If you’re making popcorn for movie night or you’re wondering how much popcorn per person for a popcorn bar, you’ve come to the right place! Popcorn is a beloved and favorite snack. It’s so popular that Americans eat more than 17 billion quarts of popcorn a year! That comes out to about 58 quarts of popcorn per person. So, you want to make sure you have enough to feed your guests.
How Much Popcorn Per Person?
Plan on having approximately 4-5 cups per person. If you’re using microwave popcorn, that equals out to about 1/2 a bag. Because popcorn is such a popular snack, be sure to make extra!
Here is my recipe for the perfect stovetop popcorn.
How Much Popcorn is a Serving?
However, portion sizes can vary. Are you serving other snacks? Are you having a meal before serving popcorn? If that’s the case, you may want to reduce the amount to 2-3 cups per person. These are things to consider when planning how much popcorn to serve.
How Many Servings in a Bag of Popcorn?
The average microwave popcorn bags contain about 10-12 cups of popcorn. The average amount is about 2.5 servings per bag, and each serving makes about 5 cups of popped popcorn. The amount is shown in the nutrition facts on the label and will be different depending on the size of the bag. Make sure to check the nutrition facts label for the most accurate information.
Is Popcorn Measured Popped or Un-popped?
Popcorn is measured un-popped. It’s difficult to get an accurate measurement of popped popcorn, so the kernels are measured for a more accurate measurement. If you look at the serving information on the popcorn package label, you’ll see that the popcorn is measured in tablespoon servings (on most of them).
How to Measure Popcorn Kernels
Measuring popcorn is not totally accurate, but it’s helpful when determining how much popcorn you need. To measure un-popcorn kernels, scoop the kernels into the appropriate size measuring spoon or cup and slide your finger across the top to level it off.
How Many Cups of Popcorn Do I Need?
Here are some calculations for how much popcorn is needed to serve different quantities of people. Each serving size is about 4 cups.
The amount you’ll want to serve may change depending on whether you’ll be serving the popcorn after a meal, with other snacks, or to children. If that’s the case, you may want to reduce the serving size to 2-3 cups per person.
The calculations below are based on a typical popcorn serving size of about 4 cups of popcorn per person.
How many cups of unpopped popcorn kernels for 1 person:
- 2 Tbsp (1 oz) kernels
- Yields about 4 cups
How many cups of unpopped popcorn kernels for 2 people:
- ¼ cup (2 oz) kernels
- Yields about 8 cups
How many cups of unpopped popcorn kernels for 4 people:
- ½ cup (4 oz) kernels
- Yields about 16 cups
How many cups of unpopped popcorn kernels for 10 people:
- 1 ¼ cup (10 oz) kernels
- Yields about 40 cups
How many cups of unpopped popcorn kernels for 25 people:
- 3 cups plus 2 Tbsp (25 oz) kernels
- Yields about 100 cups
How many cups of unpopped popcorn kernels for 50 people:
- 6 ¼ cups (50 oz) kernels
- Yields about 200 cups
How many cups of unpopped popcorn kernels for 75 people:
- 9 ¼ cups plus 2 Tbsp (75 oz) kernels
- Yields about 300 cups
How many cups of unpopped popcorn kernels for 100 people:
- 12 ½ cups (100 oz) kernels
- Yields about 400 cups
| Measurement of un-popped kernels | Weight of un-popped kernels (in ounces) | Yield of popped popcorn (in cups) | Number of servings (one serving = 4 cups popped popcorn) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Tbsp | 1 oz | 4 cups | 1 serving |
| 1/4 cup | 2 oz | 8 cups | 2 servings |
| 1/2 cup | 4 oz | 16 cups | 4 servings |
| 1 1/4 cup | 10 oz | 40 cups | 10 servings |
| 3 cups + 2 Tbsp | 25 oz | 100 cups | 25 servings |
| 6 1/4 cups | 50 oz | 200 cups | 50 servings |
| 9 1/4 cups | 75 oz | 300 cups | 75 servings |
| 12 1/2 cups | 100 oz | 400 cups | 100 servings |
What Are the Most Popular Toppings for Popcorn?
According to a study done by National Today, the most popular popcorn toppings are:
- Butter
- White cheddar
- Caramel
- Kettle corn
- Cheddar cheese
When serving popcorn to a larger group, provide at least 2-3 different toppings for variety. Some people prefer sweet popcorn and others prefer savory. Have a selection that everyone will enjoy!
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