Is Popcorn Keto? Keto Snacks for the Movies

Is popcorn keto? Please say yes. (Right!?!) Salty or sweet, we all need tasty keto snacks for the movies. I’ll share suggestions here. No matter what you’re craving, I can suggest plenty of sugar-free, low carb keto snack ideas.

Is Popcorn Keto? PLEASE!

Sitting in the dark and mindlessly eating dirty keto snacks is probably one of my all-time favorite activities. I know that might surprise you, seeing how I lost 140 pounds on DIRTY, LAZY, KETO, but old habits die hard! To this day, I still pack a ton of high protein low carb foods in my sneaky backpack-style purse to enjoy while watching a movie on the big screen.

You’re still wondering – is popcorn keto? Well. It depends. My answer might surprise you (or just make you sad). Popcorn, though high in fiber, still ranks pretty high in net carbs. Popcorn kernels come from corn, and corn (like the potato) is one of the starchiest vegetables on the planet. I bet you were hoping I would say something else, right? I know, I know. It’s SAD! I love popcorn too.

Net Carbs in Popcorn

According to AMC theatres, a refillable large tub of movie popcorn weighs in at 148 grams of carbohydrates (and to think I used to eat THAT, plus a refill… all by myself). DANG!

Do you have to go without popcorn forever? No way! If it fits in your macros, have some damn popcorn, I say! (So controversial, I know!). I definitely indulge on occasion, despite the fact that low carb popcorn sometimes tastes like Styrofoam. (I’m keepin’ it real here, folks!)

Is Keto-Friendly Popcorn Available?

Some of my favorites are Smartfood Delight White Cheddar Flavored Popcorn (7 net carbs per package); SkinnyPop Popcorn (7 net carbs per package), or Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP Sea Salt Popcorn (9 net carbs per package). Whatever brand you choose, do yourself a favor and think about portion control before you sit down in the dark. Purchasing individual-sized bags or portioning out a serving into a Ziploc bag will help prevent you from over-eating once the lights go down. As a reminder, here is how to calculate net carbs.

When I’m not enjoying popcorn, I pack plenty of high protein low carb foods in my giant purse. While I don’t eat these all at once, here are some suggestions to get you to the credits:

Olives
Celery (crunch during loud scenes)
Nuts
Sunflower Seeds
Pork Rinds
Cheese Whisps
Fresh Berries (wash ahead of time)
Dried Coconut Shavings
String Cheese
Pepperoni Sticks
Slim Jim or Beef Jerky
Protein Bar
Pepperoni Slices
Lunch Meat
Zucchini Slices
Seaweed
Kale Chips
Sugar-free Hard Candy
No Sugar Added Lollipop
Sugar-free Gum
Sugar-free Jell-O Cups (don’t forget a spoon!)
Atkins M&Ms (seriously!)
Rebel Ice Cream (Pull out of freezer just before leaving the house!)

Too embarrassed to sneak in your own snacks? These days, the movie theatres sell a variety of foods at the concession stands besides popcorn or candy. Check to see if any of these keto snack ideas are available:

Hot Dog (toss the bun)
Side of Nacho Cheese
Dill Pickle
Coffee, Diet Soda or Sugar-free Seltzer Water
A Glass of Wine (who knew some theatres offer this?)

Critics might argue you should sit on your hands during the movie, exercising self-control over mindless snacking; I couldn’t DISAGREE more. I’ve spent a lifetime munching on sweet and salty snacks at the movie theatre, and I doubt these urges will ever go away. Instead of beating myself up about wanting to eat in the dark, I’ve learned to bring high protein low carb foods for my keto snacks. Is popcorn keto? Maybe! Be creative with your keto snack ideas.

Bottom line? Plan ahead or pack dirty keto snacks. But most important — Enjoy the show!

Ketosis Recipes for a Ketogenic Diet. DIRTY LAZY KETO by Stephanie Laska. Author of Extra Easy Keto

Need more support? I also facilitate a small, women-only support group with weekly live classes to help you on your keto weight loss journey. Spam free, bully-free – we are in this together. I’m here to help! https://www.facebook.com/groups/DIRTYLAZYKETO.Premium