Chips tend to be higher in fat and calories than popcorn. A 1-ounce serving of regular potato chips has 152 calories, 10.2 grams of fat, 14.2 grams of carbohydrates and 1.8 grams of protein. The same quantity of tortilla chips has 132 calories, 5.8 grams of fat, 18.9 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of protein. Air-popped popcorn is the best choice. Each ounce has 128 calories, 1.3 grams of fat, 21.8 grams of carbohydrate and 3.6 grams of protein. Popping your popcorn at home in oil lowers the benefits a bit, as each ounce has 140 calories, 7.9 grams of fat, 16.3 grams of carbohydrate and 2.8 grams of protein. If you choose regular microwave popcorn, however, you won't be much better off than if you choose chips. Each ounce has 163 calories, 12.2 grams of fat, 12.6 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of protein.
Both potato chips and tortilla chips provide a small amount of fiber, with 5 percent to 6 percent of the daily value. Popcorn is a better source. Air-popped popcorn has 16 percent of the DV per ounce, oil-popped popcorn has 11 percent of the DV per ounce and regular microwave popcorn has about 9 percent of the DV for fiber per ounce. Dietary fiber helps you control your weight and blood sugar while lowering your risk for high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer and digestive issues such as constipation.
According to the USDA, chips cost about $3.86/lb. I buy popcorn in bulk, shown below, for $7.99 on sale for 12.5 lbs. That's .64 lb un-popped. One lb of un-popped popcorn is a LOT of popcorn when popped. I use an air popper and use either coconut oil or real butter on it. It does take a little work but is worth it for the $$ savings and better health! Better health also means savings! Popcorn can also be used to make tasty popcorn balls.
Yep- that is probably the healthiest snack out there if you don't load it down with butter and salt. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteI find coconut oil to be a great alternative to butter. It tastes very good! (At least the neutral flavor coconut oil.)
DeleteOh yummy! I'm glad popcorn is a healthy snack - off to make me some now! I haven't tried coconut oil with it, but that sounds like a great healthy alternative fat! :)
ReplyDeleteWe eat popcorn often! Even if you put butter and salt on it, there is no trans fats like chips! Enjoy your treat!
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