All the nutritional info I see is in terms of popped cups of popcorn. It's hard to measure the popcorn after I've popped it, but easy beforehand. I put 1/2 cup of uncooked popcorn into my air popper. How many calories are in it after it's popped, assuming I don't put any butter or salt on it?

 

Thanks,

Poppa

If you don’t have a one-cup measuring cup on hand, then let’s do some simple math. First, a few general rules:

* One (1) ounce (or 1/8 cup or 2 tablespoons) of unpopped popcorn equals about a quart popped
* 4 ounces in ½ cup
* 4 cups in a quart
* Air-popped popcorn has only 31 calories per cup

If you’re using ½ cup kernels, you’ll yield about 4 quarts of popped popcorn (or 16 cups of popcorn) which would make a sizeable snack for several people (or one very hungry person) and come in just under 500 calories (496).

Happy eating!

I received this response from someone who goes by "shapeties" but unfortunately I accidentally deleted your reply and can't quite figure out how to "bring it back." So, here's what "shapeties" had to say...

"I did get an email back from a manufacturer that basically confirmed the conversion that you mentioned, but the difference overall of calories lost was lost in the cooking process. Thus popped corn really is less caloric than unpopped corn. In otherwords if you pop 1/4 cup and eat it all, it will have less calories popped than just eating the unpopped corn, which is good thing because I really don't care for unpopped corn."

Thanks for the feedback and the laugh, "shapeties". I'd have to agree the popped version is better. I think the reason why popped popcorn has less calories is because the hull (the outside of the kernel) actually shatters when the kernel pops, so some of that would be lost (leftover in the pan, bag, popcorn popper or bowl) and not consumed. Thus your pre- and post-popped popcorn measurement would be different. But maybe there's another explanation having to do with the change in matter??

500 calories! That much? Wow, it certainly doesn't feel like it. I often eat that all by myself no problem. OK, next time I'll divide it up evenly with my daughter instead of cheating her out of part of her share. Tnx for your answer.

Okay. The label on the kernels says 1/2 cup UNpopped has 110 calories. So if you pop it in the hot air popper, that same amount after its popped has almost 500 calories? It gains calories after you pop it in hot air? Even without anything added?

If your brand label says there are 110 calories in 1/2 cup of unpopped kernels, once you pop the kernels the calories will stay the same, but your yield will be much more than 1/2 cup.

Different brands might have different caloric content because of the size the kernel pops. Some kernels pop larger than others. So, 1 cup of Brand X might have 31 calories, while Brand Y might have only 15 calories per cup. If you pop each and count the kernels in 1 cup, I'll bet you'll end up with a different number of kernels.

How many calories in 2 tablespoons of unpopped popcorn popped without oil?

A quick way to figure this is to simply look at the nutrition label on the popcorn package. A manufacturer will list the calories in a specific number of tablespoons. And this will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. For example, a label may state that 3 tbps. of unpopped popcorn contains 130 calories, which would mean roughly 86 calories in 2 tbsp.

How much does 2 1/2 cups uncooked kernals pop into?

Thanks

If you follow the thread on this post you'll see from Jan. 2010 I wrote:

"* One (1) ounce (or 1/8 cup or 2 tablespoons) of unpopped popcorn equals about a quart popped
* 4 ounces in ½ cup
* 4 cups in a quart
* Air-popped popcorn has only 31 calories per cup

If you’re using ½ cup kernels, you’ll yield about 4 quarts of popped popcorn (or 16 cups of popcorn) which would make a sizeable snack for several people (or one very hungry person) and come in just under 500 calories (496)."

A little more multiplication and I believe you'll hit 20 quarts (there are 5 half cups in 2.5 cups so multiply 5 x 4 quarts and you get 20). But popping size can vary so it's a general guide.

Hope this helps. Enjoy!

what amount of kernels equals 4 qts popped corn?

I'm glad to help but the information has been repeated over and again in this thread. One ounce kernels = 1 quart popped, so 4 ounces = 4 quarts.

How much of the nutritional value is lost by popping popcorn? Looking at the nutritional panel, it looks to be about 1/5?

I need six qts. of popped corn so how many cups would I need if it is unpopped?

If you follow the thread on this post you'll see from Jan. 2010 I wrote:

* One (1) ounce (or 1/8 cup or 2 tablespoons) of unpopped popcorn equals about a quart popped

If you need 6 quarts, multiply 2 tablespoons by 6 and you'll have the answer.

Hope this helps. Enjoy!

Hi Poppy,
Long time fan, first time poster...
You seem really good with numbers and super helpful, maybe you could help me too?
I need 2 pints of cooked popcorn, but only have a 1/2 cup measuring?
How do I figure this out?!
Also,
A train leaves Berlin for a nearby city at 7:10 pm, averaging 86 mph.
Another train leaves the nearby city for Berlin at 8:00 pm, averaging 100 mph.
If the nearby city is 680 miles from Berlin, to the nearest minute, at what time will the two trains pass each other?
Thanks for your help!
-p

Popette, I needed a good laugh, and you provided it. Thanks! As much as I enjoy answering questions from all of you smart (obviously smart since you eat popcorn!) and inquisitive folks out there, I'm even more overjoyed when you take the time to read thru these posts and find the answer, which I've reiterated a number of times. At the end of the day, if you need a specific amount of popcorn, toss some in the pot, pop it, measure out what you need for a specific recipe and eat the rest! You can't make too much popcorn!!

If Canadians didn't use maple syrup on their pancakes would they not be able to eat them? Or if three Canadians are standing in front of a door and none of them go in first to be polite is it considered a Canadian standoff?

Dear Poppy,

I'm having 14 seventh grade girls over for my daughter's birthday party and want them to make popcorn necklaces that will reach to their waist. How much will it cost to buy the right amount of microwavable kettle corn, including two-day shopping?