This Photo Shows What 180 Calories of Packaged vs. Homemade Popcorn Looks Like

It's no secret that lots of microwaveable and store-bought popcorn is loaded with sodium and butter, and like most snacks, the homemade version is much healthier. To break down just how much of a difference there is, Instagram account Calorie Fixes shared a helpful visual. This side-by-side photo shows what 180 calories of popcorn looks for store-bought popcorn and what 180 calories looks like for homemade popcorn. No surprise here — you get more than double the amount of homemade popcorn for the same number of calories!

When you pop your own kernels on the stove, in the microwave, or in a popcorn maker, you're starting from scratch and can add whatever you want. A cup of air-popped popcorn only has 31 calories, and with one tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt, a cup is only 90 calories. A bag of microwave popcorn can have almost 400 calories. So whether you're keeping it savory or opting for a sweet snack by adding honey, ginger, and lemon, the low-calorie seasoning possibilities for homemade popcorn are nearly endless.