Popcorn ~probably a stupid question

I reently started buying the kernels of popcorn and air popping my own.  The label says that it's 120 calories for 3 T of the kernels.  Does this also mean that after the entire 3 T is popped its still 120 calories (before adding anything obviously)?

I am not an expert, but yes, that is how I have always read it.

True and its an easier way to measure the calories because popped kernals dont always equal the same volume even if they are the same calories,

Did you know that you can make air popped popcorn in the microwave by just putting the kernels in a brown paper bag (the size they sell for lunch bags)?  Just pour the kernels in the bag, fold the top of the bag over and put it in the microwave and pop as usual (my microwave takes about 3 min...but you can usually hear when the kernels stop popping).

You may already do it that way... but in case others didn't know that, I thought I'd share that little trick.  It's easy and economical.  I like my popcorn completely plain, but spray butter and salt, etc. could be added after it's popped, if desired.

thanks for the heads up. i live in a dorm and hate buying the low sodium low butter popcorn for the microwave just because i don't have an air popper.

Original Post by nctracy:

Did you know that you can make air popped popcorn in the microwave by just putting the kernels in a brown paper bag (the size they sell for lunch bags)?

 I knew you could do that but somewhere I was cautioned that it might be dangerous (fire hazard). But after reading your post I Googled around and am no longer convinced it's a bad idea. Doing it that way also gives us more control of what goes inside the bag. Thanks for the reminder. I might give it a go.

I love popping my own popcorn in the microwave.  The first time I tried it I didn't really think and just put it in a bowl... BAD IDEA lol!  I came back to find my microwave FILLED with popcorn!  Now I put it in that same bowl, and cover it with a plastic strainer (like for draining pasta).  When it's done I just remove the strainer, add a little salt and eat it straight out of the bowl.  YUM!

YES!!!

I love LOVE love popcorn.
1 cup has 20 calories when air popped!

I usually spray it with natural oil spray and cover it with nutritional yeast, cumin and sea salt. It gives it a cheesy taste! And 2 HEAPING tablespoons of nutritional yeast is 50 calories (and very good for you). So you can eat a huge bowl of popcorn and have around 180 calories.