Popcorn
Act II Kettle corn
49.5 oz/3.09 lb/1.4 kg
Score
- Ultra-processed
- High in saturated fat
- Contains non-nutritive sweeteners
- Contains palm oil
- Seed-oil free
Why it scores 58
Act II Kettle corn scores 58 out of 100 (Okay) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:
- minus 18 points Ultra-processed (NOVA 4): Classified NOVA 4: made with industrial ingredients and additives. Strong
- minus 9 points Saturated fat 11.8 g / 100 g: Very high in saturated fat. Strong
- minus 7.5 points Sucralose: In a 2022 randomized study, sucralose and saccharin altered the gut microbiome and impaired glucose responses in some people; a 2023 lab study raised questions about its by-product sucralose-6-acetate. Strong
Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.
Better microwave popcorn and kernels
-
Organic Popping Corn Trader Joe's · 28 oz Not ultra-processed · Less saturated fat Score 100 out of 100 , 42 points higher -
Yellow Kernel Popping Corn Market Pantry · 45 oz/1.28 kg Not ultra-processed · Less saturated fat Score 100 out of 100 , 42 points higher -
Popping Corn O Organics · 30 oz/850 g Not ultra-processed · Less saturated fat Score 100 out of 100 , 42 points higher -
Jumbo Popping Corn Pop-Secret · 33 g Not ultra-processed · Less saturated fat Score 100 out of 100 , 42 points higher -
Whole Grain Popping Corn Conagra Brands · 30 oz (850 g) Not ultra-processed · Less saturated fat Score 100 out of 100 , 42 points higher
The same kind of product, at least 10 points higher, sold in the US. Never paid placements.
The Receipt
Kettle corn
Ingredients
- Sucralose minus 7.5 points
- Palm oil minus 2.5 points
- TBHQ (tert-butylhydroquinone) minus 2.5 points
Processing
- Ultra-processed (NOVA 4) minus 18 points
Nutrition per 100 g
- Saturated fat 11.8 g / 100 g minus 9 points
- Salt 1.3 g / 100 g minus 5 points
- Energy 441 kcal / 100 g minus 2 points
- Fiber 8.8 g / 100 g plus 4 points
100 − 42.5 = 57.5 → 58
Can’t score above 79. High in fat and saturated fat (above the front-of-pack "high" level). [13]
Nutrition per 100 g
| Energy | 441 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 26.5 g |
| Saturated fat | 11.8 g |
| Trans fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55.9 g |
| Sugars | 0 g |
| Added sugars | 0 g |
| Fiber | 8.8 g |
| Protein | 5.9 g |
| Salt | 1.3 g |
Serving: 2 tbsp (34 g)
Ingredients
Label text, as published
POPPING CORN, PALM OIL, LESS THAN 2% OF: SALT, SUCRALOSE, TBHQ AND CITRIC ACID (FOR FRESHNESS).
Allergens and diets
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
- Not palm-oil-free
Always check the package: recipes change.
More popcorn on GoodSwap
-
Original Popcorn Skinny Pop · 4.4 oz Contains seed oilsNo additives Score 79 out of 100 Good -
Popcorn Himalayan Pink Salt Lesser Evil · 5 oz High in saltHigh in saturated fatCertified organicNo additives Score 79 out of 100 Good -
POPcorn HIMALAYAN GOLD Lesser Evil · 4.6 oz/130 g Ultra-processedHigh in saltHigh in saturated fatCertified organic Score 68 out of 100 Good -
100% Whole Grain Purple Popcorn Simple Truth · 30 oz/850 g No additives Score 100 out of 100 Excellent -
Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Popcorn 365 Whole Foods Market · 5 oz/142 g High in saltNo additivesSeed-oil free Score 79 out of 100 Good -
olive oil & Himalayan salt popcorn Good & Gather organic · 5 oz/142 g High in saltNo additivesSeed-oil free Score 79 out of 100 Good
More from Act II
Sources
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Personalized microbiome-driven effects of non-nutritive sweeteners on human glucose tolerance
“As groups, each administered NNS distinctly altered stool and oral microbiome and plasma metabolome, whereas saccharin and sucralose significantly impaired glycemic responses.”
doi.org
-
“Sucralose-6-acetate significantly increased the expression of genes associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancer”
doi.org
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“EFSA’s experts concluded that the sweetener sucralose (E 955) continues to be safe for consumers for its currently authorised uses as a food additive.”
efsa.europa.eu
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WHO advises not to use non-sugar sweeteners for weight control in newly released guideline
“The recommendation is based on the findings of a systematic review of the available evidence which suggests that use of NSS does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children.”
who.int
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Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
“Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”
cdn.realfood.gov
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Saturated fatty acid and trans-fatty acid intake for adults and children: WHO guideline
“WHO recommends that adults and children reduce saturated fatty acid intake to 10% of total energy intake (strong recommendation).”
who.int
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Process contaminants in vegetable oils and foods
“The highest levels of GE, as well as 3-MCPD and 2-MCPD (including esters) were found in palm oils and palm fats, followed by other oils and fats.”
efsa.europa.eu
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“Glycidyl fatty acid esters, expressed as glycidol”
eur-lex.europa.eu
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“E 127 Erythrosine 200 only cocktail cherries and candied cherries”
eur-lex.europa.eu
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11. List of Permitted Preservatives (Lists of Permitted Food Additives)
“B.2 Butylated Hydroxyanisole n/a (a) Active dry yeasts (a) Preservative (a) 1,000 ppm n/a”
canada.ca
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“For adults, WHO recommends less than 2000 mg/day of sodium (equivalent to less than 5 g/day salt), or just under a teaspoon.”
who.int
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“Table 3: Criteria for drinks (per 100ml)”
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk
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“Greater exposure to ultra-processed food was associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, especially cardiometabolic, common mental disorder, and mortality outcomes.”
doi.org