Popcorn - Why it is considered a healthy snack

The origin of popcorn dates back thousands of years, and it's one of the oldest forms of corn known to humans. Popcorn used to be popped directly over fire using hot sand or heated pots. It grew popular in the United States by the 19th century, becoming a common snack at fairs and eventually in movie theaters by the early 20th century.

Whenever popcorn is mentioned, we would think about going to the movies and having them in between scenes and finishing half the cup before the show even starts. It is also regularly seen in carnivals and fairs but not so much in our 'pasar malam' or night markets. 

Home popcorn makers and microwave popcorn boosted its popularity even more as an accessible snack. Many of us think popcorn is an unhealthy snack, probably joining the ranks of potato chips, fried chicken, hot dogs, satay and chocolates. But wait a minute, popcorn is actually a healthy snack! 

To start off, popcorn comes from corn kernels. Corn itself is a healthy vegetable and popped corn has low calories. Popcorn without salt, sugar or butter is low in fats and high in fiber, making it a good healthy crispy snack. It does contain a low amount of nutrition such as iron, zinc, magnesium and a 30g portion gives just 122 calories. Not just that, popcorn releases polyphenols, which can slow down the damage of your cells and even aging.

Interestingly, popcorn has one of the highest levels of polyphenols of most foods and fruits!

Commercially available popcorn will have all the spices and unhealthy ingredients added but that is necessary to make them taste better. However, you can always choose the ones with fewer added ingredients. Like ours in Singapore, which only has sugar, oil, caramel or powder. It's just that simple. We have caramel, seaweed, cheesy and sour cream currently and we call this our Poofy Popcorn.

Popcorn is now only available for corporate orders in Singapore, let us know if you require this snack!