When popcorn kernels are heated, pressure builds inside, expands and forces the kernel to release steam. Popcorn is made up of carbohydrates, protein and fat.
Considerations
The amount of calories in a bag of popcorn is determined by how you prepare your popcorn and whether you add butter, oil or other toppings. Popcorn can be air-popped and made in a microwave.
Air-Popped Popcorn
According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, an ounce of plain and white air-popped popcorn contains 107 to 108 calories. Adding one pat of butter can increase your intake another 36 calories.
Microwave Popcorn
There are several varieties of microwave popcorn from low-fat to fat-free, flavored and buttered. One ounce of low-fat microwave popcorn has 119 calories. An ounce of oil-popped white and plain microwave popcorn has 140 and 163 calories. Microwave popcorn labeled 94 percent fat free contains 113 calories.
Premade Popcorn
An ounce of premade, cheese-flavored popcorn has 147 calories. Caramel-coated popcorn has 121 calories.
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