Popcorn is a classic snack, perfect for movie nights or a quick bite. With so many options available, it's easy to grab a bag of pre-made popcorn at the grocery store. Smartfood is a popular brand, known for its ready-to-eat popcorn in iconic black bags. But is Smartfood popcorn a healthy choice? Let's take a closer look at the nutrition facts and ingredients to find out.
Smartfood Popcorn: An Overview
Since 1985, Smartfood popcorn has been a consumer favorite. The brand prides itself on fresh-tasting, light-textured popcorn. One of the most popular flavors is White Cheddar, but Smartfood offers a variety of options, including Flamin' Hot White Cheddar, Movie Theater Butter, Kettle Corn, and Doritos Nacho Cheese.
Smartfood emphasizes the use of "quality ingredients" and the convenience of its ready-to-eat format. The White Cheddar flavor, for instance, is gluten-free and contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Nutritional Breakdown of Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn
A 6.75 oz bag of SMARTFOOD White Cheddar Popcorn contains 7 servings. Here's a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (approximately 2 ½ cups):
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 10 grams
- Sodium: 200 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 15 grams
- Sugar: 2 grams
It also has 240 milligrams (mg) of sodium, which is 10 percent of the maximum daily amount recommended for adults, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).
Read also: Low-Carb Ice Cream Guide
Potential Health Concerns
While Smartfood popcorn can be a tasty snack, it's essential to be aware of potential health concerns:
- Fat Content: Prepackaged popcorn like Smartfood can be high in fat.
- Sodium: The sodium content can be significant, contributing to your daily intake. The AHA recommends limiting your intake of saturated fat to less than 6 percent of your total calories. So, if you eat 2,000 calories per day, that’s about 13 g.
Smartfood vs. Skinny Pop: A Comparison
Smartfood and Skinny Pop are two leading brands in the ready-to-eat popcorn market. They offer similar products and even have similar names, suggesting a healthier way to enjoy popcorn. Let's compare their White Cheddar flavors:
Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn:
- 70 calories per cup
- Distinct white cheddar flavor, well-balanced with saltiness and a touch of sweetness.
Skinny Pop White Cheddar Popcorn:
- 43 calories per cup
- Faint cheddar flavor, could benefit from more salt.
- Dairy-free
In a taste test, Smartfood's White Cheddar flavor was more apparent and balanced. However, Skinny Pop is a lower-calorie option and is dairy-free.
Smartfood Flavors and Nutritional Information
There are other flavors of Smartfood. One and a half cups of brown butter and sea salt Smartfood popcorn is 90 calories and 4 grams of added sugar.
Making a Healthier Choice
If you're looking for a more nutritious popcorn option, consider these tips:
Read also: Keto Guide to Smart Sweets
- Air-popped popcorn: Air-popped popcorn is a healthier alternative to popcorn cooked in oils or fat.
- Homemade popcorn: Make your own popcorn using a little bit of oil with a moderately high smoke point, like avocado oil.
- Healthy toppings: Add nutritional value by sprinkling on things like nutritional yeast, which has a rich, cheesy flavor you might mistake for cheddar in a blind taste test.
- Mindful snacking: Be mindful of portion sizes and overall snacking habits.
Read also: Ingredients in Smart for Life Cookies