Stove-top popcorn is one of the true North American classic snacks. The buttery aroma, such as the one made famous by the Jiffy Pop brand, can be intoxicating, but stove-top popcorn might not be the healthiest snack option.
Calories Per Serving
According to Jiffy Pop's website, a 34-gram serving — four un-popped cups — of its Butter popcorn packs 140 calories. By comparison, a serving of 18 Pringles Reduced Fat Original-flavor potato chips has just as many calories.
Fat Content
Based on calories alone, Jiffy Pop might not seem like a bad snack, but the fat content may be a deal breaker for those watching their diet. A single serving contains 7 grams of fat, including 1.5 grams of saturated fat and 3 grams of trans fat. All told, that's 11 percent of the recommended daily intake.
Find an Alternative
No one will deny that popcorn is an irresistible snack, but there are ways to evade the fat trap. For example, you can pop your own corn to control the amount of butter and salt. If you prefer the quicker microwave option, Orville Redenbacher's Smart Pop! microwave popcorn, for example, offers 130 calories and just 2 grams of a fat in a slightly larger — 40-gram — serving.
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