Popcorn is a favorite snack for many of us, and for good reason. It’s tasty, easy to make, and as compared to other snacks, it’s relatively low in calories. But when it comes to popcorn, not all popcorns are created equal. Among the countless variants of popcorn in the market today, the one that stands out is SkinnyPop. The most common question that most people ask is, is SkinnyPop good for you? In this article, we’ll separate myth from reality and give you the facts about what makes SkinnyPop a healthy (or not-so-healthy) choice for your snack time.
What is SkinnyPop?
SkinnyPop is a popcorn brand that has grown rapidly popular in recent years, thanks to its straightforward ingredients and healthfulness. The popcorn is made from only three ingredients: popcorn, sunflower oil, and salt. You won’t find any artificial flavors, preservatives, or ingredients in this popcorn.
Here’s What Makes SkinnyPop Healthy
It’s a Low-Calorie Snack
If you’re looking for a low-calorie snack to munch on, then SkinnyPop is your answer. Ounce for ounce, it has fewer calories than most other snacks you can think of. A 28g serving of SkinnyPop has around 150 calories, which is roughly half the calories of an equal serving of potato chips or other salty snacks.
SkinnyPop is Gluten-Free and Non-GMO Certified
If you’re gluten intolerant, the last thing you want to do is to consume foods that aggravate your symptoms. SkinnyPop is gluten-free, which is great news for anyone with gluten sensitivities. Additionally, the popcorn is non-GMO certified, meaning that it doesn’t contain genetically modified organisms.
It’s a Whole Grain Snack
SkinnyPop has all the advantages of whole grains. It consists of a naturally occurring whole-grain that provides essential nutrients, including protein, antioxidants, and fiber. It’s also a low-glycemic food, which means it doesn’t cause a quick rise in blood sugar levels, which can lead to overeating and weight gain.
SkinnyPop is Cholesterol Free
Cholesterol is an intolerance in many people’s diets. Consuming snacks high in cholesterol can lead to other health issues. SkinnyPop popcorn is cholesterol-free and hence an ideal snack for those who need to watch their intake of cholesterol.
Here’s What Skeptics Say About SkinnyPop
Low in Nutrients
Some people argue that SkinnyPop is low in nutrients as compared to whole foods. While that may be true, the nutrient profile of popcorn as a whole is generally low. While it is always preferable to get your nutrients from whole foods, snacking on popcorn is not an investment in nutrients.
Contains PFOAs
Some experts have raised concerns about the PFOAs (perfluorooctanoic acid) found in the packaging of some popcorn brands, including SkinnyPop. PFOAs are used to make the packaging non-stick and may migrate into the food. However, there are no conclusive studies to prove that packing with PFOAs is dangerous to our health.
High in Sodium Content
SkinnyPop popcorn is high in sodium content, which can aggravate blood pressure levels in the human body. People with hypertension or high blood pressure should steer clear of eating high sodium-content popcorn.
SkinnyPop Compared to Other Popcorn Brands
Air-Popped vs. Pressure-Popped Popcorn
SkinnyPop popcorn is made by air-popping the kernels, meaning they use hot air to burst the kernels, making them light and fluffy. On the other hand, most other popcorn brands in the market use pressure or oil to pop the kernels, leading to a more robust, heavier texture. Air-popped popcorn is generally considered healthier than oil-popped popcorn because it has fewer calories and fat.
Flavor Profiles Compared to Other Popcorn Brands
SkinnyPop offers a wide range of flavor profiles, including sea salt, white cheddar, jalapeno, and cracked pepper. Most other popcorn brands offer a more extensive range of flavors, including caramel, butter, and kettle corn.
Conclusion
Is SkinnyPop popcorn good for you? The answer is, it depends on your snacking preference, dietary restrictions, and overall nutritional goals. On the bright side, the three ingredients used in making SkinnyPop popcorn are straightforward, cholesterol-free, and healthy for most people to consume. Be sure to keep an eye on the sodium content while munching away on this popcorn. Lastly, whether you choose SkinnyPop or another popcorn brand, be sure to enjoy your snack time in moderation.
FAQs Answered
- Is SkinnyPop a healthy snack?
- Is SkinnyPop keto-friendly?
- Is popcorn dangerous to health?
Yes, SkinnyPop popcorn is considered a healthy snack option by most nutrition experts because it is low in calories, gluten-free, and contains no preservatives or artificial ingredients.
SkinnyPop popcorn is not keto-friendly because the popcorn is high in carbs. One serving of SkinnyPop has around 10 grams of carbohydrates, which isn’t recommended for a keto diet.
Popcorn is generally not harmful to health unless it’s over-consumed or prepared with excessive salt, butter or oily toppings.