Smartfood Popcorn White Cheddar 1oz Pack of 64 Gluten Free Snack

Common questions

Is Smartfood Popcorn White Cheddar 1oz Pack of 64 Gluten Free Snack healthy?

Smartfood Popcorn White Cheddar 1oz Pack of 64 Gluten Free Snack scores 12/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the lower scores in Scout's catalog. This popcorn product is heavily penalized due to the use of industrial seed oils such as corn, canola, and sunflower oil, which are associated with inflammation and poor nutritional quality.

Does Smartfood Popcorn White Cheddar 1oz Pack of 64 Gluten Free Snack contain seed oils?

Yes — Scout's ingredient analysis flags seed oils in Smartfood Popcorn White Cheddar 1oz Pack of 64 Gluten Free Snack, and that is reflected in its score.

How processed is Smartfood Popcorn White Cheddar 1oz Pack of 64 Gluten Free Snack?

Smartfood Popcorn White Cheddar 1oz Pack of 64 Gluten Free Snack is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

How does Smartfood Popcorn White Cheddar 1oz Pack of 64 Gluten Free Snack compare to other salty snacks?

Smartfood Popcorn White Cheddar 1oz Pack of 64 Gluten Free Snack ranks #66 of 118 salty snacks in Scout's independent rankings. The current top score in the category is Jesse & Ben's House-Cut Fries Tallow & Sea Salt at 93/100.

Which ingredients drive Smartfood Popcorn White Cheddar 1oz Pack of 64 Gluten Free Snack's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Cheddar Cheese counts in its favor; Vegetable Oil, Natural Flavors, Maltodextrin are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Smartfood Popcorn White Cheddar 1oz Pack of 64 Gluten Free Snack

Smartfood
Contains seed oils
12 Poor

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 3
Owned by PepsiCo
Category Salty Snacks
Summary

This popcorn product is heavily penalized due to the use of industrial seed oils such as corn, canola, and sunflower oil, which are associated with inflammation and poor nutritional quality. The presence of maltodextrin, a highly processed carbohydrate, further contributes to its ultra-processed nature. Additionally, the inclusion of 'natural flavors' adds to the lack of transparency in the ingredient list, making it less favorable from a health perspective.

Key ingredients 8

Vegetable Oil
Very Bad

Vegetable oils such as corn, canola, and sunflower oil are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation. These oils are often extracted using high heat and chemicals, which can degrade their nutritional quality. They are considered unhealthy due to their processing methods and potential to disrupt the omega-3 to omega-6 balance.

Risks

High omega-6 content may promote inflammation when consumed in excess.

See more about Vegetable Oil →
Natural Flavors
Bad

Natural flavors are often used to enhance taste but can be derived from complex chemical processes. They lack transparency, making it difficult to assess their health impact. While they are not artificial, they can still contain additives and preservatives.

Risks

Potential for allergic reactions or sensitivities due to undisclosed components.

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Maltodextrin
Bad

Maltodextrin is a highly processed carbohydrate derived from corn. It has a high glycemic index, which can spike blood sugar levels. It is often used as a filler or thickener in processed foods.

Risks

May cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, which can be problematic for individuals with insulin resistance or diabetes.

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Popcorn
Neutral

Popcorn is a whole grain that can be a source of fiber. It is minimally processed when air-popped. However, its nutritional value can be compromised by added oils and flavorings.

Benefits

Provides dietary fiber and can be a low-calorie snack when prepared without excessive oils or additives.

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Whey
Neutral

Whey is a protein derived from milk and is a good source of essential amino acids. It is often used in processed foods for its nutritional profile. However, it may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Risks

May cause digestive issues for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Benefits

Provides high-quality protein and essential amino acids beneficial for muscle repair and growth.

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Buttermilk
Neutral

Buttermilk is a fermented dairy product that can provide probiotics and calcium. It is often used for its tangy flavor in processed foods. However, it may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

Risks

May cause digestive issues for individuals with lactose intolerance.

Benefits

Contains probiotics and calcium, which can support digestive health and bone strength.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and preserve food. It is a necessary nutrient but should be consumed in moderation to avoid health issues. Excessive intake can lead to hypertension and cardiovascular problems.

Risks

Excessive consumption can lead to high blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease.

Benefits

Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function in the body.

See more about Salt →
Cheddar Cheese
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Risks

High in saturated fats and sodium, which can contribute to cardiovascular issues if consumed excessively.

Benefits

Provides calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance.

See more about Cheddar Cheese →

Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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