Popcorn (Air-popped) Calories & Nutrition Facts
Whole grain snack high in fiber when air-popped without butter, surprisingly nutritious.
Quick answer
How many calories are in Popcorn (Air-popped)?
Popcorn (Air-popped) has 375 calories per 100g. A 3 cups popped (24g) has about 90 calories. It is a calorie-dense food, with most calories coming from carbs.
Practical Portion Guide for Popcorn (Air-popped)
| Portion | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Net carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 cups popped (24g) | 90 kcal | 2.9g | 17.8g | 14.2g | 1.1g |
| 1 cup popped (8g) | 30 kcal | 1.0g | 5.9g | 4.7g | 0.4g |
| 6 cups sharing bowl (48g) | 180 kcal | 5.8g | 35.5g | 28.3g | 2.2g |
| 100g reference | 375 kcal | 12.0g | 74.0g | 59.0g | 4.5g |
Track popcorn by grams or cups after popping. Kernel weight, popped volume, and added oil are not interchangeable for calorie tracking.
Serving Size Calculator
Macros Breakdown (per 100g)
Diet Suitability
Glycemic Index: 72 (High)
How Popcorn (Air-popped) Fits Into a Diet
Plain popped popcorn is useful as a high-volume snack because the serving looks large while the weighed portion can stay modest.
Use measured toppings and add protein separately if popcorn is replacing a meal; popcorn alone is mostly carbohydrate and fiber.
This is the primary Calorique popcorn entry. The older air-popped duplicate now points canonically here so Google sees one main nutrition URL.
Plan Around Popcorn (Air-popped)
Compare Popcorn (Air-popped) With Similar Snacks
Use this comparison when choosing a serving. Calories alone do not tell the full story: protein, fiber, fat, sodium, and realistic portion size determine whether a food fits your plan.
| Food | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Popcorn (Air-popped) | 375 kcal | 12g | 74g | 4.5g | 15g |
| Dark Chocolate (70-85%) | 598 kcal | 7.8g | 46g | 43g | 10.9g |
| Potato Chips | 536 kcal | 7g | 53g | 35g | 4.8g |
| Pretzels | 381 kcal | 9.3g | 80g | 3.1g | 2.9g |
| Rice Cakes (Plain) | 387 kcal | 8.2g | 81g | 3.5g | 1.7g |
| Granola Bar | 471 kcal | 8.3g | 64g | 20g | 5.4g |
All comparison values use each food's 100-unit reference so foods can be compared on the same basis.
Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Minerals
Complete Nutrition Facts (per 100g)
Methodology & Nutrition Data Sources
How we calculate nutrition data for Popcorn (Air-popped): Our calorie and macronutrient data integrates multiple authoritative federal nutrition databases. Values shown reflect standard serving sizes unless specified, based on USDA laboratory analysis of raw and prepared food samples.
- Calorie and macronutrient data sourced from the USDA FoodData Central — the comprehensive federal nutrition database covering 1M+ food items with full nutrient profiles.
- Daily Value percentages (% DV) based on FDA Daily Value reference amounts for a 2,000 calorie diet, as established under 21 CFR 101.9.
- Dietary reference intakes (DRI) for vitamins and minerals from the NIH Dietary Reference Intake tables — the gold standard for nutrient adequacy assessment.
- Glycemic index values cross-referenced with Harvard Health Glycemic Index Reference and University of Sydney GI database.
- Dietary guidelines context from the HHS/USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 — the federal evidence-based nutrition guidance.
Authoritative nutrition data sources:
- USDA FoodData Central — comprehensive food composition database
- FDA Nutrition Facts Label rules — % Daily Value methodology
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — vitamin and mineral research
- CDC Nutrition — Public Health Guidance — chronic disease and diet
- HHS/USDA Dietary Guidelines 2020–2025 — federal nutrition recommendations
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health — The Nutrition Source — evidence-based dietary guidance
Nutrition Disclaimer: Calorie and nutrient values are based on standard USDA reference data and may vary by brand, preparation method, ripeness, and cooking technique. These values are for informational purposes only and should not replace personalized dietary advice from a registered dietitian. Individuals with medical conditions should consult a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · USDA FoodData Central & FDA Nutrition data current as of latest release
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in Popcorn (Air-popped)?
Popcorn (Air-popped) contains 375 calories per 100g serving. This includes 48 calories from protein, 296 calories from carbohydrates, and 41 calories from fat.
Is Popcorn (Air-popped) good for weight loss?
Popcorn (Air-popped) is calorie-dense at 375 per 100g. For weight loss, use it in smaller portions and balance with lower-calorie, high-fiber foods to manage total intake.
How much protein is in Popcorn (Air-popped)?
Popcorn (Air-popped) contains 12g of protein per 100g. This provides a moderate amount of protein, contributing well to daily protein goals.
What serving size should I track for Popcorn (Air-popped)?
Track Popcorn (Air-popped) by grams when precision matters. A practical starting point is 3 cups popped (24g), which is about 90 calories. For packaged, restaurant, fried, sauced, or sweetened versions, use the product label because brand formulas can differ from the plain reference.
Is Popcorn (Air-popped) keto-friendly?
Popcorn (Air-popped) is not ideal for strict keto diets due to its 74g of carbohydrates per 100g. Small portions may fit if your daily carb limit allows.
Is Popcorn (Air-popped) good for diabetics?
People with diabetes should exercise caution with Popcorn (Air-popped), which has a glycemic index of 72. Its carbohydrate content may affect blood sugar levels. Consult your healthcare provider.
What vitamins and minerals are in Popcorn (Air-popped)?
Popcorn (Air-popped) is a good source of vitamins B3, B1, B6, Folate and minerals including Manganese, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Iron, Zinc, Copper. These nutrients support various bodily functions from energy metabolism to immune health.
Where does Calorique get nutrition data for Popcorn (Air-popped)?
Calorique standardizes Popcorn (Air-popped) nutrition values per 100g using USDA FoodData Central reference fields where available, then scales the data into realistic serving sizes. FDA Nutrition Facts methodology and authoritative nutrition references are used for context. This page was last reviewed May 17, 2026.
Related Calculators
Dark Chocolate (70-85%)
598 cal · 7.8g protein per 100g
Potato Chips
536 cal · 7g protein per 100g
Pretzels
381 cal · 9.3g protein per 100g
Rice Cakes (Plain)
387 cal · 8.2g protein per 100g
Granola Bar
471 cal · 8.3g protein per 100g
Trail Mix (Nuts & Dried Fruit)
462 cal · 12g protein per 100g
Peanut Butter (Natural)
598 cal · 25g protein per 100g
Hummus
177 cal · 7.9g protein per 100g