I’ve tried both Optavia Popcorn and Skinny Pop, and from my experience, there are some key differences to consider. Optavia Popcorn is a portion-controlled snack that fits into most of their weight loss plans and comes in a couple of flavors. Skinny Pop, a dairy-free option made from just popcorn kernels, sunflower oil, and salt, is different mainly in terms of price and quality, not calories.
Price-wise, Skinny Pop is about three times cheaper than Optavia Popcorn and doesn’t have any artificial ingredients. While both are pre-popped and ready to eat, I can only get Optavia Popcorn through an Independent Optavia coach, whereas Skinny Pop is easily available at stores like Walmart, Amazon, and Target. Choosing between them can be confusing, as they have similar calorie counts. For me, the decision isn’t just about calories; it’s about what fits best with my lifestyle and budget.
EatProteins.com is a reader-supported platform. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
What is Optavia Popcorn?
I’ve tried the Optavia popcorn, which comes in two flavors and fits perfectly as an optional snack in the Optavia weight loss program. While it’s not classified as an Optavia Fueling, it’s a great addition to the Optavia 5 & 1, 4 & 2, and 3 & 3 plans. Personally, I’m not big on snacks, but this popcorn has become my go-to for late-night munching, especially during movie nights.
According to a 2012 study published in the Nutrition Journal by Von Nguyen from the Rippe Lifestyle Institute, popcorn has been found to positively affect weight loss. The study showed that participants reported feeling less hungry, more satisfied, and had lower estimates of prospective food consumption after consuming six cups of popcorn compared to the other snack options. Here’s the photo of my favorite Optavia popcorn flavor – Olive oil and sea salt.
What is Skinny Pop?
I’ve tried Skinny Pop Popcorn, an American brand known for its dairy-free popcorn made with olive oil instead of refined vegetable oils. They have both pre-popped and microwave options, and I’ve tasted several of their 8 flavors, like white cheddar, real butter, and salted caramel. Skinny Pop also has other snacks like popcorn puffs and rice cakes. I first heard about them when Anthony Bass and his wife shared a photo of their daughter with Skinny Pop during a United Airlines controversy. Here’s the photo of one of my favorite Skinny Pop flavors – Cheddar Jalapeno.
The primary advantage of Skinny Pop is that it’s a low-calorie snack, making it a good choice for weight loss. According to the American Heart Association, popcorn becomes a healthy snack for weight loss when it’s air-popped and lightly seasoned. It’s categorized as a whole grain and is packed with fiber, linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, specific cancers, and other health concerns.
Optavia Popcorn vs Skinny Pop: What’s the difference?
The main differences between Optavia and Skinny Pop Popcorn are price, serving size, ingredients, macronutrient composition, and availability. Skinny Pop Popcorn is a wallet-friendly choice as an Optavia popcorn alternative. The little bags are just 50 cents each, and even the bigger “Party Sized Bag” is a good deal at $4.67. When you break it down, Skinny Pop costs about 70 cents per ounce, while Optavia popcorn costs a whopping $3.95 per ounce. That’s insane!
Optavia popcorn costs a lot more than Skinny Pop – it’s around 464% pricier. With Optavia, you’re looking at $11.75 for 7 bags, which comes out to about $1.67 per serving, making it seem pretty costly when compared to other popcorn options. On the contrary, the disadvantage of Skinny Pop is its larger package size, which can lead to overeating.
Portion Size
One of the key advantages of Optavia popcorn is its small portion size, weighing only 12 grams per bag. This means you don’t get caught up eating more than necessary. While it may not completely satisfy my hunger, it does a good job of satisfying my salty snack cravings.
Ingredients
The ingredients in Optavia Popcorn and Skinny Pop show why they’re different. Optavia Popcorn has stuff like vegetable oil, maltodextrin, and various additives. On the other hand, Skinny Pop is unique because it doesn’t have things like vegetable oils, GMOs, gluten, or preservatives.
Macronutrients
Here’s a table comparing the nutritional values of Optavia Popcorn and Skinny Pop popcorn per serving).
| Nutrient | Optavia Popcorn | Skinny Pop Popcorn |
|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | 12 grams | 18 grams |
| Calories | 70 | 100 |
| Fat | 4.5g | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g | 0.5g |
| Cholesterol | 0g | 0g |
| Sodium | 100mg | 50mg |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 10g |
| Protein | 1g | 1g |
| Calcium | 8mg | 0mg |
| Potassium | 27mg | 30mg |
| Other | May contain milk | Dairy-free |
In the table above, you’ll see that both Skinny Pop and Optavia have similar nutritional profiles, except Skinny Pop has 30 more calories per serving. If we compare them gram for gram, 12 grams of Skinny Pop contains about 66 kcal.
Where to buy
Both Optavia and Skinny Pop popcorn are primarily sold in the United States and aren’t as widely found outside the country. If you’re interested in Optavia popcorn, you typically need to be part of an Optavia weight loss program and get it through an Optavia coach. You can’t usually buy it directly from their website without a coach, but you might come across it on online marketplaces eBay, Pinterest, and private Facebook Groups if Optavia participants decide to sell it.
On the other hand, Skinny Pop Popcorn is available for online purchase through their website, and they offer discounts for subscription orders. You can also find it in dozens of stores like Costco, Walmart, Kroger, and more.
Weight Loss
Both Optavia popcorn and Skinny Pop can make for good low-calorie snacks. According to Maya Vadiveloo, a nutrition expert from the University of Rhode Island, properly prepared popcorn is a stable, affordable, and tasty snack choice. Popcorn can be especially helpful for those who find it challenging to eat enough fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Plus, a study by Barbara J. Rolls in 2004 found that people tend to eat more when they have larger snack portions, so portion control is essential. Popcorn can be a useful way to incorporate more whole grains into your diet, as it offers more fiber per serving compared to whole-wheat bread, which aligns with dietary recommendations.
Which is better Optavia Popcorn versus Skinny Pop?
Based on my experience, even though Optavia Popcorn and Skinny Pop have similar calorie counts, I’ve found that Skinny Pop is a better choice. It’s not only more budget-friendly compared to the pricier Optavia Popcorn, but it’s also much easier to find in stores. So, for convenience and cost-effectiveness, I personally prefer Skinny Pop.
What are the alternative snacks to Skinny Pop and Optavia Popcorn?
I’ve found great alternatives to Skinny Pop and Optavia Popcorn in my diet journey. Salted Roasted Green Peas, Seaweed Chips, and Homemade Cheese Crackers are my go-to snacks. For a direct Optavia popcorn substitute, I often opt for brands like LesserEvil Himalayan Pink Salt Organic Popcorn or Angie’s Boomchickapop.
Are there any allergen differences between Optavia Popcorn and Skinny Pop?
Yes, while both Optavia Popcorn and Skinny Pop are generally allergen-friendly, Skinny Pop has a super simple ingredient list with only 3 items. On the other hand, Optavia popcorn mentions “natural flavors,” which can be a bit mysterious and include various things. If you have allergies or sensitivities, it’s a good idea to reach out to the manufacturer for more details.
How do the taste and texture of Optavia Popcorn and Skinny Pop differ?
Both Optavia Popcorn and Skinny Pop have a similar taste and texture, making them quite alike in flavor and mouthfeel.
How do taste and texture preferences shape the selection of Optavia diet alternatives?
When choosing a diet like Optavia, it’s important to go for options that you actually enjoy eating. If the taste and texture match your preferences, you’re more likely to stick with the plan and reach your health goals while having a better time along the way.
