Why is it that unpopped popcorn kernels have more calories than popped kernels?

Question

Why is it that unpopped popcorn kernels have more calories than popped kernels?

Answer 1

Hi Spontania,

I am responding so that you get an answer to your question (hopefully a good answer).

From all appearances, there is no difference in the calories contained in one kernel of corn compared to one piece of popped corn.

I have searched a great number of websites and the question has been raised quite a few times.

All answers address the before and after differences in measurements (a tablespoon of kernels compared to a cup of popped corn), before and after inclusions of oil and/or butter (non-buttered/oiled kernels compared to buttered/oiled popped corn), and simple errors in measurements.

The most popular (and the one that I believe accurate) speaks to the different measurements used; e.g., 2 tablespoons of kernels contains 160 calories and 1 cup contains only 30 calories.  The problem is that 2 tablespoons of kernels (unpopped) equals ABOUT 5 (count them, FIVE) cups of popped corn (so, 160/5 = 32).  The 2 calories difference can easily be explained by different sizes of popped kernels so the 2 tablespoons actually equal slightly more than 5 cups even.

A kernel could not lose calories by being popped because it is heated from an outside source and the kernel's internal water vapor is what causes the action of popping, neither of which use calories of the kernel itself.

I hope this helps.

~Flower Power