JIF Peanut Butter Coated Popcorn receives a FoodScore of 33/100 (Poor), primarily due to its **high added sugar content**.
This product has a FoodScore of 33/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
It contains 17.5g of added sugar per 100g, a significant contributor to its low score.
With 12.5g of protein per 100g, it offers a moderate amount of this macronutrient.
As a NOVA class 3 processed food, it is more processed than generic dairy equivalents.
Portion control is important due to its calorie and added sugar density.
Scores +0 points above the dairy category average (33/100 across 5088 foods).
Fiber
3.1g
11% of Daily Value
Protein
12.5g
25% of Daily Value
Added sugar
17.5g
35% of Daily Value
Sodium
562.5mg
24% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (3.1g)+3
Protein (12.5g)+8
Micronutrients (Iron)+2
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (17.5g)-23
Sodium (562.5mg)-2
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 33
JIF Peanut Butter Coated Popcorn scores 33 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is largely influenced by its high amount of added sugar, which stands at 17.5g per 100g. This contributes a substantial penalty to the overall score. The product also incurs a penalty for its sodium content, at 562.5mg per 100g. As a NOVA class 3 processed food, it receives a penalty for being processed, indicating a formulation that goes beyond simple culinary processing. On the positive side, the product gains points for its protein content, providing 12.5g per 100g, and a modest amount of fiber at 3.1g per 100g. It also receives a small bonus for its iron content, at 2.25mg (13% DV). Compared to a generic dairy equivalent, which often has lower added sugar and sodium, JIF Peanut Butter Coated Popcorn presents a less favorable nutritional balance, particularly due to the inclusion of sugar and tapioca syrup as primary sweeteners.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in jif, peanut butter coated popcorn actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Protein
This product provides 12.5g of protein per 100g, which can contribute to daily protein intake. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance and repair, and for satiety. While not a primary protein source, it can supplement protein intake when consumed as part of a balanced diet. The protein primarily comes from the peanuts in the formulation.
Provides Dietary Fiber
With 3.1g of fiber per 100g, this product offers a modest amount of dietary fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels. While not a high-fiber food, it contributes to the recommended daily fiber intake, which many Americans fall short of. The fiber content is likely derived from the peanuts and popcorn components.
Contains Iron
JIF Peanut Butter Coated Popcorn provides 2.25mg of iron per 100g, which is 13% of the Daily Value. Iron is a crucial mineral for oxygen transport in the blood and energy production. Including foods that contribute to iron intake can be beneficial, especially for individuals who may be at risk of iron deficiency. The iron content is a positive micronutrient contribution.
JIF Peanut Butter Coated Popcorn receives a FoodScore of 33/100 (Poor), primarily due to its high added sugar content.
How to eat it
This product is typically consumed as a snack, often straight from the bag. Its sweet and savory profile makes it a treat, but its calorie and added sugar density means portion control is key. It's not intended as a meal replacement.
To manage added sugar intake, consider pairing a small serving with unsweetened fruit or plain nuts.
Use a measuring cup to portion out a serving to avoid overconsumption of calories and sugar.
This product can be an occasional treat, but it is not recommended as a regular part of a daily diet due to its nutritional profile.
Consider making your own peanut butter popcorn at home to control the amount of added sugar and salt.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains several common allergens, specifically peanuts, wheat, and soybean oil, as declared in the ingredient list. Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid consumption. The high added sugar content, primarily from sugar and tapioca syrup, makes it less suitable for individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes. The sodium content, at 562.5mg per 100g, is also notable and should be considered by individuals monitoring their sodium intake for blood pressure management. As a processed snack, it is generally higher in calories and lower in micronutrients compared to whole food alternatives.
JIF Peanut Butter Coated Popcorn has a FoodScore of 33/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile. It is high in added sugar (17.5g/100g) and calories (500 kcal/100g), which are significant factors in its score. While it offers some protein and fiber, it is best considered an occasional treat rather than a healthy staple.
How does JIF Peanut Butter Coated Popcorn compare to plain popcorn?
Compared to plain air-popped popcorn, JIF Peanut Butter Coated Popcorn is significantly higher in calories, added sugar, and fat. Plain popcorn is a whole grain with minimal processing, whereas this JIF product is a NOVA class 3 processed food. For example, a serving of plain popcorn would have virtually no added sugar, unlike the 17.5g per 100g in this product.
What is 'tapioca syrup' in the ingredient list?
Tapioca syrup is a sweetener derived from tapioca starch. It functions similarly to other syrups like corn syrup, contributing to the product's sweetness and calorie content. In this product, it is one of the sources of the 17.5g of added sugar per 100g.
What is a reasonable portion size for this product?
The declared serving size is 0.33 cup. Given the product's calorie and added sugar density (500 kcal and 17.5g added sugar per 100g), adhering to this portion size is important for moderation. Consuming larger portions would significantly increase intake of calories and added sugars.
Does this product contain whole grains?
The ingredient list includes 'popcorn' and 'organic wheat flour', both of which can be whole grains. However, the term 'organic wheat flour' does not specify if it is whole wheat. The overall formulation, with added sugars and fats, means this product is not primarily a source of whole grains in a nutritionally meaningful context.
How does this compare to other coated popcorn snacks?
Compared to other branded coated popcorn snacks, like some varieties from Smartfood, JIF Peanut Butter Coated Popcorn's nutritional profile would need to be evaluated on a product-by-product basis. However, many coated popcorn products tend to be high in added sugars, sodium, and calories due to their coatings and flavorings. Always check the nutrition facts panel for specific comparisons.