich in Thiamin
Popcorn is an excellent source of thiamin, a nutrient essential for whole grain snacking. Including popcorn in your diet regularly helps ensure you meet your daily requirements for this important nutrient.
Sustained Energy Release
The carbohydrates in popcorn provide fuel for your brain and muscles. Complex carbs are broken down gradually, providing a steadier energy supply than simple sugars.
Important Source of Manganese
Popcorn provides meaningful amounts of manganese, which plays a role in numerous bodily functions including enzyme activity, bone health, and cellular metabolism.
Dietary Versatility
Popcorn can be incorporated into numerous recipes and meal preparations. Its versatility makes it easy to maintain a varied diet, which nutritionists consistently recommend for meeting all your micronutrient needs.
Calories by Serving Size
Different serving sizes of popcorn and their nutritional values:
| Serving | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half serving (12g) | 46 | 9.5g | 1.5g | 0.6g |
| Small portion (18g) | 70 | 14.2g | 2.2g | 0.8g |
| Regular serving (24g) | 93 | 19.0g | 3.0g | 1.1g |
| Medium portion (30g) | 116 | 23.8g | 3.8g | 1.4g |
| Large portion (36g) | 140 | 28.5g | 4.5g | 1.7g |
| Double serving (48g) | 186 | 38.0g | 6.0g | 2.2g |
Is Popcorn Good for Weight Loss?
Popcorn can be a valuable part of a weight loss plan. At 93 calories per 3 cups popped (24g), it provides good nutritional value without excessive calories. Its fiber content (3.5g) helps promote satiety, keeping you full between meals. The key to including popcorn in a weight loss diet is portion awareness. Use Calory to track your servings and ensure you stay within your daily calorie target while still enjoying the foods you love.
Popcorn and Popular Diets
How popcorn fits into common eating plans:
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories in popcorn?
Popcorn (3 cups popped (24g)) contains approximately 93 calories. The exact count can vary slightly based on size, preparation method, and specific variety. Use the Calory app for precise tracking based on your actual serving.
Is popcorn good for weight loss?
Yes, popcorn is a great choice for weight loss at only 93 calories per serving. The fiber content helps keep you full between meals. Include it as part of a balanced diet with adequate protein for best results.
Is popcorn a healthy carb?
Popcorn provides 19g of carbohydrates per serving. With 3.5g of fiber, it offers more nutritional value than refined alternatives. Carbohydrates are your body's preferred fuel source, and including them in moderation supports energy levels and exercise performance.
How can I track popcorn calories accurately?
Use a food scale for the most accurate calorie tracking. The Calory app lets you scan barcodes, search its database, or use AI food recognition to log popcorn quickly. Consistent tracking is the single most effective habit for weight management, according to multiple research studies.
Track Popcorn in Calory
Scan, search, or snap a photo. Calory makes logging popcorn instant with AI-powered food recognition.