Some of the most commonly asked questions by the keto dieters are, “Is popcorn keto-friendly?”, “Can you eat popcorn on a keto diet?” or “how much carbohydrates are there in popcorn?”. No worries, it is natural to have this type of question in mind because popcorn is such a food that everyone loves to eat.

Normally, when a person is on a diet, the food cravings increase drastically, and we feel like eating everything. Similarly, popcorn is such a favorite food that it makes us wonder whether we can eat it or not while we are on our keto diet as it is a high-protein enriched food.

We understand your pain, for which we have presented this article to you, so you get a clear concept about “Is popcorn keto?”. Keep reading further to know in detail.

Is Popcorn Keto Friendly?

Whether you are watching a movie at the theater or at home, it is no fun without popcorn. Besides, many people like to have it as a snack without any type of occasion. The main reason for this is that popcorn has the ability to lighten up one’s mood.

Popcorn has the perfect combination of fluffy and crunch texture, along with much protein to provide. However, it is not totally keto-friendly. But luckily, you can have as long as you don’t affect your diet. Now the question may arise, “if popcorn is not keto-friendly, then how can I eat it?

The answer is simple you just need to eat it depending on the amount of your daily intake of carbohydrate limit. For a more precise answer, you can eat it for the below-listed 2 cases only:

  1. If you are on a low-carbohydrate diet, then you can take it.
  2. You can also take only popcorn as a carb-providing food by not taking any other food that contains carbohydrates on that particular day.

Although popcorn may seem like light food, it contains a good amount of protein in reality for ruining a diet. Additionally, some other popcorn elements make it one of the ideal food to prevent during a keto diet.

Therefore, except for these two stated cases, it is better not to take because health comes first than cravings. For instance, if you are on a diet, then intake of much popcorn can ruin your diet for that entire day, which you will never want.

Now that you have got an answer to your question, now let us move into details, so you get a more clear concept about it.

Keto Diet

How many carbohydrates are in popcorn?

The number of carbohydrates in popcorn depends on the way it is made. It may seem a bit surprising to you, but it is true. The popcorn you have while watching a movie has different carbs to offer than microwavable popcorns.

That’s why you must know the number of carbs in popcorn, especially if you are a popcorn lover who is on a keto diet. So you can eat based on your carbs limit by not affecting your entire diet.

For your convenience, we have created a list of the carbs amount for 5 most common type of popcorn that is eaten the most (carbohydrates calculation based on a cup):

1. Microwavable Popcorn

One cup of fresh microwavable popcorn contains 5-10 grams of carbohydrates. However, this one has a comparatively low-calorie and carbohydrate count compared to others.

2. Air-popped Popcorn

Air-Popped popcorn contains 8-20 grams of carbohydrates per cup. Although this popcorn has the lowest calorie count, it has more carbohydrate count compared to microwavable popcorn.

3. Oil-Popped Popcorn

Oil-Popped popcorn contains 5-10 grams of carbohydrates per cup. It has the same carb count as the microwavable popcorn.

4. Kettle-Popcorn

This popcorn contains 15-25 grams of carbohydrates per cup. It has the highest calorie and carbohydrate count compared to all other types of popcorns.

5. Movie-Theater Popcorn

A small tub is equivalent to 6-11 cup servings and thus will give around 40 grams of carbohydrates. On the other hand, a large tub will provide you with 120 grams of carbohydrates.

Therefore, these are the top 5 common popcorn types with their carbs amount. Depending on these carbs amount you must eat. Otherwise, it is best to avoid it while you are on a diet.

When to avoid popcorn in keto?

Food is such a thing that gives us energy and at the same time gives us happiness. You will see that whenever you are eating your favorite food, you feel the most relaxing at that time. In fact, the thought of our favorite food makes us happy, and naturally, we want to eat it.

Maybe that’s why the thought of cutting our favorite food from our diet list makes us saddened the most. However, we need to do it for the betterment of our health because health comes first above all the other things.

Similarly, popcorn is such a food that is loved and relished by everyone. In fact, many people also have the habit of eating it daily as their snacks.

The number of carbohydrates you can eat per day will differ based on your body structure, aims, amount to lose, and health history (if any). In the case of many people, they can eat up to 5 cups of popcorns with 25-30 grams of carbs and still remain in ketosis. In contrast, many people can’t even have 1 cup of popcorns.

Therefore, if you fall under these criteria of people, then you must avoid popcorn at all cost while you are on a keto diet:

  • Have the habit of overeating
  • Have gained much-unwanted body fat
  • Not able to lose weight
  • Cannot fulfill your keto-diet aims

Although it is tough to avoid but remember this pain is just for a few days. Once you get fit, there will be no more restrictions, and thus you will able to eat and relish your favorite food to your heart’s content.

What type of food can you eat instead of popcorn?

Although, there is no such food that can replace the taste of popcorn. But definitely, some can act as an alternative to popcorn. Many of us cannot even have a cup of popcorn while being on a diet.

We care for all. That’s why we were looking for alternatives so that no one feels upset anymore. Finally, after doing much research and taking tips from expert nutritionists, we have made a list of food that can act as a popcorn alternative. All of these listed foods are low carbohydrate foods and provide more nutritious value than popcorn:

  • Pecan nuts
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Pistachios
  • Almonds and walnuts
  • Beef jerky
  • Cauliflower
  • Olives
  • Mushrooms
  • Boiled eggs
  • Pork skins

The Bottom Line

Hopefully, you have now got a complete idea about keto and popcorn, or is popcorn keto-friendly. Popcorn is a healthy and tasty food that is a favorite snack of almost all age people. In fact, it is such a food that needs no occasion or time to eat.

But if you are on a keto diet, then you must restrict it based on your per-day carb limit. Otherwise, it will hamper your diet goals, which you will certainly never want.

Just remember the famous proverb “Health is wealth” whenever you feel like eating it too much as it might help boost your spirit. Lastly, stay healthy and fit.