Popcorn is one of the best snacks to munch on at the cinema or watching your favorite TV show lying on the couch. Of course, you can eat popcorn in large quantities, especially when you get caught up in the movie’s action, but is this food keto-friendly? You will find the answer in this article.
What Is Popcorn?
Popcorn is expanded corn under heat and is a much healthier snack than chips or chocolate. Air-popped popcorn can be a nutritious snack as it is a great source of carbs, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
The first commercial popcorn machine was invented in 1885, and microwave popcorn in 1981. Popcorn became a popular cinema snack with the advent of the commercial engine in 1885.
Popcorn is considered a whole grain, and it’s a super popular snack made using dried corn kernels. You can make popcorn on the stove, microwave, or an air popper.
Popcorn Nutrition Value
Popcorn is a whole grain, and it’s considered super nutritious. It’s loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals that may contribute to your overall wellbeing.
According to the USDA website, 2 cups of homemade air-popped popcorn contain:
- Calories – 62 kcal
- Total Carbs – 13g
- Protein – 2g
- Fat – 0.6g
- Fiber – 2.4g
- Net Carbs – 10.6g
Homemade popcorn is super low in calories but very filling as it’s high in fiber.
Is Popcorn Keto?
The short answer is yes, you can consume popcorn on a keto diet, but it depends on the amount you consume.
So, yes, popcorn is keto as long as you are able to fit popcorn into your daily carb limit.
For example, if your limit is 50grams of net carbs, you can enjoy about 2 cups of popcorn. However, to stay in ketosis it’s important to choose Air-popped popcorn that’s the most nutritious and it doesn’t contain unhealthy fats or chemical flavorings.
To make Air Popped Popcorn I usually use this Hot Air Popper than needs no oil and makes popcorn super fast.
How Can I Include Popcorn In The Keto Diet?
If you love snacks and are wondering if popcorn is one of the best snacks to eat on a ketogenic diet, here’s how you can enjoy it:
- Choose Air Popped Popcorn which is lower in carbs, calories, and fat.
- Make sure you measure out your serving size and use a keto calculator to determine your daily carb allowance.
- Use healthy fats such as unsalted butter, coconut oil, and seasonings to flavor your popcorn.
- Store-bought pre-popped popcorn is not recommended on a ketogenic diet as it’s loaded in chemicals and super easy to overindulge.
Keto Popcorn Alternatives
Here are a few keto-friendly snacks that you can try instead of popcorn:
- Zucchini Chips – chips and veggies at the same time, great idea, right?
- Zucchini Fries
- Cheese Chips – are one of my favorite alternatives because they are made almost entirely with cheese.
- Cheese Crackers
- Pork Rinds – Like popcorn, they’re salty, crispy, and addicting. Pork rinds, unlike popcorn, do not contain any carbohydrates.
- Beef Jerky
- Cheddar Cheese Crackers
- Keto Tortilla Chips – are incredible to dip in salsa, guacamole, or a cheesy sauce.
- Salami Chips
- Roasted Cauliflower – maybe it doesn’t as yummy as the popcorn is, but trust me that you have to try my recipe.
- Nuts and Seeds
READER FAVORITES
The full recipe is in the recipe card below. Readers that love this aslo made these recipes:
