Popcorn vs Potato Chips: Which Makes the Better Snack?

If you're reading this, you probably love snacks as much as we do! 

Today, we're comparing two crowd favorites: popcorn vs potato chips. While both are delicious in their own right, there are some differences to consider in terms of nutrition, versatility, and overall satisfaction.

Let’s break it down:

Nutritional Value

Potato chips are deep-fried and generally more processed than popcorn, making them the less healthier option. Popcorn, being a whole grain, is naturally healthy. What affects its nutritional value is how you prepare and season it. 

Plain air-popped popcorn is only 30 calories since it doesn’t contain oil. Microwave popcorn, on the other hand, is usually loaded with artificial additives and chemicals. Needless to say, you might want to skip the microwave bags if you’re health-conscious. 

Stovetop popcorn offers the perfect middle ground. With your choice of cooking fats (ex. coconut oil, avocado oil, beef tallow) and countless seasoning options, you control exactly what goes into it. You could either keep the popcorn light with a sprinkle of salt or drizzle it in chocolate for an indulgent treat.

Related: Popcorn Nutrition Facts: How Many Calories Are in Popcorn?

Freshness and Storage

Unpopped kernels can last for months in your pantry and don’t take up a lot of storage space. You can pop exactly what you need when you need it. With potato chips, it’s a race against time once you open a bag. They turn stale fast and lose their crunch.  

But what really gives popcorn the upper hand is freshness. While chips conveniently come ready to eat, nothing compares to popcorn right out of the stovetop popper. The aroma, crunch, and unmatched flavor create a sensory experience worth the effort every time. 

Versatility 

We have to say that popcorn has a bigger edge here. While there are dozens of potato chip flavors around, making your own popcorn means you can flavor it with virtually anything. 

You can stick to classic kettle corn or buttery popcorn, or experiment with dark chocolate, curry powder, or furikake (though not necessarily together!). Nothing is off-limits when it comes to popcorn. Check out these popcorn recipes for proof. 

Satisfaction

While chips appear more substantial, they often leave you feeling sluggish and greasy. Popcorn is the opposite. Filling yet light, you can enjoy generous handfuls without feeling weighed down.

Value for Money

Popcorn offers incredible value for money. While a bag of chips disappears in one sitting, one jar of kernels makes several bowls of popcorn. Just half a cup of kernels, for example, equals 16 cups of popped corn!

The Social Factor

Both popcorn and potato chips are perfect for sharing, but there’s something about the former that just brings people together. 

It might be the sound of kernels popping, the aroma filling the kitchen, or the novelty of spinning the crank of a stovetop popper like the Popsmith. Maybe it’s all of the above. Whatever it is, the whole experience turns snack time into moments worth remembering.

The Final Verdict

Popcorn is clearly the superior snack! It’s not just healthier and more versatile. It also brings people together in a way that chips just can’t match. Plus, with the right equipment (hello, Popsmith!), you can make better than movie theater-quality popcorn right at home.

Ready for the ultimate popcorn-making experience? Bundle n’ Save and get everything you need — a Popper and your choice of perfectly portioned popcorn kits.