Is Pop Secret Popcorn Healthy? 11 Things You Should Know

Is Pop Secret Popcorn Healthy?

Who doesn’t love popcorn? The buttery, salty goodness makes it a movie night staple! But how good is microwave popcorn for us? Let’s start with a look at Pop Secret Popcorn and see if lives up to its claim of being “100% carefree.”

Pop Secret Popcorn is not that healthy. Although it is made from 100% whole grain, non-GMO corn, much of its buttery flavor comes from palm oil with its high level of saturated fat. Overall, Pop Secret Popcorn can be a healthy snack but it comes down to which flavor you choose.

Below, I’ll compare five flavors of Pop Secret, looking at carbs, sodium, and fiber. I’ll discuss whether Pop Secret contains unhealthy diacetyl or PFAS, whether it’s fattening, and more. Then I’ll share some tips for healthier popcorn at home!

Is Pop Secret Popcorn Good for You?

Here are 11 questions I’ll be answering about Pop Secret Popcorn nutrition. Click on a section or just keep scrolling to read them all:

1. What are the Ingredients in Pop Secret Popcorn?
2. How Many Carbs Are in Pop Secret Popcorn?
3. Is Pop Secret Popcorn Good for Weight Loss?
4. Does Pop Secret Popcorn Have Diacetyl?
5. Does Pop Secret Popcorn Have PFAS?
6. Is Pop Secret Popcorn High in Sodium?
7. Is Pop Secret Popcorn High in Fiber?
8. Is Pop Secret Healthier than Orville Redenbacher?
9. Is Pop Secret Healthier Than Act II?
10. What Is a Healthy Alternative to Pop Secret Popcorn?
11. Is Pop Secret Popcorn Vegan?

1. What Are the Ingredients in Pop Secret Popcorn?

Let’s begin by looking at Pop Secret Popcorn’s ingredients for 5 of the most popular flavors.

Flavor	Ingredients
Homestyle Butter	Whole Grain Popcorn, Palm Oil, Salt, Natural Flavors.
Light Butter	Whole Grain Popcorn, Palm Oil, Salt, Natural Flavors, Annatto, Paprika
Movie Theater Butter	Whole Grain Popcorn, Palm Oil, Salt, Natural Flavors, Annatto, Paprika
Extra Butter	Whole Grain Popcorn, Palm Oil, Salt, Natural Flavors, Annatto, Paprika
Double Butter	Whole Grain Popcorn, Palm Oil, Salt, Natural Flavors, Annatto, Paprika

The first thing you’ll notice is that most of the ingredients are similar if not exactly the same. The ingredients list is also fairly short and simple without a bunch of additives. These are both positives. Now for a breakdown of the main ingredients:

• Pop Secret uses 100% whole grain, non-GMO popcorn which is high in fiber and part of a heart-healthy diet. Each cup contains around 1 gram of fiber for a total of around 12 grams per bag, putting it between ⅓ and ½ of the daily recommended total for most adults. Whole-grain popcorn also contains high levels of phenolic acid, a type of polyphenol that is beneficial to cellular health. 

• Pop Secret uses palm oil which helps it achieve that rich, buttery flavor. While palm oil may be tasty, it’s also loaded with saturated fat. Most Pop Secret varieties have between 12 and 14 grams of saturated fat per bag. Just one bag can put you at or over your entire day’s worth of saturated fat as recommended by the American Heart Association. Overconsumption of saturated fats can lead to elevated cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease.

• Pop Secret uses natural flavorings as opposed to artificial flavorings used by some other brands. What exactly are these flavorings? Unfortunately, that is not clear but some are derived from milk and are therefore not vegan-friendly. 

• Pop Secret uses annatto and paprika, two natural spices to color its popcorn. This makes it a clear winner over some other popcorn brands that use artificial colorings which, have been linked to several potential health risks. 

As you can see, Pop Secret has some positives and negatives. While it may not be the healthiest snack, there are far worse options. Practicing portion control can help you enjoy the healthy benefits of whole grains and fiber while keeping your saturated fat and sodium levels in check. 

2. How Many Carbs Are in Pop Secret Popcorn?

Pop Secret Popcorn contains 3 grams of carbohydrates per cup. This translates into 12 grams of carbs per serving (serving size is 4 cups) and between 36 and 42 grams of carbs per bag depending on size. Each variety contains between 3 and 3.5 servings per bag. 

Overall, popcorn is not considered a low-carb food, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed on a low-carb diet. The key is to stick to portion control. It’s also important to remember that popcorn is a whole grain with satiating fiber that may help keep you fuller longer than other low-carb snacks. 

3. Is Pop Secret Popcorn Good for Weight Loss?

Popcorn itself can be an excellent weight loss food. However, it all comes down to the toppings. So is Pop Secret Popcorn good for weight loss? The answer is–maybe! It all comes down to which variety and how much you eat. 

Some flavors, like the “Extra Butter” and “Double Butter” are much higher in calories and fat than the others. When it comes to serving sizes, it’s also way too easy to throw that right out the window. Who hasn’t given in to that buttery, salty goodness and finished a whole bag in one sitting? We’re only human after all.

Bottom line, if you’re watching your weight and you want to indulge in some Pop Secret Popcorn, go for it! Just opt for the lighter versions and measure your servings. Pop Secret’s Light Butter Popcorn has just 100 calories and 4 grams of fat per serving (4 cups) making it a weight-loss-friendly snack.

4. Does Pop Secret Popcorn Have Diacetyl?

Pop Secret does not contain diacetyl. Like most major popcorn producers, Pop Secret removed this ingredient back in 2007. Diacetyl was used as a flavoring additive until it was discovered the chemical can lead to bronchiolitis obliterans, a respiratory condition aptly nicknamed “popcorn lung.” 

Today, diacetyl is no longer used in popcorn production so consumers can snack safely on their favorite popcorn without worrying about whether or not it contains this harmful additive. 

5. Does Pop Secret Popcorn Have PFAS?

Pop Secret Popcorn does not have PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances). Similar to diacetyl, PFAS were removed a few years ago once health concerns arose. PFAS are a group of chemicals that were once used to make heat-r