Can Pregnant Women Eat Popcorn?

Whether you’re at home or at the movie theater, popcorn can be relied on as your trusty companion.

Sweet or salty (or that perfect mix of both), it’s usually a great snack.

But can you eat popcorn while pregnant?

Thankfully, we’re pleased to report that yes, popcorn can be a healthy choice for pregnant women. [1]

So let’s answer some FAQs about this snack situation.

In this article 📝

Can you eat popcorn while pregnant?

So, can pregnant women eat popcorn? Yes!

It is safe to eat popcorn while pregnant. Phew.

While other snack foods may not contain a whole lotta goodness, popcorn is actually a great source of various nutrients.

Popped corn is a whole grain, and in its plain form is super low in calories and fat.

It also contains zinc, selenium, protein, and fiber, so there’s plenty of reasons to include this tasty treat in your pregnancy diet.

Is popcorn good for pregnancy?

Whether popcorn is “good” or not will depend on a few things.

We’re mostly talking about its oh-so-tasty, but nutritionally questionable, toppings, and flavorings.

Essentially all the possible “bad things” about popcorn—like excess sugar, salt, fat, and calories—come from the flavorings or toppings.

When you’re making popcorn at home, keep the toppings to a minimum.

And pre-packaged flavored popcorns are best eaten in moderation, not on the daily.

If popcorn is your daily snack but you don’t like it plain, try it with a teaspoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt.

Delicious, and good for you!

Is it OK to eat microwave popcorn while pregnant?

So, can I eat microwave popcorn while pregnant? Well, kind of.

There is some concern over what materials (i.e. chemicals) go into making those flavored leak-proof store-bought microwavable popcorn bags.

So it’s best to avoid these while you’re pregnant, just to be on the safe side.

You can, though, make your own, with a plain paper bag.

Simply add in a handful of corn kernels, seal the top using tape or just fold it over a few times, and pop it in the microwave (pun intended).

You can then add in your own flavorings in a more moderate approach than pre-packaged kinds.

A small amount of powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, or just a tablespoon of melted butter can do the trick. Yum!

Can I eat microwave food while pregnant?

Microwaving food, in general, is safe while pregnant, as long as you follow the instructions and ensure the food is steaming hot before eating.

And make sure to microwave your food in glass or ceramic containers.

Microwaving in plastic can leach chemicals into your food, which isn’t great in general, but can be especially harmful when pregnant.

Can you eat popcorn shrimp while pregnant?

If all this talk of popcorn has got you fancying your fave seafood snack, you’ll be pleased to hear that yes, popcorn shrimp is safe to eat during pregnancy.

It can be high in fat, so it’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat, and be sure to check that the shrimp inside are fully cooked.

Can you eat movie theater popcorn while pregnant?

Technically, yes, but movie theaters are great at offering us huge portions that we would never eat at home.

While we don’t want to be total party-poopers, you could try ordering a kid’s size bucket, or going easy on the toppings, to keep the fat and salt under control.

What are good snacks for pregnancy?

Popcorn is a great snack for pregnancy, but if you’re looking for alternatives, we like dried fruit and nut mixes, homemade smoothies, and dark chocolate.

Don’t panic, there are plenty of tasty pregnancy-safe snacks out there!

More on pregnancy foods:
Can Pregnant Women Eat Honey?
Can Pregnant Women Eat Grapes?
Can Pregnant Women Eat Pineapple?
Can Pregnant Women Eat Mushrooms?
Can You Eat Cheesecake When Pregnant?
Can You Eat Goat’s Cheese When Pregnant?
Can You Eat Mozzarella When Pregnant?
Is Oatmeal Good for Pregnancy?
Can You Eat Mayo While Pregnant?
Halloumi When Pregnant: Can You Eat It?
Cinnamon During Pregnancy: Can You Eat It?
Can You Eat Pomegranate During Pregnancy?
Can You Eat Hummus While Pregnant?
Can You Eat Cherries While Pregnant?
Can You Eat Seaweed While Pregnant?