FoodScore
0/ 100
DecentsnackKETTLE BRAND· 1 ONZ

KETTLE BRAND POPCORN, JALAPENO

KETTLE BRAND POPCORN, JALAPENO scores 53/100 (Decent) due to its **ultra-processed nature** and **high sodium content**, despite providing some fiber and micronutrients.

  • This KETTLE BRAND product has a FoodScore of 53/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category.
  • A serving provides 10.71g of fiber, contributing to daily intake goals.
  • The product contains 857.14mg of sodium per 100g, which is a significant amount.
  • As a NOVA class 4 food, it is ultra-processed, unlike air-popped popcorn.
  • Consider this snack for occasional consumption, mindful of portion sizes.
  • Scores +12 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
10.71g
38% of Daily Value
Protein
7.14g
14% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
857.14mg
37% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (10.7g)+12
Protein (7.1g)+3
Micronutrients (Iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C)+6
What holds it back
Saturated fat (3.6g)-1
Sodium (857.1mg)-4
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3

Why it scores 53

KETTLE BRAND POPCORN, JALAPENO receives a FoodScore of 53 out of 100. This score reflects a balance of beneficial nutrients and factors that detract from its overall nutritional quality. On the positive side, it earns 12 bonus points for its fiber content (10.7g per 100g) and 3 points for its protein (7.1g). Additionally, it gains 6 points for notable amounts of iron (14% DV), Vitamin A (40% DV), and Vitamin C (48% DV). However, several factors reduce its score. It incurs a 1-point penalty for saturated fat (3.6g) and a 4-point penalty for its high sodium content (857.1mg per 100g). A significant deduction of 10 points is applied because it is a NOVA class 4 food, indicating it is ultra-processed. An additional 3-point penalty is given for concentrated ultra-processed fat, primarily from the vegetable oils like safflower, sunflower, and/or canola oil. Compared to a baseline of air-popped popcorn or raw vegetables with hummus, this product contains more sodium and is significantly more processed.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in kettle brand popcorn, jalapeno actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Source of Dietary Fiber

This KETTLE BRAND popcorn provides 10.71g of fiber per 100g, which can contribute to your daily fiber intake. Fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain regularity and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. Including fiber-rich foods in the diet can also help with satiety, potentially aiding in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness after eating. This amount of fiber is notable for a snack product.

Contains Micronutrients

KETTLE BRAND POPCORN, JALAPENO offers some valuable micronutrients. It provides 48% DV of Vitamin C and 40% DV of Vitamin A per 100g, both of which are antioxidant vitamins important for immune function and vision. Additionally, it contains 14% DV of iron, a mineral crucial for oxygen transport in the blood and energy metabolism. While not a primary source of all essential vitamins and minerals, these contributions can supplement a varied diet.

Provides a Snack Option

For individuals seeking a savory snack, this product can serve as an option. While it is an ultra-processed food, it can be incorporated into a balanced diet in moderation. Its flavor profile from ingredients like jalapeno pepper powder and onion powder may satisfy cravings for a spicy, crunchy snack. Choosing this over other snacks with higher added sugar or saturated fat content could be a relative benefit in specific situations.

How to eat it

Popcorn is a common snack, often consumed between meals or during leisure activities. This KETTLE BRAND product is typically eaten directly from the bag. A common portion size is 1 ounce, which is less than the 100g used for nutrient calculations, so actual intake will vary.

To manage sodium intake, pair a small portion of this popcorn with unsalted nuts or seeds.
Combine with a source of lean protein, such as a hard-boiled egg or a small serving of plain Greek yogurt, to enhance satiety and balance the snack.
Measure out a single serving into a bowl to avoid overconsumption directly from the bag, which can lead to excessive sodium intake.
Consider alternating this snack with whole, unprocessed options like fresh fruit or vegetable sticks with hummus to diversify nutrient intake.
Things to keep in mind

This product is classified as NOVA class 4, meaning it is ultra-processed. It contains several ingredients common in such foods, including maltodextrin, yeast extract, and natural jalapeno pepper flavor. While these ingredients are generally recognized as safe, a diet high in ultra-processed foods has been associated with less favorable health outcomes. The sodium content is high (857.14mg per 100g), which could be a concern for individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with hypertension. There are no common allergens explicitly declared, but individuals with sensitivities should review the full ingredient list carefully.

Swap suggestions
Very good
ANGIE'S, BOOM CHICKA POP, SEA SALT POPCORN, SEA SALT
Score85
Very good
BARILLA, PASTA, ROTINI
Score85
Very good
BARILLA, WHOLE GRAIN, SPAGHETTI
Score85
Very good
BARILLA, WHOLE WHEAT PASTA
Score85
Very good
BARILLA WHOLE GRAIN ELBOWS PASTA
Score85
Very good
BEECH-NUT ORIGINAL CRISPEAS BAKED PEA PUFFS, ORIGINAL
Score85
Reader questions
Is KETTLE BRAND POPCORN, JALAPENO considered healthy?
KETTLE BRAND POPCORN, JALAPENO scores 53/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. While it provides some fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and iron, it is also an ultra-processed food with a high sodium content. It can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and with awareness of its nutritional profile.
How does KETTLE BRAND POPCORN, JALAPENO compare to other popcorn brands?
Compared to plain, air-popped popcorn, KETTLE BRAND POPCORN, JALAPENO has significantly more sodium and fat due to the added oils and seasonings. When compared to other flavored popcorns like Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn, the nutritional profiles can vary, but many flavored popcorns share similar characteristics of being ultra-processed with higher sodium levels than plain popcorn.
What is 'maltodextrin' in the ingredient list?
Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate derived from starch, often used as a thickener, filler, or preservative in processed foods. It has a high glycemic index, meaning it can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar. In this product, it likely contributes to the texture and helps carry the flavorings.
What is a reasonable portion size for this popcorn?
The declared serving size is 1 ounce (approximately 28g). Consuming this amount would provide about 240 calories, 240mg of sodium, and 3g of fiber. It is important to stick to the recommended serving size to manage calorie and sodium intake, as larger portions will significantly increase these values.
Does this popcorn contain added sugar?
While 'sugar' is listed as an ingredient, the nutritional panel indicates 0g of added sugar per 100g. This suggests that the amount of sugar from ingredients like 'sugar' and 'maltodextrin' is minimal enough to be rounded down to zero per serving according to FDA labeling regulations. The primary carbohydrate source is from the popcorn itself and the maltodextrin.
Is this product suitable for a low-sodium diet?
No, this product is not suitable for a low-sodium diet. With 857.14mg of sodium per 100g, or approximately 240mg per 1-ounce serving, it contributes a notable amount to the daily recommended limit of 2,300mg. Individuals on a low-sodium diet should choose plain, unsalted popcorn or other low-sodium snack alternatives.

Explore more

CategoryAll snacks BrandAll Kettle Brand SKUs Competitor · 0/100Austin Crackers Pb & J 1.38oz Competitor · 0/100BABY RUTH BAR GoalBest foods for anemia GoalBest foods for iron deficiency GoalBest foods for muscle building Head-to-headKETTLE BRAND POPCORN, JALAPENO vs. Austin Crackers Pb & J 1.38oz Head-to-headKETTLE BRAND POPCORN, JALAPENO vs. BABY RUTH BAR Head-to-headKETTLE BRAND POPCORN, JALAPENO vs. BABY RUTH BURSTING WITH PEANUTS, RICH CARAMEL AND CHEWY NOUGAT BAR, BURSTING WITH PEANUTS, RICH CARAMEL AND CHEWY NOUGAT Head-to-headKETTLE BRAND POPCORN, JALAPENO vs. BABY RUTH DRY ROASTED PEANUTS, RICH CARAMEL AND SMOOTH NOUGAT BAR, DRY CARAMEL PEANUTS, RICH CARAMEL AND SMOOTH NOUGAT

Data & references