Why is it that unpopped popcorn kernels have more calories than popped kernels?
Guest262 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 size
