Popcorn, chocolate coated
Common food
Chocolate-coated popcorn is a sweet and savory snack where crunchy, air-popped kernels are enrobed in a layer of smooth milk, dark, or white chocolate. The texture is a delightful contrast of a crisp, airy interior with a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth exterior. Nutritionally, it is a high-energy treat, primarily composed of carbohydrates and sugar, with a moderate amount of fat and a surprising boost of fiber from the whole-grain popcorn.
Calorie split: 5% protein · 69% carbs · 26% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for the irresistible combination of salty, crunchy popcorn and rich, sweet chocolate, which satisfies multiple cravings at once. It's a popular choice for movie nights, parties, and as a gourmet gift, blending the nostalgia of popcorn with the luxury of chocolate.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar and calorie content can lead to blood sugar spikes and may not be suitable for those monitoring their intake or with diabetes. To mitigate this, pair a small portion with a source of protein or healthy fat (like nuts or a glass of milk) to slow sugar absorption, and practice strict portion control by sticking to a single serving size.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick source of energy from carbohydrates and sugar
- Contains dietary fiber from the whole-grain popcorn base
- Offers a satisfying combination of sweet and savory flavors
- Serves as a convenient, portion-controlled indulgence for a sweet craving
- Can be a source of antioxidants, especially when made with dark chocolate
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The first known recipe for chocolate-covered popcorn appeared in a 1920s American cookbook, but the snack didn't become a mainstream commercial product until the 1980s with the rise of gourmet popcorn brands.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 2.8 g |
| Energy | 407 kcal |
| Protein | 5.3 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 12.8 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 76.4 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 8.3 g |
| Total Sugars | 47.7 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 51.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 2.9 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 81.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 147 mg |
| Potassium, K | 249 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 493 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.2 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.48 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 4.6 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.07 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.09 mg |
| Niacin | 2.2 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.04 mg |
| Folate, total | 8.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 8.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 8.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 22.2 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 | 4.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 1.1 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 11.4 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 23.0 mg |
| Theobromine | 204 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 4.0 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.10 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.06 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.08 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.09 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.33 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.3 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.1 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 3.0 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.09 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 2.9 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 4.0 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 3.7 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.36 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 chocolate-coated popcorn gluten-free?
It depends on the specific product. While popcorn and chocolate are naturally gluten-free, some brands may add flavorings or use facilities that process gluten-containing grains. Always check the label for a gluten-free certification.
How should I store chocolate-coated popcorn?
Store it in an airtight container at a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent the chocolate from melting or blooming. For longer storage, you can keep it in the refrigerator, but let it come to room temperature before eating for the best texture.
Can I make chocolate-coated popcorn at home?
Yes, it's simple to make. Pop your own popcorn, melt your choice of chocolate (milk, dark, or white), drizzle or toss the popcorn in the melted chocolate, and spread it on a baking sheet to cool and set. You can add sea salt, nuts, or other toppings for extra flavor.
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 4.07 kcal/g · 5% calories from protein · 8.3 g fiber · 47.7 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: 1.98 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.