Microwave Popcorn Nutrition Facts

Is microwave popcorn different than regular popcorn?

What’s their secret? A: First, while they certainly do taste different, it’s not the actual popcorn that makes the difference. The kernels used to make theater popcorn and those used in the home (whether microwave or air popped) are essentially the same.

What is microwave popcorn made of?

Microwave popcorn, in theory, is no different from any other type of popcorn. The core ingredient, butterfly corn kernels, is the same. The only difference is the method of making the kernels pop: microwaving instead of pot-popping.

Is microwave popcorn real popcorn?

The best part of homemade microwave popcorn is knowing you don’t have any funky additives, as you would with store-bought microwave popcorn. It’s just natural, freshly popped kernels.

What is the purpose of microwave popcorn?

According to General Electric, the popcorn setting “provides a one-touch method of cooking your favorite microwave popcorn without having to guess the correct time needed.” While every microwave is different, the overall purpose is to pop your corn kernels without requiring much brain power.

Why you shouldn’t eat microwave popcorn?

Research has linked the coatings used in microwave popcorn to health issues. “One of the ingredients found in many brands of microwaveable popcorn is diacetyl, a flavoring which has been linked to the lung disease bronchiolitis obliterans,” says Anna Taylor, a clinical dietician with Cleveland Clinic.

Is microwave popcorn worse than air popped?

While microwave popcorn is typically higher in calories and sodium and lower in fiber than the air-popped variety, the main reason it’s less healthy is that it often contains trans fats.

Is there metal in microwave popcorn?

The real answer lies with an interesting material called a susceptor. It’s the metallic-looking sheet (sometimes wrapped in paper) found both in microwave bags and in crisping sleeves for other microwaved foods. It absorbs the microwaves, which raises its temperature high enough to cook the kernels by conduction.

Is plain microwave popcorn healthy?

Even though some chemicals that remain in the packaging of these products may be questionable, eating microwave popcorn from time to time shouldn’t pose any health risks. But if you’re still worried or consume a lot of popcorn, there’s no need to give it up as a snack.