Snacks, popcorn, air-popped vs Snacks, sweet potato chips, unsalted
Original comparison by NutriVerdict
Bottom line: Snacks, sweet potato chips, unsalted is the more nutrient-dense of the two, scoring 72 of 100 to 63 for Snacks, popcorn, air-popped.
Sweet potato chips, unsalted score higher at 72 of 100 compared with air-popped popcorn's 63 of 100. Popcorn carries far more protein at 12.9g per 100g against just 2.94g for the chips, and more fiber too, 14.5g versus 8.8g, while also holding a lower sodium count at 8mg against the chips' 35mg. The chips run heavier in calories, 532 versus 387, and much higher in fat, 32.4g against 4.54g.
Choose air-popped popcorn when protein, fiber, and lower calories per 100g are the priority, since it beats the chips on all three, along with lower sodium. Choose sweet potato chips when you want the higher overall score and don't mind more fat and calories for that trade. The scores are not close, so this is a case where the two foods serve genuinely different purposes on a plate.
Head to head, per 100 g
| Metric | Snacks, popcorn | Snacks |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Density Score | 63 | 72 |
| Calories | 387 kcal | 532 kcal |
| Protein | 13 g | 2.9 g |
| Carbohydrate | 78 g | 57 g |
| Dietary fiber | 15 g | 8.8 g |
| Sugars | 0.9 g | 8.8 g |
| Total fat | 4.5 g | 32 g |
| Saturated fat | 0.6 g | 2.9 g |
| Sodium | 8 mg | 35 mg |
| Potassium | 329 mg | 925 mg |
| Calcium | 7 mg | 59 mg |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 2.1 mg |
| Magnesium | 144 mg | 65 mg |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| Vitamin A | 10 ug | 1180 ug |
| Vitamin E | 0.3 mg | 9.8 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0 mg |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Frequently asked questions
Is Snacks, sweet potato chips, unsalted healthier than Snacks, popcorn, air-popped?
On our Nutrient Density Score, which measures beneficial nutrients per calorie, Snacks, sweet potato chips, unsalted scores higher, 72 of 100 to 63. 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, sweet potato chips, unsalted?
Snacks, popcorn, air-popped has more protein, 12.9 g per 100 g to 2.9 g.
Which has fewer calories?
Snacks, popcorn, air-popped is lower in calories, 387 kcal per 100 g to 532 kcal.
Which has more fiber?
Snacks, popcorn, air-popped has more dietary fiber, 14.5 g per 100 g to 8.8 g.