Is popcorn a low-carb snack? (2024)

FAQs

Is popcorn a low-carb snack? ›

From the popcorn nutrition facts above, you probably already got your answer. Generally, eating popcorn is not recommended for those observing a keto diet. It's a starchy food that contains carbohydrates, with one cup of air-popped popcorn containing about 6.2 grams of net carbs.

“It's going to fill you up, it's not high on the carb count and it has a little bit of fiber.” The key is not to go overboard — 1 cup of air-popped popcorn has only 6 grams of carbs, but if you eat 3 cups, that's 18 grams and likely more than half of your daily carbs.

A typical serving of air-popped popcorn is 3 cups (24 grams) and contains 4 grams of fiber and 18 grams of carbs — or 14 grams of net carbs ( 7 ). Popcorn can easily fit into a keto diet with a daily limit of 50 grams of net carbs and can even be included in more restrictive versions of the keto diet.

The body breaks down carbohydrates present in popcorn into basic sugar molecules. Even though they naturally don't taste sweet, they include starches, which increase the sugar level in the blood.

Popcorn, home popped, popped in fat (2 cup) contains 12.4g total carbs, 10.1g net carbs, 9.8g fat, 2.1g protein, and 142 calories.

You can still enjoy a serving of popcorn while on a low-carb diet. The fiber content will help keep you full and the volume might prevent you from giving in to cravings for cake and cookies. If you do choose to eat popcorn as your snack, you may have to minimize other sources of carbohydrates for that day.

As far as how many carbohydrates to eat, Pratt says 100 to 150 grams of carbohydrates is safe for most people who are trying to lose weight. It may be better for some people to eat carbs consistently throughout the day. “You can also break it up evenly with 40 to 50 grams of carbs per meal,” she says.

Popcorn With Butter (1 cup, popped) contains 5.7g total carbs, 4.7g net carbs, 6.6g fat, 0.9g protein, and 83 calories.

But there is one food that stands alone as the best snack for lower blood sugar: nuts. Nuts are delicious, nutritious and incredibly versatile as far as snack foods go. Plus, they can be stored at room temperature (or in the freezer for longer periods) and are great for grab-and-go snacks.

Is popcorn an unhealthy carb? ›

Health benefits of eating popcorn

Popcorn is high in fiber and protein. It's also a good source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber. It's loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals.

Portion size is vital for controlling blood sugar levels. While popcorn is a low-GI food in small amounts, eating too much might still cause a spike in blood sugar levels in those with diabetes. Be sure to measure portions carefully and use the same measures or calorie counts for each snack.

Air-popped popcorn would be the best choice, as it is lower in carbohydrates as well as calories, Palinski-Wade says. “However, since grams of fat are not a concern on a keto diet, added oil or butter would still allow this snack to be keto-friendly,” she adds.

On the keto diet, you are allowed to have no more than 50 grams of net carbs per day – and the fewer, the better! But by focusing on “net” rather than “total” carbs, you won't be denying your body the essential fiber it needs for proper function.

On a low carb diet, foods to avoid would include bread, pasta, potatoes, and other starchy vegetables, grains such as rice and corn, oatmeal, beans and lentils, milk, sugar, sweets such as cookies, candy and ice cream, beer, soda, and higher carb fruits like bananas, grapes, and apples.

Peanut butter is moderately low in carbs and contains both fiber and healthy fat. Its composition makes peanut butter a balanced food that can be added to keto diets, depending on how it's made.