Best 35 calorie popcorns for weight loss: Reviews & Buying Guide

If you are cutting calories, snacks can feel off limits. Popcorn is one of the better options, as long as you watch the toppings.

Not all popcorn helps weight loss. Butter, oil, sugar and cheese coatings can turn a light snack into a heavy one.

This piece covers 10 lighter popcorn products that land around 35 calories per popped cup, plus what to look for on the label.

Best 35 calorie popcorn for weight loss

Popcorn is one of the oldest snacks in the world. It comes from a type of corn whose kernels pop when heated.

Is it healthy during weight loss? Yes, if it's prepared simply. According to the USDA Agricultural Research Service, popcorn is 100% whole grain, and a 3-cup serving of air-popped popcorn has about 100 calories before toppings.

That works out to roughly 30 to 35 calories per cup. Popcorn is also high in fiber and contains no cholesterol. Lightly seasoned packaged popcorn usually lands a bit higher.

Popcorn alone won't make you lose weight. It helps when it replaces higher-calorie snacks within an overall calorie deficit.

The calorie figures below are the brands' own label claims, and recipes change. Always check the current Nutrition Facts panel.

1- Jolly Time Simply Popped Sea Salt popcorn

This Jolly Time bag makes about eleven cups of popped popcorn, enough for a movie night. The brand lists about 35 calories per cup.

It is gluten-free and contains no dairy. Some buyers find poorly popped batches a little greasy.

Pros:

• Simple ingredients
• Easy to prepare
• Gluten-free and dairy-free

Cons:

• Might be greasy

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2- LOVE CORN | Sea Salt, Smoked BBQ,

This flavored popcorn is made with coconut oil and corn. The brand says it is free of trans fats and gluten and uses non-GMO corn.

As a whole grain, it supplies fiber. Check the label for portion size, since flavored versions vary in calories.

Pros

• No preservatives listed
• Tasty
• Gluten-free
• Whole grain fiber

Cons

• Flavored versions may contain added colors

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3- Quinn Microwave Popcorn

Quinn Microwave Popcorn is gluten-free, non-GMO and lower in fat than standard butter-style microwave popcorn.

It is whole grain popcorn with a fresh flavor, but this listing comes in only one flavor.

Pros

• Gluten-free
• Non-GMO
• Lower fat than butter-style microwave popcorn
• Very tasty

Cons

• It has just one flavor

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4- Better Made Special Popcorn

This popped snack is whole grain and, according to the maker, free of gluten, trans fats and preservatives. It comes in a 5-ounce bag.

Pros

• No trans fats
• Gluten-free
• Whole grain
• Source of fiber
• No preservatives
• Tasty

Cons

• Single flavor

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5- Smartfood Simply White Cheddar Popcorns

Smartfood's Simply line has no artificial flavors or preservatives and is gluten-free.

The cheese seasoning adds fat and calories, so this is one of the heavier picks on the list. Measure a portion rather than eating from the bag.

Pros

• Source of fiber
• No trans fat
• Gluten-free
• No preservatives
• Very tasty flavor

Cons

• Higher fat content than plain popcorn

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6- Pop Daddy Flavored Popcorn Gourmet

This US-made popcorn has a salty, buttery flavor and is made without palm oil. Small packs make portion control easier.

Crunchy and salty, it tastes like movie popcorn. Check the label, because buttery flavors are usually higher in calories than plain popcorn.

Pros

• Excellent taste
• Gluten free
• Nut free
• Easy to prepare

Cons

• Artificial flavors

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7- Quinn Movie Night Popcorn

This popcorn uses organic ingredients and, as a whole grain, contains natural antioxidants.

It is not a zero-calorie food. No popcorn is. Its fiber can help you feel full, which makes it a reasonable snack within a calorie budget.

Pros

• Contains antioxidants
• Organic ingredients
• Filling for the calories
• Tasty

Cons

• Watch the salt if you are limiting sodium

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8- Skinnygirl Microwave Popcorn

Skinnygirl popcorn is marketed as a lighter microwave popcorn, at roughly 30 to 35 calories per popped cup according to the brand.

The butter and sea salt flavor gives you the movie-theater taste with fewer calories than regular butter microwave popcorn.

Pros

• Gluten-free
• Non-GMO
• Lower fat than regular butter microwave popcorn
• Very tasty

Cons

• Portions add up quickly if you eat the whole bag

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9- Black Jewell Popcorn

If you avoid salt and oily popcorn, this one is worth a look. These are unpopped kernels, so you control the oil and salt.

Air-popping them keeps calories to the plain-popcorn level. The natural taste won't suit everyone.

Pros

• You control oil and salt
• Easy to prepare
• Gluten-free
• Tasty

Cons

• Variable tastes

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10- BoomChickaPop Popcorn

BoomChickaPop is a ready-to-eat popcorn made without artificial ingredients. Calories vary by flavor, so check the label for the one you buy.

It is easy to keep grazing on ready-to-eat popcorn. Pour a measured portion into a bowl.

Pros

• Gluten-free snacks
• Simple ingredients
• No cholesterol
• Very tasty

Cons

• Easy to overeat straight from the bag

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Benefits of calorie popcorn

Popcorn can be a filling, satisfying snack year-round if you choose plain or lightly seasoned versions. Try herbs, spices or a little parmesan instead of butter.

Popcorn is healthiest when it is air-popped with little or no fat. You can air-pop kernels in a popcorn maker or in a covered pot or microwave-safe bowl.

Movie-theater popcorn and many flavored products come with butter, oil, sugar and salt. Those toppings add calories without much nutrition.

Full-grain benefits

• Popcorn is a whole grain. Refined grains have the bran and germ removed; whole grains keep the entire kernel, including fiber, B vitamins and minerals.

• Other examples of whole grains include brown rice, oats and whole wheat bread.

• Fiber

• As a whole grain, popcorn is a good source of fiber, which supports gut health and regular bowel movements.

• Protein

• Popcorn contains a little protein, but it is not a significant protein source. Pair it with foods like yogurt or nuts if you want a more filling snack.

• How you prepare it decides whether it stays healthy.

• Air-popped and unsalted popcorn gives you fiber and some vitamins and minerals. Lots of butter, sugar and salt make it a far less healthy snack.

• Popcorn is a carbohydrate food. People with diabetes can usually fit it into their meal plan, but should count it toward their carbs.

• A 3-cup serving of air-popped popcorn has roughly 18 to 19 grams of carbohydrate, so watch portions.

GHS Talk: Try this one if you are not a fan of popcorns: Weight Loss Gummies.

FAQs

What does a 35 calorie popcorn represent?

It means about 35 calories per cup of popped popcorn, close to plain air-popped popcorn.

What is the advantage of a high-fiber snack?

Fiber helps you feel full for longer on fewer calories.

How advantageous is a 35-calorie popcorn to your body?

Popcorn is a whole grain snack with fiber and small amounts of minerals such as iron, zinc and magnesium.

Is it recommended to eat popcorns during weight loss?

Yes. Plain or lightly seasoned popcorn is a high-fiber, lower-calorie snack, as long as you watch portions.

Does popcorn really help you lose weight?

Popcorn doesn't burn fat. It helps when it replaces higher-calorie snacks and keeps you full within an overall calorie deficit.

Can popcorn be eaten the next day?

Yes, if you store it in an airtight container. Once a bag is open, popcorn goes stale quickly.

Which popcorn brand is the best to lose weight?

Any plain or lightly seasoned popcorn works. Compare calories per cup on the label; the products above are a good starting point.

Can people with health conditions add popcorn to their diet?

Most people can, but those on low-sodium or carb-counting diets should choose plain popcorn and measure portions. Ask your doctor or dietitian if you are unsure.

Is popcorn good for health?

Yes. Popcorn is a whole grain, and diets rich in whole grains are linked to better health.

What are the healthiest types?

Air-popped, unsalted and unsweetened popcorn is the healthiest type. Popcorn made at home with a little oil is the next best option.

The fat and sugar in kettle corn, caramel corn and other flavored types vary widely by product. Check the label.

Final words

Popcorn is excellent in several significant nutrients, including fiber, some minerals and polyphenol antioxidants. It is also a tasty whole grain.

Eaten in sensible portions, popcorn can be part of a weight loss plan. Use the list above to pick a lighter option next time you want a movie snack.

Sources

• Popcorn: A Healthy, Whole Grain Snack, USDA Agricultural Research Service
• Steps for Losing Weight, CDC