Chocolate-covered Popcorn Nutrition

Americans have been snacking on popcorn since the pioneer days, according to What's Cooking America. But it wasn't until 1893 that Americans started eating sweetened popcorn in what would soon become Cracker Jacks. Today, popcorn comes in a number of different flavors, including chocolate-covered. While plain popcorn makes a healthy snack choice, adding chocolate increases its calories and fat content.

Serving Size and Calories

To help you compare similar food items, serving sizes are standardized and set in familiar portions. The number of calories indicates the amount of energy a food item provides. A 1/3 cup serving of chocolate-covered popcorn contains 163 calories. In comparison, a 1/3 cup serving of air-popped popcorn contains only 10 calories.

Fat

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends you limit your fat intake to 20 to 35 percent of your total calories and saturated fat intake to less than 10 percent of your total calories. Eating a diet high in saturated fat increases your risk of high cholesterol and heart disease. When following a 2,000-calorie diet, your saturated fat intake should be less than 22.2 g per day. A 1/3 cup serving of chocolate-covered popcorn contains 3 g of total fat and no saturated fat.

Protein

Protein in food is broken down into amino acids during digestion. These amino acids build and replace the proteins in your muscles, skin, tissues and organs. Most Americans get more than enough protein in their diets, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Protein needs range from 46 to 56 g per day for healthy women and men, respectively. A 1/3 cup serving of chocolate-covered popcorn contains 2 g of protein. The protein in popcorn does not contain all of the essential amino acids, making it an incomplete source of protein.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates should supply most of your calorie needs. The McKinley Health Center recommends your carbohydrate intake make up 45 to 65 percent of your daily calorie intake. Most of your carbohydrate choices should also be high in fiber. Whole-grain foods like popcorn are naturally high in fiber. Women need 21 to 25 g of fiber a day, and men need 30 to 38 g of fiber a day. A 1/3 cup serving of chocolate-covered popcorn contains 32 g of carbohydrates, 13 g of sugar and 1 g of fiber. In comparison, a 160-calorie portion of air-popped popcorn -- about 5 cups -- contains 30 g of carbohydrates, no sugar and 6 g of fiber.

Sodium

High intakes of sodium increase your risk of high blood pressure. The USDA's "Dietary Guidelines for Americans" recommends you limit your daily sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg a day. One serving of chocolate-covered popcorn contains 5 mg of sodium.