No doubt popcorn is a great snacking option whether you’re watching your favorite TV shows or movies.
And while there are many brands of popcorn to choose from, one that has been popular for many years is Act 2 popcorn.
Act 2 popcorn is a microwaveable popcorn brand designed to taste like movie theater popcorn. It comes in a variety of flavors, including butter delite, chilli surprise, tandoori tadka, classic salted, golden sizzle and many more.
While Act 2 popcorn is easy to make and does taste good, is it healthy for you?
Short answer: Act 2 Popcorn is not healthy as it is high in calories and sodium and contains ingredients like palmolein oil and maltodextrin that can be risky for some people. However it can be a part of balanced diet in moderation.
For more detailed information on Act 2 popcorn, keep reading till the end of this post.
Also read: The Truth About Oats Maggi: Is It Really Healthy?
Nutritional information of Act 2 popcorn
A 100g serving of Act 2 popcorn (After popping) (classic salted) contains:
- Calories: 520
- Carbs: 61g
- Sugar: 0g
- Fat: 28g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 11g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Ingredients in Act 2 popcorn
The ingredients that are used among all the flavors of Act 2 popcorn includes:
- Popping corn
- Refined palm oil or sunflower oil
- Iodised salt
- Maltodextrin
- Beta carotene
- Added flavors
- Spices and condiments
- Stabilizer
- Acidity regulator(citric acid)
4 Reasons Act 2 popcorn is not healthy for you
1. Use of refined palmolein oil
Act 2 popcorn uses refined palmolein oil as one of its main ingredients. This is why it has high levels of saturated fat, i.e. 13g per 100g serving.
Refined palm oil is high in palmitic acid, which has been linked to increased cholesterol levels in numerous studies[1]. Some other studies have shown that palm oil consumption link with heart diseases such as atherosclerosis.
Additionally, palmolein oil is one of the major drivers for the deforestation of some of the most biodiverse forests.
If you have or are at risk of heart disease, avoid food containing refined palmolein oil.
2. High in calories
Most people think of Act 2 popcorn as a lightweight snack. However, the reality is it is high in calories.
A single ounce(28g) of Act 2 popcorn contains about 145 calories, which can add up quickly if you eat a lot of it.
On average, Act 2 popcorn has 40% more calories than regular popcorn.
Plus, there is no doubt that most people add extra toppings like butter, salt or cheese from their side, which increases the calorie count even more.
So if you’re trying to lose weight or watch your calorie intake, you should limit your intake of Act 2 popcorn.
3. Use of maltodextrin
Maltodextrin is a common food additive found in most packaged foods these days. It is made from corn, potato or rice starch and is used as a thickening agent.
It is a highly processed ingredient with a very high glycemic index(more than table sugar) that has the potency to increase your blood sugar levels.
In addition, consuming foods containing too much of it can also result in weight gain or digestive issues such as bloating or gas[2].
If you are someone with diabetes or those trying to control blood sugar levels, it’s best to avoid the consumption of Act 2 popcorn.
4. High in sodium
Sodium or simply salt is expected in popcorn as it’s one of the ingredients that gives it a salty flavor.
While popping popcorn at home with a little salt will not hurt anyone, commercially prepared and packaged popcorn, such as in Act 2, can be a problem.
For instance, one ounce(28g) of Act 2 popcorn comes with around 300mg of sodium which is about 20% of the ideal daily limit. And that’s not even counting the buttery topping or extra salt that most people add.
Consuming too much sodium in your diet increases the chances of high blood pressure, heart disease, dehydration, or kidney damage.
If you are already a patient with high blood pressure, avoid Act 2 popcorn and go with homemade popcorn.
Are there any better alternatives to Act 2 popcorn?
There are not many popcorn brands(especially in the Indian market). But even if you found some, it’s best to look at their nutrition and ingredient labels before purchasing.
However, air-popped popcorn is a healthier option than Act 2 popcorn because it is not coated in oil or other additives. You can make it at home using an air-popper or in a brown paper bag in the microwave.
Final words
Act 2 popcorn might be leading in the category of popcorn, but the harsh reality is that it’s not guilt-free and healthy for you.
It is high in calories and sodium and comes with ingredients like maltodextrin and refined palmolein oil, which can be risky for people (especially when they eat too much or suffer from health problems).
However, Act 2 Popcorn can still be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
It is important to read the nutrition label and ingredient list on any popcorn brand, including Act 2 Popcorn, to determine the nutritional value and whether it fits into your overall healthy eating plan.
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