Roundy’s Simply Skinny Popcorn

When opting to snack on popcorn, many people face a tough choice. Should they go for a version that’s delicious but drenched in butter or oil (and loaded with calories)? Or should they choose a variety that’s bland and dry but better for them in terms of saturated fat and calories?

This month, we wanted to see if it was possible to opt for both — delicious and better-for-you. Specifically, we had our Test Drive panelists sample the new Roundy’s Simply Skinny Popcorn from Milwaukee-based Roundy’s Supermarkets Inc. The package front notes that the popcorn is all-natural, cholesterol-free and gluten-free — and has “35 calories per cup” (although a serving is actually 4 cups). The package back promises “delightfully delicious kernels.” We purchased three 5-ounce bags of the popcorn at a Chicago-area Mariano’s store for $2.50 each.

Product Comments

Jenny: What a treat, what a TREAT! Great flavor, especially for a light product, and a wonderful way to snack.
Frank: For not having high fat and sodium, Simply Skinny nonetheless provides a very tasty snack. I definitely will add this popcorn [to] my shopping list.
Brad: Absolutely addictive — I ate three-fourths of the 5-ounce bag in one sitting! I expected bland, rice caketype flavor. However, it tasted like good popcorn should taste, and just the right amount of salt! Was pleasantly surprised and would take this to the theater with me.

Packaging Comments

Jenny: Looks great — like a regular bag of chips, not something you would think of as “skinny”!
Frank: By listing no artificial ingredients, 0g trans fat, low saturated fat [and] 35 calories per cup, the popcorn is rightly named “Simply Skinny” and ... a good choice over popcorn not having these qualities. All of this is conveyed by its bold-lettered descriptive packaging.
Brad: Very clean, free of clutter, plain and to the point. Nice color choices!

Note: Test Drive delivers honest, yet totally unscientific feedback on a new store brand product and its packaging each month. Our panelists give a green light to items/packaging they like a great deal; a yellow light to items/packaging they deem “acceptable;” and a red light to items/packaging not meeting their expectations.