Popcorn
Kirkland Signature Microwave Popcorn
3.3 oz
Score
- Ultra-processed
- High in salt
- High in saturated fat
- Contains palm oil
- Seed-oil free
Why it scores 60
Kirkland Signature Microwave Popcorn scores 60 out of 100 (Good) 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 16.7 g / 100 g: Very high in saturated fat. Strong
- minus 7 points Salt 2.3 g / 100 g: Very high in salt. 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 salt Score 100 out of 100 , 40 points higher -
Yellow Kernel Popping Corn Market Pantry · 45 oz/1.28 kg Not ultra-processed · Less salt Score 100 out of 100 , 40 points higher -
Popping Corn O Organics · 30 oz/850 g Not ultra-processed · Less salt Score 100 out of 100 , 40 points higher -
Jumbo Popping Corn Pop-Secret · 33 g Not ultra-processed · Less salt Score 100 out of 100 , 40 points higher -
Whole Grain Popping Corn Conagra Brands · 30 oz (850 g) Not ultra-processed · Less salt Score 100 out of 100 , 40 points higher
The same kind of product, at least 10 points higher, sold in the US. Never paid placements.
The Receipt
Microwave Popcorn
Ingredients
- Palm oil minus 2.5 points
- Natural flavors minus 2.5 points
Processing
- Ultra-processed (NOVA 4) minus 18 points
Nutrition per 100 g
- Saturated fat 16.7 g / 100 g minus 9 points
- Salt 2.3 g / 100 g minus 7 points
- Energy 633 kcal / 100 g minus 3 points
- Fiber 5.6 g / 100 g plus 2 points
100 − 40 = 60
Can’t score above 79. High in fat, saturated fat and salt (above the front-of-pack "high" level). [8]
Nutrition per 100 g
| Energy | 633 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 33.3 g |
| Saturated fat | 16.7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 47.2 g |
| Sugars | 0 g |
| Added sugars | 0 g |
| Fiber | 5.6 g |
| Protein | 5.6 g |
| Salt | 2.3 g |
Serving: 1 serving (1 cup)
Ingredients
- Whole Grain Popcorn
- Palm Oil
- Salt
- Natural Flavors
- Rosemary Extract (to preserve freshness)
- Ascorbic Acid (to preserve freshness)
- Butter (cream, salt)
Label text, as published
Whole Grain Popcorn, Palm Oil, Salt, Natural Flavors, Rosemary Extract (to preserve freshness), Ascorbic Acid (to preserve freshness), Butter (cream, salt)
Allergens and diets
Contains: Milk
- Not vegan
- 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 -
White Cheddar Smartfood · 6 3/4 oz/191.3 g Ultra-processedHigh in saltHigh in saturated fatContains seed oils Score 56 out of 100 Okay -
Original Popcorn Skinny Pop · 14 oz Contains seed oilsNo additives Score 79 out of 100 Good -
Popcorn Himalayan Sweetness Lesser Evil · 7 oz Ultra-processedHigh in saltHigh in saturated fatContains added sugars Score 14 out of 100 Bad
More from Kirkland Signature
-
Unsalted Mixed Nuts Kirkland Signature · 1.13 kg Score 100 out of 100 Excellent -
Purified Drinking Water Kirkland Signature · 500 mL Score 100 out of 100 Excellent -
Fancy Whole Unsalted Cashews Kirkland Signature · 40 oz (2.5 lb) 1.13 kg Score 100 out of 100 Excellent -
Organic fruit & vegtable pouch Kirkland Signature Score 100 out of 100 Excellent
Sources
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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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21 CFR 101.22 Foods; labeling of spices, flavorings, colorings and chemical preservatives
“whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.”
ecfr.gov
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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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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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“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