Snacks, popcorn, cheese-flavor
FDC 167960cup (11 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 41 · -3 vs Snacks medianCheese-flavor popcorn scores 41 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, Fair band, and ranks 38th of 60 snacks, just under the category's median of 44. It still packs an excellent 35% DV of dietary fiber and 25% DV of vitamin E per 100 g, plus 22% DV of magnesium, respectable numbers for a cheese-dusted snack.
This is a bowl-and-movie snack, best portioned by the cup rather than eaten straight from the bag, since a cup here is only 11 g. Sodium runs high at 889 mg per 100 g alongside 6.4 g of saturated fat, and unsalted soft pretzels, which score higher in this category, are worth trying when sodium is the priority.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around snacks, popcorn, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 526 kcal | 26% |
| Total fat | 33 g | 43% |
| Saturated fat | 6.4 g | 32% |
| Cholesterol | 11 mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 889 mg | 39% |
| Carbohydrate | 52 g | 19% |
| Dietary fiber | 9.9 g | 35% |
| Sugars | 0.79 g | |
| Protein | 9.3 g | 19% |
| Potassium | 261 mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 113 mg | 9% |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% |
| Magnesium | 91 mg | 22% |
| Vitamin C | 0.5 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 8 µg | 1% |
| Vitamin E | 3.8 mg | 25% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 58 kcal | 3% |
| Total fat | 3.7 g | 5% |
| Saturated fat | 0.71 g | 4% |
| Cholesterol | 1.2 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 98 mg | 4% |
| Carbohydrate | 5.7 g | 2% |
| Dietary fiber | 1.1 g | 4% |
| Sugars | 0.09 g | |
| Protein | 1 g | 2% |
| Potassium | 29 mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 12 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.25 mg | 1% |
| Magnesium | 10 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 0.06 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0.88 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.42 mg | 3% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 167960Original analysis by NutriVerdict
What it is rich in
Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the snacks median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Tortilla chips, yellow, plain, saltedDensity 42 vs 41Snacks, tortilla chips, nacho cheeseDensity 42 vs 41Pretzels, soft, unsaltedDensity 42 vs 41Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Cheese-flavored popcorn is popped kernels coated in a cheese powder or cheese-oil blend, a familiar movie-night and snack-aisle staple; it is sometimes mixed with plain or caramel popcorn for a sweet-and-savory combination in a shared bowl. The seasoning coats the kernels rather than being baked in, so the flavor is concentrated on the surface and strongest in the first few bites, with the loose orange powder settling at the bottom of the bag by the time it is finished.
Keep the bag sealed tightly after opening, since humidity softens the kernels and dulls the crunch; portioning it by the cup into a bowl rather than eating from the bag helps track how much you are actually having. A single cup is only about 11 grams, so while the food runs dense at 526 calories per 100 grams, a realistic cup-sized serving is much smaller than that figure suggests. It is notably rich in fiber at 35% DV (9.9 grams per 100 grams), vitamin E at 25% DV, and magnesium at 22% DV, but sodium is high at 889 milligrams per 100 grams and fat runs to 33.2 grams per 100 grams, both worth keeping in mind if measuring servings rather than snacking straight from a large bag.
Frequently asked questions about snacks, popcorn
How many calories are in cheese-flavor popcorn?
It has 526 calories per 100 grams, though a single cup serving is only about 11 grams.
Is cheese popcorn high in sodium?
Yes, sodium runs high at 889 milligrams per 100 grams, so it is worth measuring servings by the cup.
Is cheese popcorn a source of fiber?
Yes, it is rich in fiber at 35% DV per 100 grams.