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It's no secret that lots of microwaveable and store-bought popcorn is loaded with sodium and butter, and like most snacks, the homemade version is much healthier. To break down just how much of a difference there is, Instagram account Calorie Fixes [3] shared a helpful visual. This side-by-side photo shows what 180 calories of popcorn looks for store-bought popcorn and what 180 calories looks like for homemade popcorn. No surprise here — you get more than double the amount of homemade popcorn for the same number of calories!
When you pop your own kernels on the stove, in the microwave, or in a popcorn maker, you're starting from scratch and can add whatever you want. A cup of air-popped popcorn [4] only has 31 calories, and with one tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt, a cup is only 90 calories [5]. A bag of microwave popcorn [6] can have almost 400 calories. So whether you're keeping it savory or opting for a sweet snack by adding honey, ginger, and lemon [7], the low-calorie seasoning possibilities for homemade popcorn are nearly endless.