FoodScore
0/ 100
PoorsnackOrville Redenbacher's· 1 bag (42.5g) unpopped (makes about 5.5 cups popped)

Orville Redenbacher's Movie Theater Butter Popcorn

Orville Redenbacher's Movie Theater Butter Popcorn scores 36/100 (Poor) due to its high saturated fat and sodium content, despite being a whole grain product.

  • This Orville Redenbacher's popcorn has a FoodScore of 36/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
  • It provides 7.02g of fiber per 100g, a notable strength for a snack.
  • A significant concern is the 976.74mg of sodium and 13.95g of saturated fat per 100g.
  • Compared to air-popped popcorn, this product is significantly higher in fat and sodium.
  • Consider this product for occasional consumption rather than a regular snack.
  • Scores -13 points above the snack category average (49/100 across 108 foods).
Fiber
7.02g
25% of Daily Value
Protein
6.98g
14% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
976.74mg
42% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (7.0g)+9
Protein (7.0g)+2
What holds it back
Saturated fat (13.9g)-15
Sodium (976.7mg)-5
Processed (NOVA 3)-5

Why it scores 36

Orville Redenbacher's Movie Theater Butter Popcorn receives a FoodScore of 36 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. The score is primarily driven by its high levels of less desirable nutrients. Per 100g, it contains 13.95g of saturated fat, which incurs a significant penalty of -15 points. The sodium content is also high at 976.74mg per 100g, leading to a -5 point penalty. As a NOVA class 3 food, it is considered processed, resulting in another -5 point deduction. However, the product does receive bonuses for its fiber and protein content. It provides 7.02g of fiber, contributing +9 points, and 6.98g of protein, adding +2 points. The presence of palm oil and butter contributes to the high saturated fat. While the product is made with whole grain popping corn, the overall formulation, including the added fats and salt, significantly impacts its nutritional density. Compared to a baseline of air-popped popcorn, Orville Redenbacher's Movie Theater Butter Popcorn has substantially more fat and sodium, making it a less optimal choice for regular consumption.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in orville redenbacher's movie theater butter popcorn actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Source of Dietary Fiber

This popcorn provides 7.02g of fiber per 100g, which can contribute to your daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and support a healthy gut microbiome. Including fiber-rich foods in your diet can also help with satiety, potentially reducing overall calorie intake. While this product is a source of fiber, it's important to consider the overall nutritional context.

Contains Whole Grains

Orville Redenbacher's Movie Theater Butter Popcorn is made from whole grain popping corn. Whole grains are a valuable part of a balanced diet, providing various nutrients including B vitamins, iron, and magnesium, in addition to fiber. Regular consumption of whole grains is associated with several health benefits. However, the benefits of the whole grain in this product should be weighed against its other nutritional components, such as high saturated fat and sodium.

Provides Some Protein

With 6.98g of protein per 100g, this popcorn contributes a modest amount of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and supporting immune function. While not a primary protein source, it can add to your daily protein intake, especially when consumed as part of a varied diet. The protein content here is derived from the whole grain popping corn itself.

How to eat it

Microwave popcorn like Orville Redenbacher's is typically consumed as a snack, often during movie nights or casual gatherings. A single bag constitutes one serving, yielding a substantial volume of popped corn. The primary pitfall is consuming the entire bag, which can lead to a high intake of sodium and saturated fat.

Consider sharing a single bag with others to moderate portion size and reduce individual intake of sodium and saturated fat.
Pair this popcorn with a serving of fresh fruit or vegetables to add more nutrients and fiber, creating a more balanced snack.
If you enjoy popcorn regularly, consider making air-popped popcorn at home and seasoning it lightly to significantly reduce sodium and fat.
Be mindful of additional toppings like extra butter or salt, as these will further increase the sodium and saturated fat content.
Things to keep in mind

This product contains milk, as declared on the label, making it unsuitable for individuals with a milk allergy or severe lactose intolerance. The high sodium content (976.74mg per 100g) should be noted by individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with hypertension or at risk for cardiovascular disease. The significant amount of saturated fat (13.95g per 100g), largely from palm oil and butter, is also a consideration for heart health. While popcorn is a whole grain, the processing and added ingredients in this specific SKU elevate its fat and sodium levels beyond what is typically found in plain popcorn. There are no artificial sweeteners or colors of significant concern beyond the naturally derived annatto, turmeric, and paprika for color.

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Reader questions
Is Orville Redenbacher's Movie Theater Butter Popcorn a healthy snack?
Orville Redenbacher's Movie Theater Butter Popcorn scores 36/100, indicating it is not a nutritionally optimal choice for a regular snack. While it provides fiber and whole grains, its high saturated fat and sodium content are significant drawbacks. For a healthier option, consider plain air-popped popcorn.
How does Orville Redenbacher's Movie Theater Butter Popcorn compare to other microwave popcorn brands?
Compared to other microwave popcorn brands like Pop Secret Movie Theater Butter, Orville Redenbacher's often has a similar nutritional profile, with comparable levels of saturated fat and sodium. The specific values can vary slightly between brands and flavors, so always check the nutrition facts label. Both typically contain added fats and salt.
What is 'Natural Flavor' in the ingredient list?
Natural flavor is a broad term used for flavorings derived from natural sources, such as spices, fruits, vegetables, or dairy products. Its purpose is to enhance the taste of the food. While derived from natural sources, it does not contribute significant nutritional value and can sometimes be a blend of many different compounds.
What is a reasonable portion size for this popcorn?
The serving size is one bag (42.5g unpopped), which makes about 5.5 cups popped. This is a substantial portion. To manage intake of sodium and saturated fat, consider consuming half a bag or sharing the bag with others, especially if you are eating other snacks.
Does this popcorn contain trans fat?
According to the nutrition facts, Orville Redenbacher's Movie Theater Butter Popcorn contains 0g of trans fat per 100g. This is a positive aspect, as trans fats are associated with negative health outcomes. The primary fat source is palm oil, which is high in saturated fat but typically low in trans fats.

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Data & references