Snacks, popcorn, air-popped vs Snacks, popcorn, air-popped (Unsalted)
Original comparison by NutriVerdict
Bottom line: Snacks, popcorn, air-popped is the more nutrient-dense of the two, scoring 63 of 100 to 62 for Snacks, popcorn, air-popped (Unsalted).
These two popcorn preparations score almost identically, 63 of 100 for the regular air-popped version and 62 of 100 for the unsalted one, a difference too small to call meaningful. The clearest gap is sodium: regular air-popped popcorn has 8mg per 100g against just 4mg for the unsalted version. Fiber runs slightly higher in the unsalted popcorn, 15.1g versus 14.5g, while protein is close, 12.9g against 12g, and calories are nearly the same, 387 versus 382.
Choose the unsalted version when minimizing sodium is a specific goal, though 8mg versus 4mg is a negligible difference for most people. Choose whichever is more convenient otherwise, since protein, fiber, and calories are nearly identical between them. This comparison mostly comes down to salt added during preparation rather than any real difference in the underlying food.
Head to head, per 100 g
| Metric | Snacks, popcorn | Snacks, popcorn |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Density Score | 63 | 62 |
| Calories | 387 kcal | 382 kcal |
| Protein | 13 g | 12 g |
| Carbohydrate | 78 g | 78 g |
| Dietary fiber | 15 g | 15 g |
| Sugars | 0.9 g | - |
| Total fat | 4.5 g | 4.2 g |
| Saturated fat | 0.6 g | 0.6 g |
| Sodium | 8 mg | 4 mg |
| Potassium | 329 mg | 301 mg |
| Calcium | 7 mg | 10 mg |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 2.7 mg |
| Magnesium | 144 mg | 131 mg |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| Vitamin A | 10 ug | 1 ug |
| Vitamin E | 0.3 mg | - |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0 mg |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Frequently asked questions
Is Snacks, popcorn, air-popped healthier than Snacks, popcorn, air-popped (Unsalted)?
On our Nutrient Density Score, which measures beneficial nutrients per calorie, Snacks, popcorn, air-popped scores higher, 63 of 100 to 62. Both can fit a balanced diet; the score reflects nutrients per calorie, not a whole-diet judgement.
Which has more protein, Snacks, popcorn, air-popped or Snacks, popcorn, air-popped (Unsalted)?
Snacks, popcorn, air-popped has more protein, 12.9 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 387 kcal.
Which has more fiber?
Snacks, popcorn, air-popped (Unsalted) has more dietary fiber, 15.1 g per 100 g to 14.5 g.