Act II microwave popcorn provides a quick source for the main ingredient in the confection, popcorn balls. To make popcorn balls, combine corn syrup, margarine, sugar, marshmallows, water and salt and cook until it forms a thick syrup. Pop the popcorn and combine it with the syrup. Form the popcorn into balls while it is still warm. While popcorn balls do deliver modest amounts of certain nutrients, they also contain significant amounts of sugar.
Components
A single popcorn ball made from just under 1 cup of Act II popcorn weighs approximately 28 g, according to information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Within that serving, carbohydrates make up around 22 g, with over half of that amount coming from sugar. Around 3.5 g are fats and just 1 g consists of proteins. Less than 1 g of water and 1.5 g of dietary fiber are also found within the serving. The remaining portion of the serving is composed of other nutrients.
Caloric Value
The USDA also reports that a single popcorn ball provides around 120 calories, which can deliver around 6 percent of the total number of calories a person on a 2,000-calorie-per-day diet should consume. Within this measure, around 90 calories come from carbohydrates, of which nearly 60 calories is composed of sugar, 3 percent of the recommended daily intake, or RDI, in a 2,000-calorie diet. The fat in a popcorn ball provides around 25 calories, or about 5 percent of the RDI in a 2,000-calorie diet, according to the American Heart Association. Proteins offer just 5 calories within the serving.
Vitamins
A single popcorn ball provides only minor amounts of essential vitamins. The highest of these is niacin, at 0.6 mg, or 4 percent of the RDI followed closely by vitamin K at 3.5 mcg, or just over 3 percent of the RDI. Other less substantial amounts of vitamins include A, B6 and E, folate, riboflavin and niacin.
Minerals
Relatively small amounts of dietary minerals are also available in an Act II popcorn ball. These include 5 percent or your RDI of iron, and phosphorus at 23 mg or just over 3 percent of the RDI. Smaller quantities include calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc and potassium. The serving also contains sodium in the form of salt at 58 mg, or almost 4 percent of the RDI.
Health Concerns
The high-sugar content of popcorn balls may contribute to certain medical problems, among them childhood hyperactivity, dental problems, nutritional deficiencies, obesity, diabetes and heart disease, according to Oklahoma State University. When enjoying Act II popcorn balls, do so in moderation to maintain proper nutrition.
References
- Institute of Medicine, National Academies: Dietary Reference Intakes
- USDA Nutrient Database: Popcorn, Sugar Syrup Caramel-Coated (Includes: Popcorn Balls)
- Act II: Classic Popcorn Balls
- Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension: Dietary Sugar and Alternative Sweeteners
- American Heart Association: Knowing Your Fats
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