While plain popcorn is a healthy snack with only 30 calories and an insignificant amount of fat per cup, butter adds 102 calories, 17.7 percent of daily value for fat and 36.5 percent daily value for saturated fat per added tablespoon, according to Calorie Lab. For a healthier snack, pop plain popcorn in the microwave or on the stove and add your own healthy ingredients to spice it up.
Oil and Spices
Instead of butter, use heart-healthy mono- or polyunsaturated oils such as canola or vegetable oil to cook your popcorn. Add the oil before you pop the corn on the stove to add flavor while it pops. Or take the Center for Science in the Public Interest's suggestion and pop the corn first, then spray it with a vegetable oil spray and add seasonings. CSPI recommends garlic powder, parmesan cheese or other seasoning choices that are salt-free. Basil, oregano and parsley would all add a touch of gourmet flavor to your popcorn.
Vegan Popcorn
Epicurious suggests a popcorn recipe that includes no dairy. Pop the popcorn and drizzle olive oil over it. Ground 2 tbsp. nutritional yeast flakes with a mortar and pestle or a spice or coffee grinder. Add 1/2 tsp. each of onion powder, garlic powder and cumin and 1 tsp salt. Sprinkle this spice mixture over the popcorn and mix it all together. If you are trying to reduce salt in your diet, take the salt out of this recipe.
Trail Mix
To create a healthy snack out of popcorn, you don't always have to add toppings like butter. Instead, add ingredients to complement the popcorn in the form of a snack mix. The Popcorn Board suggests making a trail mix out of popcorn and a combination of your favorite nuts and dried fruits, which will add nutrients and flavor to your popcorn.
Chili Lime Popcorn Snack Mix
For an interesting flavor combination, the Popcorn Board recommends adding lime juice and chili to your popcorn. To create this recipe, pop one quart of plain popcorn in the microwave or on the stove. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F and lay out your popcorn on a baking sheet. Spread 1 tsp. brewer's yeast powder or nutritional yeast, 1 tsp. lime juice, 1/2 tsp. chili powder and 1/4 tsp. salt over the popcorn and bake this tropical treat for approximately seven minutes.
References
- CalorieLab: Snacks, Popcorn, Air-Popped, White Popcorn Nutrition Facts
- CalorieLab: Butter, Salted Nutrition Facts
- Center for Science in the Public Interest: Healthy School Snacks
- Epicurious: Veganlicious Popcorn Topping
- The Popcorn Board: Popcorn Tips for the Foodservice Professional
- The Popcorn Board: Popcorn Recipes
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