Potato chips, without salt, reduced fat 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 59 for Potato chips, without salt, reduced fat.
Air-popped popcorn scores 62 of 100 for nutrient density, edging out reduced-fat potato chips at 59 of 100. Per 100 g, popcorn delivers more protein (12 g vs 7.1 g) and more than double the fiber (15.1 g vs 6.1 g), while carrying fewer calories (382 vs 487) and less sodium (4 mg vs 8 mg). Potato chips bring more fat per 100 g (20.8 g vs 4.2 g).
Choose air-popped popcorn when you want more fiber and protein for fewer calories in a snack-sized portion. Choose reduced-fat potato chips when you prefer a crunchier, fattier texture and don't mind the extra calories. Both scores sit in the upper half of the Snacks category, so this comes down to texture and macros rather than a wide nutritional gap.
Head to head, per 100 g
| Metric | Potato chips | Snacks, popcorn |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Density Score | 59 | 62 |
| Calories | 487 kcal | 382 kcal |
| Protein | 7.1 g | 12 g |
| Carbohydrate | 68 g | 78 g |
| Dietary fiber | 6.1 g | 15 g |
| Sugars | 0.2 g | - |
| Total fat | 21 g | 4.2 g |
| Saturated fat | 4.2 g | 0.6 g |
| Sodium | 8 mg | 4 mg |
| Potassium | 1740 mg | 301 mg |
| Calcium | 21 mg | 10 mg |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 2.7 mg |
| Magnesium | 89 mg | 131 mg |
| Vitamin C | 26 mg | 0 mg |
| Vitamin A | 0 ug | 1 ug |
| Vitamin E | 5.5 mg | - |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0 mg |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Frequently asked questions
Is Snacks, popcorn, air-popped (Unsalted) healthier than Potato chips, without salt, reduced fat?
On our Nutrient Density Score, which measures beneficial nutrients per calorie, Snacks, popcorn, air-popped (Unsalted) scores higher, 62 of 100 to 59. Both can fit a balanced diet; the score reflects nutrients per calorie, not a whole-diet judgement.
Which has more protein, Potato chips, without salt, reduced fat or Snacks, popcorn, air-popped (Unsalted)?
Snacks, popcorn, air-popped (Unsalted) has more protein, 12 g per 100 g to 7.1 g.
Which has fewer calories?
Snacks, popcorn, air-popped (Unsalted) is lower in calories, 382 kcal per 100 g to 487 kcal.
Which has more fiber?
Snacks, popcorn, air-popped (Unsalted) has more dietary fiber, 15.1 g per 100 g to 6.1 g.