Is popcorn really a healthy alternative to crisps and other snacks?

Popcorn may be a whole grain but it often comes cooked in oil and covered in sugar, salt and flavourings. So how healthy is it really?

It's been trumpeted as being high in fibre, comes in flavours as diverse as marshmallow and blue cheese, and is one of the UK's fastest growing grocery products. But is popcorn really a healthy alternative to snack food staples such as crisps?

Popcorn has its benefits. For starters, it is a whole grain - a type of food linked to the prevention of cancers and heart disease due to their content of fibre, antioxidants as well as various vitamins and minerals.