Popcorn, caramel coated, with nuts
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Caramel-coated popcorn with nuts is a crunchy, sweet-and-salty indulgence where airy popcorn kernels are enrobed in a glossy, buttery caramel shell and studded with roasted peanuts or almonds. Each bite delivers a satisfying snap from the caramel, a chewy interior, and the rich, earthy crunch of nuts. It is a calorie-dense treat, packing nearly 400 kcal per 100g, with a high carbohydrate and sugar content that makes it a true dessert snack.
Calorie split: 6% protein · 77% carbs · 17% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for the irresistible combination of sweet, buttery caramel and the satisfying crunch of nuts and popcorn, creating a complex texture and flavor profile. It is a nostalgic treat often associated with movie nights, carnivals, and holiday gatherings, making it a culturally beloved comfort food.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar (45g/100g) and refined carbohydrate content can cause rapid blood sugar spikes, making it a poor choice for those managing diabetes or insulin resistance. It is also calorie-dense, and the nuts are a common allergen. To counteract this, practice strict portion control (e.g., a single 118g serving), and pair it with a source of protein or fat (like a handful of plain nuts or a glass of milk) to slow sugar absorption.
Key benefits
- Provides quick energy from its high carbohydrate content.
- Contains dietary fiber (3.8g/100g) from the whole corn kernel and nuts.
- Offers plant-based protein (6.35g/100g) from the nuts and popcorn.
- Nuts contribute healthy monounsaturated fats and minerals like magnesium.
- A satisfying, crunchy snack that can curb sweet cravings in moderation.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The original Cracker Jack, a pioneering caramel-coated popcorn with peanuts, was first sold at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago and famously included a prize in every box, a marketing innovation that helped cement its place in American pop culture.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 3.3 g |
| Energy | 397 kcal |
| Protein | 6.3 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 7.7 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 80.1 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 3.8 g |
| Total Sugars | 45.0 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 66.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 3.9 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 79.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 126 mg |
| Potassium, K | 352 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 483 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.2 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.29 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 3.9 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.05 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.13 mg |
| Niacin | 2.0 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.18 mg |
| Folate, total | 16.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 16.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 16.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 17.2 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 4.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 35.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 23.0 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 575 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.84 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 3.9 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.0 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 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.81 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.16 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 2.7 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 2.6 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.05 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 3.2 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 3.2 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.06 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-coated popcorn with nuts a healthy snack?
It is a treat, not a health food. While it provides some fiber and protein from the nuts and popcorn, its high sugar and calorie content mean it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How does the sugar in this snack affect the body?
The 45g of sugar per 100g can lead to a rapid increase in blood glucose levels, followed by an insulin spike and potential energy crash. For individuals with blood sugar concerns, it's best to consume it in small portions and pair it with protein or fat to moderate the glycemic response.
What common allergens are in this food?
The primary allergen is nuts (often peanuts, almonds, or pecans). It may also contain dairy (butter in the caramel) and soy (in some coatings). Always check the ingredient label for specific allergen warnings.
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 3.97 kcal/g · 6% calories from protein · 3.8 g fiber · 45.0 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-to-potassium ratio: 1.37 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.