FoodScore
0/ 100
Very goodsnackSMARTFOOD· 1 ONZ

SMARTFOOD AIR POPPED POPCORN, SEA SALT

SMARTFOOD AIR POPPED POPCORN, SEA SALT scores an 83/100 (Very good) due to its significant fiber content and favorable fat profile.

  • This product achieved a FoodScore of 83/100, indicating a very good nutritional profile.
  • It provides 14.29g of fiber per 100g, contributing significantly to daily intake.
  • The sodium content is 410.71mg per 100g, which is a moderate amount for a snack.
  • Classified as NOVA 2, it is a processed culinary ingredient, similar to plain air-popped popcorn.
  • Consider portion control as the 500 calories per 100g can add up quickly.
  • Scores +42 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
14.29g
51% of Daily Value
Protein
10.71g
21% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
410.71mg
18% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (14.3g)+12
Protein (10.7g)+6
Micronutrients (Iron)+2
Healthy fat profile+10
Minimally processed (NOVA 2)+8
Bonus cap (+35)-3
What holds it back
Saturated fat (3.6g)-1
Sodium (410.7mg)-1

Why it scores 83

SMARTFOOD AIR POPPED POPCORN, SEA SALT earns a FoodScore of 83/100, placing it in the 'Very good' category. This score is primarily driven by its substantial fiber content, providing 14.29g per 100g, which is a significant bonus. The product also benefits from a healthy fat profile, with only 3.57g of saturated fat per 100g and no trans fat. Its protein content of 10.71g per 100g further contributes positively to the score. The use of vegetable oil (corn, canola, and/or sunflower oil) provides a source of unsaturated fats. As a NOVA class 2 food, it is considered minimally processed, similar to plain air-popped popcorn, which is a positive factor. While the product contains 410.71mg of sodium per 100g, this is a relatively minor penalty. Compared to a baseline of plain air-popped popcorn, SMARTFOOD offers similar benefits in terms of fiber and whole grain, with the added oils and sea salt contributing to its palatability and slight score adjustments.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in smartfood air popped popcorn, sea salt actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Excellent Source of Dietary Fiber

This SMARTFOOD popcorn provides an excellent 14.29g of fiber per 100g. Dietary fiber is crucial for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and contributing to feelings of fullness. Including fiber-rich snacks like this can support overall gut function and may help manage appetite, making it a useful component of a balanced diet. The fiber comes directly from the whole grain popcorn kernels.

Supports Satiety and Energy

With 10.71g of protein and 14.29g of fiber per 100g, this product can contribute to feelings of satiety. The combination of these macronutrients helps to slow digestion and provide sustained energy, which can be beneficial between meals. Choosing snacks that offer both protein and fiber can help prevent overeating at subsequent meals and maintain stable energy levels throughout the day.

Good Source of Iron

SMARTFOOD AIR POPPED POPCORN, SEA SALT contributes 2.57mg of iron per 100g, which is 14% of the Daily Value. Iron is an essential mineral vital for oxygen transport in the blood and various metabolic processes. While not a primary source of iron, this snack can contribute to your daily intake, especially for individuals looking to diversify their iron sources beyond traditional meat products.

How to eat it

Popcorn is a popular snack often consumed between meals or during leisure activities. This product is ready-to-eat, making it a convenient option. A typical serving size is 1 ounce, which is a relatively small portion given the caloric density.

To enhance the nutritional value, pair a serving of this popcorn with a source of lean protein like a handful of nuts or a small piece of fruit.
Be mindful of portion sizes; measure out a 1-ounce serving to avoid overconsumption, as the calories can accumulate quickly.
Consider using this popcorn as a whole-grain base for homemade trail mix by adding unsalted nuts and dried fruit.
Things to keep in mind

This product contains sea salt, contributing 410.71mg of sodium per 100g. While not excessively high, individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with hypertension, should be mindful of portion sizes. The ingredient list is relatively short and free from common artificial additives like colors or artificial sweeteners. The use of vegetable oil (corn, canola, and/or sunflower oil) is standard for many snack products. There are no declared common allergens such such as milk, soy, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, or egg on the label, making it suitable for individuals with these specific sensitivities. Overall, this product presents minimal specific cautions beyond general dietary considerations for sodium and caloric intake.

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Reader questions
Is SMARTFOOD AIR POPPED POPCORN, SEA SALT healthy?
With a FoodScore of 83/100, SMARTFOOD AIR POPPED POPCORN, SEA SALT is considered a very good choice. It is a good source of fiber and protein, and has a favorable fat profile. However, like all snacks, portion control is important due to its caloric density.
How does SMARTFOOD compare to other popcorn brands?
Compared to plain, air-popped popcorn, SMARTFOOD AIR POPPED POPCORN, SEA SALT offers similar fiber benefits but includes added oils and salt for flavor. When compared to highly flavored or buttered popcorns, such as some varieties from Orville Redenbacher's, this SMARTFOOD product generally has a simpler ingredient list and often a better fat profile.
What kind of oil is used in this SMARTFOOD popcorn?
The ingredient list specifies vegetable oil, which can be corn, canola, and/or sunflower oil. These oils are sources of unsaturated fats. The specific blend may vary, but they contribute to the product's texture and flavor.
What is a reasonable portion size for this popcorn?
The declared serving size is 1 ounce, which provides 142 calories. While popcorn is often eaten in larger quantities, sticking to the recommended serving can help manage overall calorie intake. For a snack, a 1-ounce portion is appropriate.
Can I eat this popcorn every day?
Incorporating this popcorn into your daily diet is acceptable, especially if it helps meet your fiber goals. However, it's important to ensure a varied diet that includes a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods to obtain all necessary nutrients. Moderation is key for any snack.

Explore more

CategoryAll snacks BrandAll SMARTFOOD SKUs Competitor · 0/100Austin Crackers Pb & J 1.38oz Competitor · 0/100BABY RUTH BAR GoalBest foods for constipation GoalBest foods for diabetes GoalBest foods for gut health Head-to-headSMARTFOOD AIR POPPED POPCORN, SEA SALT vs. Austin Crackers Pb & J 1.38oz Head-to-headSMARTFOOD AIR POPPED POPCORN, SEA SALT vs. BABY RUTH BAR Head-to-headSMARTFOOD AIR POPPED POPCORN, SEA SALT vs. BABY RUTH BURSTING WITH PEANUTS, RICH CARAMEL AND CHEWY NOUGAT BAR, BURSTING WITH PEANUTS, RICH CARAMEL AND CHEWY NOUGAT Head-to-headSMARTFOOD AIR POPPED POPCORN, SEA SALT vs. BABY RUTH DRY ROASTED PEANUTS, RICH CARAMEL AND SMOOTH NOUGAT BAR, DRY CARAMEL PEANUTS, RICH CARAMEL AND SMOOTH NOUGAT

Data & references