Popcorn, microwave, low fat and sodium vs Snacks, popcorn, air-popped (Unsalted)
Original comparison by NutriVerdict
Bottom line: Snacks, popcorn, air-popped (Unsalted) is the more nutrient-dense of the two, scoring 62 of 100 to 60 for Popcorn, microwave, low fat and sodium.
Unsalted air-popped popcorn outscores the low-fat, low-sodium microwave version, 62 of 100 versus 60 of 100. Sodium is the starkest difference: the microwave version has 490mg per 100g against just 4mg for the unsalted air-popped version. Air-popped is also lower in fat, 4.2g versus 9.5g, and slightly lower in calories, 382 versus 429, while fiber runs a bit higher too, 15.1g against 14.2g. Protein is close, 12g versus 12.6g.
Choose unsalted air-popped popcorn when sodium control matters, since the gap here is substantial despite the microwave product's low-sodium label. Choose the microwave version mainly for convenience or slightly higher protein, though the difference in protein is small enough not to outweigh the sodium and fat gap. With scores this close, 62 against 60, either is a reasonable snack, but the sodium numbers make a clear practical case for air-popped.
Head to head, per 100 g
| Metric | Popcorn, microwave | Snacks, popcorn |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Density Score | 60 | 62 |
| Calories | 429 kcal | 382 kcal |
| Protein | 13 g | 12 g |
| Carbohydrate | 73 g | 78 g |
| Dietary fiber | 14 g | 15 g |
| Sugars | 0.5 g | - |
| Total fat | 9.5 g | 4.2 g |
| Saturated fat | 1.4 g | 0.6 g |
| Sodium | 490 mg | 4 mg |
| Potassium | 241 mg | 301 mg |
| Calcium | 11 mg | 10 mg |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 2.7 mg |
| Magnesium | 151 mg | 131 mg |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| Vitamin A | 7 ug | 1 ug |
| Vitamin E | 5 mg | - |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0 mg |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Frequently asked questions
Is Snacks, popcorn, air-popped (Unsalted) healthier than Popcorn, microwave, low fat and sodium?
On our Nutrient Density Score, which measures beneficial nutrients per calorie, Snacks, popcorn, air-popped (Unsalted) scores higher, 62 of 100 to 60. Both can fit a balanced diet; the score reflects nutrients per calorie, not a whole-diet judgement.
Which has more protein, Popcorn, microwave, low fat and sodium or Snacks, popcorn, air-popped (Unsalted)?
Popcorn, microwave, low fat and sodium has more protein, 12.6 g per 100 g to 12 g.
Which has fewer calories?
Snacks, popcorn, air-popped (Unsalted) is lower in calories, 382 kcal per 100 g to 429 kcal.
Which has more fiber?
Snacks, popcorn, air-popped (Unsalted) has more dietary fiber, 15.1 g per 100 g to 14.2 g.
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