# Popcorners Spicy Queso > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** PopCorners - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Snacks, Chips & Dips - **Size:** 3 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/popcorners-spicy-queso-3-oz - **Slug:** `popcorners-spicy-queso-3-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains refined ingredients, added flavor systems (maltodextrin, natural flavors, yeast extract), and vegetable oils in a ready-to-eat packaged format, which align with ultra-processed (NOVA 4) characteristics. ## Review PopCorners Spicy Queso lands on the snack aisle among chips, popcorn and pretzels — often shelved near other single-serve bags and party-size containers. You’ll spot the bright, small 3 oz bag in endcaps for impulse buys or in grab-and-go racks by the register at convenience stores. It fits occasion-driven shopping: a quick add for movie night, a salty option for game-day spreads, or a compact snack for road trips and packed lunches. The brand positions itself as a modern, millennial-friendly alternative to greasy fried chips: playful packaging, bold flavor names, and messaging that emphasizes “popped” corn and simple-sounding ingredients to suggest a slightly healthier choice. Labels trade on health-halo language and approachable design rather than organic or certified claims — you’ll rarely see organic certification on this SKU, but expect claims like “made from corn” or “gluten-free” on similar lines. Processing context: this is a highly processed, ready-to-eat snack made from concentrated ingredients, added oils, and flavor systems. Sensory details deliver a light, crisp, popped-corn texture with a dusting of spicy-orange queso seasoning that is savory, tangy, and slightly creamy from dairy powders; the mouthfeel is crunchy but not oily, with a quick hit of salt and paprika-backed warmth. Packaged in a non-resealable foil-lined bag, the ritual is tear, pour into a bowl or snack straight from the bag, share at parties, or tuck into a lunchbox — a convenience-first product designed for immediate gratification and social snacking occasions. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 17 - **Servings per container:** 3 - **Calories:** 140 - **Total fat:** 6g (8% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0.5g (3% DV) - **Sodium:** 140mg (6% DV) - **Total carbs:** 19g (7% DV) - **Total sugars:** 1g - **Protein:** 2g ## Ingredients Yellow Corn, Sunflower Oil, Whey, and Less than 2% of Cheddar Cheese (Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Salt, Onion Powder, Buttermilk, Maltodextrin (Made from Corn), Tomato Powder, Reduced Lactose Whey, Spices, Natural Flavors, Yeast Extract, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Citric Acid, Paprika Extracts, Safflower Oil, Canola Oil, Annatto Extracts, and Lactic Acid. ## Flagged ingredients - **Sunflower Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Safflower Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Canola Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Whey** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **Natural Flavors** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **Annatto Extracts** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** movie-night, game-day-prep, road-trip - **Vibes:** indulgent, convenient, adventurous ## FAQ ### Is Spicy Queso healthy? The Spicy Queso is a fun snack that offers a satisfying crunch without breaking the calorie bank—140 calories per serving. While it's not exactly a health food, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Think of it as an occasional treat rather than a staple. ### Is Spicy Queso vegan? Nope, Spicy Queso isn't vegan. It contains whey and cheddar cheese, both of which are dairy products. So if you're sticking to a plant-based diet, you might want to look for a different snack. ### Is Spicy Queso gluten-free? Yes! Spicy Queso is gluten-free, making it a safe snack option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. You can enjoy this crunchy treat without worrying about gluten sneaking in. ### Does Spicy Queso contain seed oils? Yes, Spicy Queso uses sunflower oil and canola oil. While some folks are wary of seed oils, they're commonly used in snacks for their light flavor and high smoke point. In moderation, they can fit into a balanced diet, but if you're concerned about seed oils, it's good to keep an eye on how often you indulge. ### Does Spicy Queso contain artificial sweeteners? No artificial sweeteners here! Spicy Queso is made with real ingredients and doesn't rely on sweeteners to enhance its flavor. So you can snack without any hidden sugars lurking in the background. ### Is Spicy Queso high in sugar? Not at all! With only 1 gram of total sugars per serving, Spicy Queso is quite low in sugar. This makes it a better option than many other snacks that can pack in the sweet stuff. ### What are healthier alternatives to Spicy Queso? If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider air-popped popcorn seasoned with your favorite spices, or veggie chips made with whole ingredients. There are also baked tortilla chips that can give you that crunch without the extra oils. Just remember, it's all about balance! ### Can kids eat Spicy Queso? Absolutely! Kids can enjoy Spicy Queso, but keep in mind the spicy flavor might not be for everyone. It can be a fun snack for after-school munchies, but it's always a good idea to pair it with something nutritious, like fruit or veggies. ### Is Spicy Queso good for weight loss? While Spicy Queso isn't a 'weight loss food' per se, its relatively low calorie count can fit into a weight loss plan if enjoyed in moderation. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as snacks can add up quickly, and balance them with nutrient-dense foods. ### Is Spicy Queso ultra-processed? Yes, Spicy Queso falls into the ultra-processed category due to its ingredient list, which includes additives like maltodextrin and natural flavors. While it's not the same as a whole food, enjoying it occasionally is perfectly fine—just like indulging in a slice of cake now and then! ## Related products - [Quaker Rice Cakes, Buttered Popcorn](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/quaker-rice-cakes-buttered-popcorn-447-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/quaker-rice-cakes-buttered-popcorn-447-oz - [Chips Ahoy! 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