Oil, industrial, soy (partially hydrogenated), principal uses popcorn and flavoring vegetables
Whole food · Fats and Oils
Photo: Wikipedia
This is a highly refined, neutral-flavored oil created specifically for the high-heat, rapid-popping environment of commercial popcorn machines. It has a very high smoke point and a clean, non-greasy mouthfeel that allows it to coat kernels evenly without imparting a strong soy flavor. Nutritionally, it is a pure fat source, providing 100 grams of fat per 100-gram serving.
Calorie split: 0% protein · 0% carbs · 100% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
It's the secret behind the classic, addictive movie-theater popcorn flavor and texture. Its ability to withstand intense heat while delivering a clean, buttery-like mouthfeel (often paired with artificial butter flavor) makes it indispensable for that specific, nostalgic snack experience.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
As a partially hydrogenated oil, it may contain trace amounts of artificial trans fats, which are strongly linked to negative cardiovascular health outcomes. It is a highly processed, calorie-dense ingredient with no significant micronutrients. To counteract, use it sparingly as a specialty popping oil rather than a general cooking fat, and balance your diet with whole, unprocessed foods.
Key benefits
- Extremely high smoke point ideal for popcorn popping
- Neutral flavor profile doesn't compete with seasonings
- Provides a crisp, non-greasy texture to popped corn
- Cost-effective for large-volume commercial use
- Stable shelf life due to hydrogenation process
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The 'buttery' flavor and aroma of theater popcorn often come not from the oil itself, but from a separate, potent artificial butter flavoring (like diacetyl) that is sprayed onto the popcorn after it's popped in this oil.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 0.00 g |
| Energy | 884 kcal |
| Energy | 3699 kj |
| Protein | 0.00 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 100 g |
| Ash | 0.00 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.00 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 0.00 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.00 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 0.00 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 0.00 mg |
| Potassium, K | 0.00 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 0.00 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.00 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.00 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.00 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.00 mg |
| Niacin | 0.00 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.00 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 0.00 ug |
| Choline, total | 0.20 mg |
| Betaine | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 0.00 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 8.1 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 24.7 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 17.7 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.09 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 10.5 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.10 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 6.2 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.36 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.36 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 41.9 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.10 g |
| MUFA 16:1 c | 0.10 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 41.6 g |
| MUFA 18:1 c | 31.6 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.20 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 35.6 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 33.0 g |
| PUFA 18:2 n-6 c,c | 30.2 g |
| PUFA 18:2 i | 2.9 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 1.9 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-3 c,c,c (ALA) | 1.9 g |
| PUFA 18:3i | 0.68 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 13.6 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-monoenoic | 10.0 g |
| TFA 18:1 t | 10.0 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-polyenoic | 3.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
| Phytosterols | 132 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.00 g |
| Threonine | 0.00 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.00 g |
| Leucine | 0.00 g |
| Lysine | 0.00 g |
| Methionine | 0.00 g |
| Cystine | 0.00 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.00 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.00 g |
| Valine | 0.00 g |
| Arginine | 0.00 g |
| Histidine | 0.00 g |
| Alanine | 0.00 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.00 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.00 g |
| Glycine | 0.00 g |
| Proline | 0.00 g |
| Serine | 0.00 g |
FAQ
Is this the same as regular soybean oil?
No. Regular soybean oil is typically refined but not partially hydrogenated. This oil is specifically hydrogenated to increase its melting point and stability for high-heat popcorn popping, which alters its chemical structure and nutritional profile.
Why can't I buy this at the grocery store?
It is formulated for and sold to commercial food service operations (movie theaters, stadiums, snack manufacturers) in bulk. Consumer-grade popcorn oils are usually different blends.
Does it contain dairy?
The oil itself is dairy-free. However, the final popcorn product is often coated with artificial butter flavors and seasonings that may contain dairy derivatives like whey or milk solids. Always check the ingredient list of the final seasoned product.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 8.84 kcal/g · 0% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.