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The Best Microwave Popcorn of 2024
Microwave popcorn on a white background in a bag
Popcorn is delicious in all forms and flavors, but fresh ones just hit another level. The days of buying expensive popcorn machines are over because many brands now offer microwavable alternatives that you can make at home without any extra accessories. If the idea of popping flavorful popcorn kernels at home strikes you, we've reviewed the best microwave popcorn of 2024 and can safely say that the Orville Redenbacher Microwave Popcorn is our favorite on this carefully curated list. To help you find a flavor that hits all the right notes, here's a complete buying guide to satisfy your popcorn cravings!
Our Top Picks For Microwave Popcorn
View all ContentsThe Best Microwave Popcorn
Best Overall
The Orville Redenbacher Microwave Popcorn leads the list with its classic butter flavor. It contains real butter on the kernels that penetrate deep to give you a satisfyingly soft bite. They are made with 100% natural corn grains, offering maximum nutrition. The popcorn doesn’t contain GMOs and gluten, for those who prefer not to consume them. Moreover, it doesn’t contain any processed fats, which encourages people on a diet to enjoy snacks without longing for unhealthy items.
Each package contains multiple packs, so you can make bulk quantities (or store them for later). This pick is also rich in fiber that regulates your bowel movement and helps you avoid digestive issues. Overall, it’s our top choice because of its health benefits and natural ingredients!
Pros
- A healthy and convenient option
- Regulates bowel movement
- Does not contain processed and harmful ingredients
Cons
- The only flavor available is butter
Premium Quantity
The Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn is made for people who enjoy the snack frequently. It comes in a pack of 30, providing enough quantity to last the month (or more). This product is made from 100% whole grains with no artificial enhancement, ensuring maximum perks of healthy carbs. Plus, it doesn’t contain any processed fats, making it ideal for people with health issues or who are trying to lose weight.
The butter flavor is coated around the kernels, so you get the ultimate flavor penetrated deeply into the popcorn. Kosher certification encourages people of a diverse range of religious views to enjoy this tasty snack. Furthermore, the contents won’t burn if placed in the microwave at the right temperature.
Pros
- Come in a bulk quantity
- Cooks evenly and offers maximum flavor
- Provides healthy carbs
Cons
- Bulk quantity comes with an expiry date
Rich Flavor
Those who want movie-like popcorn at home should consider buying the Pop Weaver Microwave Popcorn. It’s made with top-quality corn, ensuring a rich and plump end product. The microwaveable properties provide a chewy and crispy texture that you can’t ignore. Each package comes with multiple packs of popcorn to last a long time.
They have a super buttery flavor that smells good when hot but tastes even better with all the salty and creamy notes. Lastly, it doesn’t contain sugar, trans fat, GMOs, and gluten, making it an ideal choice for people following different diets. This product is an outstanding choice for movie nights, birthday parties, or family nights.
Pros
- Compatible with several diets
- Has an attractive texture and flavor
- Suitable for the entire family
Cons
- Saturated fat content is high
Family-Friendly
Families who love to bond and stick together should consider adding the Act II Microwave Popcorn to their snack schedule. It features a buttery flavor that helps you indulge and engage your tastebuds. This product also doesn’t contain any trans fat, satisfying your cravings for a snack in a much healthier way.
Each pack contains around 100 calories so that you can stay within your daily calorie limit. It’s made from premium-quality grains that pop evenly on all sides and deliver a crispy and chewy texture. The extra butter forms a layer outside popped kernels, leaving them more flavorful.
Pros
- Does not contain any processed fats
- Low-calorie count for diets
- Interesting texture
Cons
- Butter might stick if microwaved for long
Variation in Flavor
The Jolly Time Microwave Popcorn is available in bulk, so you never run out of snacks at home. It’s made from 100% natural grains with no GMOs and gluten, ensuring a suitable option for various diet plans. It comes in cheese and butter flavors to satisfy your cravings at any time. Additionally, they contain a sufficient amount of fiber, enabling you to maintain a regular and healthy bowel movement.
This popcorn’s low quantity of fat encourages users to indulge in occasional snacking without diverting from their diet plan. The natural kernel grains are rich in nutrition, providing you energy like natural corn on the cob.
Pros
- Comes with a flavor choice
- Encourages people to have healthy snacks
- Provides energy rather than making you lethargic
Cons
- High sodium for those with hypertension
Microwave Popcorn: A Buyer’s Guide
Microwave popcorn is a simple and satisfying alternative that helps you create fresh and warm snacks without going overboard with fats and calories. While you can pop popcorn in a popcorn popper, not everyone has the means or time to go through the process. For those short on time, microwave popcorn is the solution. Different brands offer various flavors and ingredients to consider. In our buying guide, we’ve covered the essential factors along with methods to create the perfect popcorn in the microwave.
What to Consider When Buying Microwave Popcorn
Quantity
Before placing an order, you must know the quantity of popcorn you require. Users who host many movie nights or have families with occasional gatherings always prefer keeping extra in the house. Contrarily, if you’re trying to shed some extra pounds, consider keeping a limited range to avoid overeating. The quantity you choose in most cases should suffice for at least one month to prevent frequent purchases.
Flavor
When it comes to flavor, microwave popcorn is also incredibly diverse. From simple butter and cheese options to more exciting flavors like barbecue and jalapeno, there are so many options to choose from. The flavors you pick depend on personal preference and the audience’s age. For instance, you might consider using cheese or butter flavor instead of jalapeno for a kids’ movie night.
Ingredients
Most brands now offer healthy ingredients with low fats and sodium content. However, it is essential to go through the list to see whether it fits your diet plan or not. Popcorn with non-conventional flavors might be higher in fat and sodium quantity and calories. So, consider buying plain ones to stay within your daily nutritional goals.
How to Pop Kernels in a Microwave
Popping kernels in a microwave is a lot more challenging than we think. A simple fluctuation in temperature can completely burn them or leave them raw and brittle in the end. There are two ways to use a microwave for popcorn: with or without the pack.Popping with pack
In most cases, people just read the instructions given on the pack and place it in the microwave. Within 90 seconds, you can enjoy fresh snacks that smell absolutely divine. Unfortunately, uneven cooking is quite common in this method and leads to waste or burnt kernels. You need to keep your settings on medium-high and constantly observe the grains as they pop in the bag. Also, spreading flavor across the back can be tricky if it’s not distributed properly.
Popping without pack
Some people like to go unconventional and pop their favorite popcorn without the pack. Simply open the packet and transfer the kernels to the popcown bowl you wish to serve them in. Use only microwavable plastic. Scrape any excess flavor on the pack and add it to the bowl. Cover the bowl with a lid (or plastic plate) and set the time at three minutes with medium-high heat. This is a useful method that helps mix the flavoring thoroughly, but you need to pause the oven and stir once or twice to ensure every kernel gets adequate heat to pop.
People Also Asked
Are there any limitations to eating microwave popcorn?
If you have lung disease or are allergic to any ingredient, we recommend not indulging in microwave popcorn.
How long does a microwave popcorn last?
Before opening the seal, microwave popcorn can last for months after its expiry. Plus, you can store them for over a week after popping them.
Are microwave popcorn keto-friendly?
Popcorns are made from corn, the main source of gluten and carbohydrates. People following extra low-carb diets like keto and paleo should avoid eating them.
How to make perfect microwave popcorn?
To ensure perfectly cooked and flavorful results every time follow these instructions:place one packet of unpopped kernels into a brown paper bag and close securely, place bag inside your microwave on high heat for approximately 2-3 minutes (depending on your microwave), remove bag carefully, open bag with caution as steam may escape, add desired flavorings such as butter, salt or other spices, and enjoy!
What's the difference between movie theater popcorn and microwave popcorn?
The main difference between movie theater popcorn and microwave popcorn is the flavor. Movie theater popcorn is traditionally made from unpopped kernels that are cooked in oil, giving it a more distinct, salty-sweet flavor. On the other hand, microwave popcorn is usually flavored with buttery seasoning or artificial flavors, and has a less intense taste than movie theater popcorn. Additionally, movie theater popcorn often contains more saturated fat due to the oil used in the cooking process, while microwave popcorn tends to be lower in calories and fat. Finally, movie theater popcorn can be more expensive than microwave popcorn due to the effort required to make it.
