Popcorn, movie theater, no butter added
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
This is the iconic, large-batch popcorn served in cinemas, typically popped in coconut or canola oil and seasoned with salt. It offers a light, airy crunch with a satisfying, savory flavor that's less greasy than its buttered counterpart. Nutritionally, it's a calorie-dense snack, with nearly half its calories coming from fat, but it does provide a decent amount of fiber.
Calorie split: 4% protein · 26% carbs · 70% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its irresistible, savory crunch and the nostalgic ritual of movie-watching. Its neutral, salty base makes it a versatile canvas for custom seasonings, from nutritional yeast to chili powder.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high fat and calorie density can lead to overconsumption, and the sodium content in movie-theater seasoning can be significant. Those monitoring blood sugar should be aware that refined carbs can cause spikes. To counteract, practice strict portion control (use a small container), pair with a protein source like jerky or nuts, and opt for a 'light' seasoning pass.
Key benefits
- Whole-grain snack providing dietary fiber
- Naturally low in sugar (0.37g per 100g)
- Source of plant-based protein (6.18g per 100g)
- Contains polyphenol antioxidants from the hull
- Can be a satisfying, volume-rich snack for calorie awareness
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The 'pop' of popcorn is caused by a superheated droplet of water inside the kernel turning to steam and exploding the hull, which can reach a volume expansion of over 40 times.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 1.9 g |
| Energy | 603 kcal |
| Protein | 6.2 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 48.7 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 39.9 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 6.9 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.37 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 8.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.9 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 74.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 172 mg |
| Potassium, K | 155 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 762 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.8 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.15 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 5.0 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.20 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.09 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.10 mg |
| Niacin | 1.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.14 mg |
| Folate, total | 12.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 12.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 12.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 11.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 5.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 48.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 32.0 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 746 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 1.7 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 3.1 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 28.9 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.22 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 2.3 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 1.6 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 13.1 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 5.0 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 5.1 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.6 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 7.4 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.04 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 7.3 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 9.7 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 9.2 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.54 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 movie theater popcorn gluten-free?
The popcorn kernel itself is naturally gluten-free. However, cross-contamination can occur in shared equipment, and some flavorings or seasonings may contain gluten additives. Always check with the venue for specific allergen information.
Why is it so high in fat?
Movie theater popcorn is typically popped in large vats using significant amounts of oil (like coconut or canola oil) for heat transfer and flavor. The 'no butter added' version still retains this oil from the popping process, which accounts for the high fat content (48.7g per 100g).
Can I make a healthier version at home?
Absolutely. Use an air-popper or a small amount of healthy oil (like avocado oil) on the stovetop. Season with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, herbs, spices, or a light sprinkle of fine salt to control fat and sodium intake.
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 6.03 kcal/g · 4% calories from protein · 6.9 g fiber · 0.4 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: 4.92 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.