Microwave popcorn poppers make it so much easier to simply pour your popcorn kernels into a popcorn popper, place it in the microwave, and have it ready in minutes! It’s somewhat soothing – listening to the kernels pop in your microwave as you prepare for a movie night or any other occasion.
One of the most important things for achieving the best results is choosing the best popcorn brand.
Sure, there are a lot of brands out there, but for this article, we’re determined to find you the best popcorn for a microwave popper. Sit tight!
At a Glance
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Popcorn for a Microwave Popper – Our Top 6 Picks
Many folks are specific in how they like their popcorn, but the general rule of thumb is that the kernels should be nearly completely popped, there should be very little churning, and the popcorn should be crispy on the outside while remaining soft and tender on the inside.
Among the tons of brands available, we’ve reviewed the best popcorn for a microwave popper. Enjoy!
1. Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels
Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels is a reputable manufacturer that will not let you down. Orville Redenbacher distinguishes itself by producing popcorn that is soft and tender on the inside while remaining crispy on the outside. It’s simple to use because the jar has a handle that you can hold and easily pour the kernels into your microwave popper.
One of their most significant advantages is that they use a pesticide-free process to prepare the kernels. The kernels also pop fairly well (with only a few kernels remaining), plus it tastes gourmet-delicious!#
Pros:
- Gluten-free
- Climate-friendly
- Gourmet-delicious taste
Cons:
- Can be a bit pricey
2. Jolly Time Healthy Pop Microwave Popcorn
Jolly Time Healthy Pop Microwave Popcorn, which has been around since 1914, is a close second to the best popcorn for a microwave popper.
They’ve honed their craft over time, now offering low-calorie, gluten-free, non-GMO popcorn. To mix things up, try the butter and sea salt, the crispy white natural flavor, or the kettle corn.
In any case, Jolly Time’s distinct flavor-packed popcorn almost never disappoints. It nearly completely pops with very little churning, and all you’re left with is a big bowl of white fluffy popcorn to devour!
Pros:
- Low calorie
- Healthy snack
- Pops almost completely
Cons:
- Can be a bit pricey
3. ACT II 100 Calorie Butter Microwave Popcorn
ACT II is known for its variety. They’ve got you covered when it comes to calories, flavors, and portion sizes. In particular, ACT II 100 Calorie Butter Microwave Popcorn provides a perfect balance of not-too-sweet, not-too-salty butter, and salt flavor. It comes in 6 boxes of 8 mini bags each, making it a total of 48 bags in one big box!
Each bag yields approximately five and a half cups of popped popcorn, all at a reasonable price. What’s more, you only need a few minutes to have your snack ready in nearly completely popped kernels! If you enjoy butter but don’t want to overdo it, this is the right pick for you.
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Tasty low-calorie snack
- Great portion sizes
Cons:
- Can have more unpopped kernels
4. Pilot Knob Comforts Rustic Red Organic Gourmet Popcorn Kernels
Switching things up is a great way to see what else is out there. Who knows? Rustic Red could become your new favorite popcorn snack! The Pilot Knob Comforts Rustic Red Organic Gourmet Popcorn Kernels have a distinct rustic red flavor that differs from the more common yellow or white kernels.
It tastes like a bold, nutty corn flavor that is low-carb and crispy, and you almost never need a toothpick! With its fresh, tender, evenly-popped popcorn, rustic red may become your new best pal.
Pros:
- Evenly pops
- Fresh and tender pieces
- Rich, healthy flavor
Cons:
- Yields less popcorn
READ NEXT: How to add cheese flavor to your popcorn.
5. Dutchman’s White Popcorn: Medium Popcorn Kernels
Dutchman’s White Popcorn: Medium Popcorn Kernels have a good reputation for being kid-friendly because they’re easy to swallow and digest. They also take pride in providing naturally grown, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO kernels.
Once popped, the end result is a light, crispy, medium-sized popcorn that is virtually “hull-less,” with the few hulls that remain softer and easier to chew. To that end, you may need to flavor the popcorn to achieve the desired flavor, but it’s a small price to pay for obtaining a small number of unpopped kernels of near-perfect quality and fluffiness that other brands rarely provide.
Pros:
- Virtually hulless
- Light and fluffy
- Child-friendly
Cons:
- Sometimes slow shipping
For everything you need to know about hulless popcorn, check this article.
6. Black Jewell Gourmet Microwave Popcorn
Another contender for achieving virtually “hull-less” results is Black Jewell Gourmet Microwave Popcorn, which lets you avoid a teeth-picking session to remove hulls stuck in your teeth. While the kernels are black in color, when popped, they resemble bright snowflakes that are fresh and crispy with each bite.
The popcorn is also smaller in size, making it easier for children to chew and swallow. Furthermore, it contains no salt or oil, so while you may have to season the popcorn to taste, those looking for an oil-free and salt-free diet will enjoy it.
Pros:
- Fresh, light, and fluffy
- Healthy
- Tastes good
Cons:
- Restricted diet
Best Microwave Popcorn Kernels
And there you have it – the best popcorn for a microwave popper. With the convenience and ease of preparation that microwave poppers provide, you now have a variety of choices for your next popcorn delight.
So, whether you like butter, are on a diet, or want that distinct nutty flavor in your popcorn, there are plenty of options to consider. And if you don’t find what you’re looking for, do let us know, and we’ll do our best to help!
FAQs
What’s the best healthy popcorn for a microwave popper?
When it comes to choosing a healthy popcorn for a microwave popper, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some options that you might consider:
Organic popcorn: Look for popcorn that is labeled organic, as it is typically grown without the use of harmful pesticides or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Non-GMO popcorn: Popcorn that is non-GMO will also be free of genetically modified ingredients. Look for brands that are verified by organizations like the Non-GMO Project.
Whole grain popcorn: Popcorn is a whole grain, which means it is a good source of fiber and other important nutrients. Look for popcorn that is labeled “whole grain” or “100% whole grain.”
Low-fat popcorn: Many brands of popcorn come in low-fat varieties, which can be a good option if you are watching your calorie intake. Just be sure to check the ingredients list to make sure that the popcorn is not loaded with added sugars or other unhealthy ingredients.
Air-popped popcorn: Using an air popper to make popcorn is a healthier option than using oil or butter, as it reduces the amount of fat and calories in each serving.
Some good brands of popcorn that meet these criteria include Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop, Quinn Popcorn, and Popcornopolis. Just be sure to read the labels carefully to ensure that you are choosing a healthy option.
Is popcorn gluten-free?
Popcorn is generally considered to be gluten-free, as it is a type of corn and does not naturally contain gluten. However, some commercially sold popcorn products may have added ingredients or flavors that contain gluten, so it’s important to check the label or contact the manufacturer to confirm if the popcorn is gluten-free.
Is jolly time popcorn good?
Jolly Time is a brand of popcorn that has been around for over 100 years, and it is generally considered to be a good brand of popcorn. Their popcorn kernels are known for popping into fluffy, tender popcorn, and they offer a variety of different flavors and types of popcorn, including microwave popcorn and stovetop popcorn.
