SMARTFOOD, POPCORN, MOVIE THEATER BUTTER, MOVIE THEATER BUTTER
SMARTFOOD Popcorn, Movie Theater Butter, scores 49/100 (Decent) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its sodium content, despite providing fiber and protein.
SMARTFOOD Popcorn, Movie Theater Butter, has a FoodScore of 49/100, categorized as Decent.
This product provides 11.32g of fiber and 9.43g of protein per 100g serving.
A significant concern is the 849.06mg of sodium per 100g, contributing to a penalty.
Classified as NOVA 4, this popcorn is an ultra-processed food, impacting its overall score.
Consider portion control to manage sodium intake when consuming this product.
Scores +16 points above the dairy category average (33/100 across 5088 foods).
Fiber
11.32g
40% of Daily Value
Protein
9.43g
19% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
849.06mg
37% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (11.3g)+12
Protein (9.4g)+5
Micronutrients (Iron)+2
−
What holds it back
Saturated fat (4.7g)-3
Sodium (849.1mg)-4
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3
Why it scores 49
SMARTFOOD Popcorn, Movie Theater Butter, receives a FoodScore of 49 out of 100, placing it in the Decent category. This score reflects a balance between some nutritional positives and several significant penalties. On the positive side, the product earns bonus points for its fiber content, providing 11.3g per 100g, which is a notable amount for a snack food. It also contributes 9.4g of protein per 100g, adding to its nutritional value. Additionally, the presence of iron, at 11% Daily Value per 100g, offers a small micronutrient benefit. However, several factors lead to penalties. The product contains 4.7g of saturated fat per 100g, which detracts from its score. A more substantial penalty comes from its high sodium content of 849.1mg per 100g. Furthermore, its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food incurs a significant penalty, reflecting its industrial formulation with ingredients like maltodextrin and various oils. The presence of concentrated ultra-processed fat also contributes to a penalty. Compared to a generic dairy equivalent, which would typically have a different nutrient profile, this popcorn offers fiber and protein but with higher sodium and processing levels.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in smartfood, popcorn, movie theater butter, movie theater butter actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Dietary Fiber
This SMARTFOOD popcorn provides 11.32g 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 contributing to feelings of fullness. Including fiber-rich foods in your diet can support overall gut function. While this product is a source of fiber, it is still important to consume a variety of fiber from whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Contains Protein
With 9.43g of protein per 100g, SMARTFOOD Popcorn, Movie Theater Butter, offers a moderate amount of this macronutrient. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and supporting immune function. While not a primary protein source, this contribution can help to make the snack more satisfying. For optimal health, it is recommended to obtain protein from diverse sources throughout the day.
Provides Iron
This product contributes 2.04mg of iron per 100g, which is 11% of the Daily Value. Iron is a vital mineral necessary for oxygen transport in the blood and for energy production. Including foods that provide iron can help prevent iron deficiency. While this popcorn offers some iron, it should be part of a balanced diet that includes other iron-rich foods such as lean meats, beans, and fortified cereals for adequate intake.
SMARTFOOD Popcorn, Movie Theater Butter, scores 49/100 (Decent) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its sodium content, despite providing fiber and protein.
How to eat it
Popcorn is commonly consumed as a snack, often during leisure activities or as a light treat. This specific SKU, with its movie theater butter flavor, is typically eaten directly from the bag. While convenient, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes to manage intake of sodium and fat.
To manage sodium intake, consider portioning out a smaller serving into a bowl rather than eating directly from a large bag.
Pair this popcorn with a piece of fruit or a handful of unsalted nuts to add additional nutrients and fiber to your snack.
If you enjoy popcorn frequently, consider alternating with air-popped plain popcorn to reduce sodium and saturated fat over time.
Use this popcorn as an occasional snack rather than a daily staple, especially if you are monitoring your sodium intake.
Things to keep in mind
Individuals monitoring their sodium intake should be aware of the 849.06mg of sodium per 100g in SMARTFOOD Popcorn, Movie Theater Butter. High sodium consumption can contribute to elevated blood pressure in some individuals. The product also contains dairy ingredients (butter, skim milk), making it unsuitable for those with dairy allergies or intolerances. As an ultra-processed food, it contains ingredients like maltodextrin and various vegetable oils, which are common in industrially produced snacks. While generally safe for consumption, individuals with specific dietary sensitivities or those aiming to minimize ultra-processed foods in their diet may wish to consume this product in moderation.
Is SMARTFOOD Popcorn, Movie Theater Butter, healthy?
SMARTFOOD Popcorn, Movie Theater Butter, has a FoodScore of 49/100, placing it in the Decent category. While it provides some fiber and protein, it is an ultra-processed food with notable amounts of sodium and saturated fat. Its healthfulness depends on your overall dietary pattern and portion control.
How does SMARTFOOD Popcorn compare to other popcorn brands?
Compared to a generic plain air-popped popcorn, SMARTFOOD Popcorn, Movie Theater Butter, will generally have higher sodium and fat content due to its flavoring and oil. For example, brands like Orville Redenbacher's SmartPop! often aim for lower calorie and fat profiles, but specific comparisons would require checking individual product labels.
What is maltodextrin, and why is it in this popcorn?
Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate derived from corn, rice, potato starch, or wheat. In this popcorn, it likely functions as a flavor carrier and a thickener, contributing to the texture and distribution of the 'movie theater butter' flavor. It is a common ingredient in many processed foods.
What is a reasonable portion size for this popcorn?
The declared serving size is 1.875 ounces (approximately 53g). Sticking to this portion size helps manage the intake of sodium and fat. Consuming larger amounts will significantly increase your intake of these components, potentially exceeding daily recommendations.
Can this popcorn be part of a weight management plan?
Due to its calorie density (528.3 calories per 100g) and fat content, this popcorn should be consumed in moderation if you are managing your weight. Portion control is key. Opting for air-popped, unflavored popcorn can be a lower-calorie alternative for frequent snacking.