Popcorn versus Other Snacks
Without the excess salt and butter, popcorn is probably one of the best diet snacks available. One cup (8 grams) of popcorn contains only 30 calories.
Fat and caloric content of common snack foods-
| Foods | Fat | Calories |
| Patty, 1 pc | 15 | 260 |
| Samosa, one big | 13 | 210 |
| Fried Namkeen, 2tsp | 5 | 85 |
| Bhel 1 plate small | 5 | 130 |
| Sandwitch, 2 breads buttered | 14 | 195 |
| Pizza, 1 slice medium | 2.1 | 150 |
| Popcorn, plain, 1 cup | Nil | 30 |
| Crackers, 4 no. | 3 | 50 |
| Marie biscuits, 2 nos. | 1.5 | 55 |
| Hamburger, 1 big | 30 | 570 |
| Chicken nuggets, 6 nos. | 20 | 323 |
Source: NIN, USDA
Popcorn falls lowest in calories amongst commonly consumed Indian and western snack foods. Even if oil popped, it is by far one of the best whole grain snacks. The electric hot – air popper is the most efficient way to prepare popcorn. Most microwavable popcorns contain considerable fat therefore it is necessary to check the label before use.
For the sake of flavor, large amounts of fat, sugar, and sodium are often added to prepared popcorn, which can quickly make it unhealthy. Home made popcorn or plain lightly buttered popcorn is the ideal choice.
