Is Popcorn is Healthier than Oatmeal?
No. But it's close enough!
I needed a snack today, and found that I had only two options: popcorn and oatmeal. I enjoy both these foods, and in a moment of sheer boredom, I decided to see which one was "better" for me.
For the record, I was comparing "President's Choice Blue Menu Trans Fat Free Butter flavour popcorn,"
I was a bit stunned at how close the numbers were. Keep in mind that in the oatmeal section, the best and worst numbers were scattered among the three flavours, so if you wanted low sodium, you also got higher calories. Overall, the regular oatmeal was the healthiest, but it also had the lowest fibre. And, being "plain," you can be sure I would have had to add brown sugar. I mean, who the hell eats plain oatmeal?!?
I might need some pop to wash it down. Don't tell my girlfriend I'm eating this.
For the record, I was comparing "President's Choice Blue Menu Trans Fat Free Butter flavour popcorn,"
Ed's Note: Possibly the only snack title that has more calories than the snack.
to "President's Choice Organic Instant Oatmeal." The instant oatmeal was a variety pack, so to be fair, I will show both the best and worst measurements in the comparison. Also, the serving size is one pouch of oatmeal, and one-half bag of popcorn.| Nutrition Fact | Popcorn | Oatmeal Best/Worst |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 160 | 140/150 |
| Fat | 2.5g | 2/2.5g |
| Sodium | 230mg | 125/290mg |
| Fibre | 5g | 3/3g |
| Sugars | 0g | 1/11g |
| Protein | 4g | 5/3g |
| Vitamin A | 6% | 0/0% |
| Calcium | 0% | 2/2% |
| Iron | 6% | 10/8% |
I was a bit stunned at how close the numbers were. Keep in mind that in the oatmeal section, the best and worst numbers were scattered among the three flavours, so if you wanted low sodium, you also got higher calories. Overall, the regular oatmeal was the healthiest, but it also had the lowest fibre. And, being "plain," you can be sure I would have had to add brown sugar. I mean, who the hell eats plain oatmeal?!?
Ed's Note: The same people who eat half a bag of popcorn.
So the moral of the story seems to be that you're not paying any huge dietary price to have popcorn instead of oatmeal.Ed's Note: Josh is not a licensed dietician. As if that needed stating.
If anybody wants to add their own startling nutrition facts, or refute what I've concluded above, please leave a comment. Meanwhile, I hear the last lonely pops of my afternoon snack calling.I might need some pop to wash it down. Don't tell my girlfriend I'm eating this.
