Health score
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/ 100Verdict: moderate
Popcorn - Sweet by Tesco receives a moderate score of 55/100 primarily due to high levels of added sugar despite its simple maize base.
Key takeaways
- Contains 20.7g of sugar per 100g
- Maize serves as a whole grain base
- Moderate health score of 55/100
- Contains soya lecithin allergen
- Favorable environmental footprint
Our read on this product
With 492 kcal and 20.7g of sugar per 100g, Popcorn - Sweet by Tesco leans heavily into the confectionary category. While the maize base provides dietary fiber, the processing and high sugar content significantly dilute the health benefits. The inclusion of rapeseed oil and soya lecithins ensures a consistent texture, but these highly processed additions keep the health score at 55/100. Users should balance the convenience of this snack with its potential impact on glycemic health.
Best for
This snack is suitable for casual consumption as an occasional treat for those without specific metabolic restrictions.
Approach with care
Individuals managing diabetes, those sensitive to soy allergens, or anyone strictly monitoring added sugar intake should avoid this product.
Ingredient breakdown
Good ingredients
Neutral ingredients
Ingredients to watch
Maize
A whole grain corn kernel used as the primary structural component of the snack. It is a good source of dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates, though its nutritional value is diluted here by processing and additives.
Sugar
Added to provide a sweet flavor profile to the snack. High consumption of added sugars is linked to metabolic health issues, inflammation, and potential skin breakouts.
Rapeseed Oil
A vegetable oil used to pop the kernels and provide texture. It contains heart-healthy unsaturated fats but is highly processed in this snack format, which can be less ideal for skin health.
Emulsifier (Soya Lecithins)
Derived from soybeans, this ingredient is used to stabilize the texture and ensure even distribution of ingredients. While generally safe, it is a common allergen and highly processed.
Nutrition facts
Values shown per 100g
Energy
492 kcal
Protein
6.4g
Carbs
60.3g
Fat
23.4g
Fiber
4.5g
Sugar
20.7g
Sodium
12mg
Saturated fat
2.5g
Fiber
4.5g
How it scores against your goal
Mood Effect
The significant sugar spike can lead to a subsequent energy crash affecting mood stability.
Muscle Gain
The protein content of 6.4g is insufficient to support significant muscle protein synthesis.
Weight Loss
High calorie density and sugar content make this suboptimal for weight loss efforts.
Flu Recovery
This snack provides no immune-supporting vitamins or zinc to aid in viral recovery.
Fever Recovery
While energy-dense, it lacks the hydration and electrolytes needed to support fever recovery.
Pcos Management
The high sugar and processed oil content can contribute to inflammation and insulin sensitivity issues.
Diabetes Management
The high sugar content relative to carbohydrates may cause rapid blood glucose elevation.
Myth busters
Is a high-protein snack
Contains only 6.4g of protein per 100g, which is not enough to be considered a high-protein source.
Contains added sugar
Sugar is a primary ingredient, comprising 20.7g per 100g of the product.
Is made from whole grains
The primary ingredient is maize, which is a whole grain corn kernel.
Frequently asked questions
Is Popcorn - Sweet by Tesco healthy?
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Popcorn - Sweet by Tesco is considered a moderate snack, scoring 55/100 because of its high sugar content and processed nature.
What is the main nutritional concern with Popcorn - Sweet by Tesco?
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Popcorn - Sweet by Tesco contains 20.7g of sugar per 100g, which can contribute to blood sugar spikes and excessive calorie intake.
What is the key ingredient in Popcorn - Sweet by Tesco?
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Popcorn - Sweet by Tesco uses maize as its primary structural ingredient, providing a whole grain base for the snack.
Is Popcorn - Sweet by Tesco suitable for a diabetic diet?
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Popcorn - Sweet by Tesco is not recommended for diabetes management due to the significant amount of added sugar per serving.
Are there better alternatives to Popcorn - Sweet by Tesco?
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Popcorn - Sweet by Tesco can be substituted with plain air-popped corn or lightly seasoned popcorn without added sugars for a healthier snack.