Popcorn, caramel coated
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Caramel-coated popcorn is a sweet, crunchy treat where fluffy popped corn kernels are enrobed in a glossy, buttery caramel shell that hardens into a satisfying, slightly sticky coating. It offers a delightful contrast between the airy, light interior and the rich, buttery sweetness of the caramel. Nutritionally, it's a high-carbohydrate, high-sugar snack, providing quick energy but with minimal protein or fiber.
Calorie split: 3% protein · 71% carbs · 26% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for the addictive combination of sweet, buttery caramel and the satisfying crunch of popcorn, creating a comforting and indulgent experience. It's a nostalgic staple at fairs, cinemas, and holiday gatherings, evoking a sense of fun and celebration.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar content (over 50g per 100g) can lead to blood-sugar spikes and is a concern for those monitoring sugar intake or with diabetes. The sticky coating can also be tough on dental health. To counteract this, practice strict portion control and pair it with a source of protein or healthy fat (like a handful of nuts) to slow sugar absorption, and rinse your mouth with water afterward.
Key benefits
- Provides quick energy from carbohydrates
- Contains dietary fiber from the corn kernel
- A popular, convenient, and shelf-stable snack
- Often enjoyed as a celebratory or movie-theater treat
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Caramel corn became a national sensation in the U.S. after the Cracker Jack brand, which featured caramel-coated popcorn and peanuts, was introduced at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 2.8 g |
| Energy | 428 kcal |
| Protein | 3.8 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 12.7 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 78.5 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 5.2 g |
| Total Sugars | 52.8 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 43.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.7 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 35.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 82.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 108 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 512 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.57 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.12 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 3.6 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.06 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.07 mg |
| Niacin | 2.2 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.03 mg |
| Folate, total | 5.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 5.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 5.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 23.3 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.01 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 2.0 ug |
| Retinol | 2.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 1.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 1.2 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 12.4 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 3.6 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.11 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.07 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.09 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.10 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.37 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.1 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.71 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 2.9 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.10 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 2.8 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 4.4 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 4.0 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.40 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 |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Snacks, popcorn, oil-popped, white popcorn, salt added — USDA does not publish this profile for Popcorn.
| Tryptophan | 0.06 g |
| Threonine | 0.34 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.32 g |
| Leucine | 1.1 g |
| Lysine | 0.25 g |
| Methionine | 0.19 g |
| Cystine | 0.16 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.44 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.37 g |
| Valine | 0.46 g |
| Arginine | 0.45 g |
| Histidine | 0.28 g |
| Alanine | 0.67 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.63 g |
| Glutamic acid | 1.7 g |
| Glycine | 0.37 g |
| Proline | 0.79 g |
| Serine | 0.43 g |
FAQ
Is caramel popcorn gluten-free?
Plain popcorn is naturally gluten-free, but caramel coatings can sometimes contain malt (from barley) or be processed in facilities with wheat. Always check the ingredient label for allergen warnings if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Why does caramel popcorn get sticky?
Caramel is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. In humid conditions, the sugar coating softens and becomes sticky. Storing it in an airtight container helps maintain its crunch.
How is caramel corn different from kettle corn?
Kettle corn is popped in oil with sugar and salt, creating a light, sweet-and-salty coating. Caramel corn is popcorn that is tossed in a separate, thick, buttery caramel sauce that hardens into a more substantial, glossy shell.
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 4.28 kcal/g · 4% calories from protein · 5.2 g fiber · 52.8 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-to-potassium ratio: 4.74 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.