Coconut oil is one of the best oils you can use when making popcorn. It’s so good that some of the biggest popcorn chains, including Regal and AMC, use it in their popcorn recipes.
Lately, I’ve been trying to find healthier options for my snack cravings. That’s why I’ve been experimenting with using coconut oil to pop my popcorn. It’s the perfect alternative to regular cooking oil and adds a hint of tropical flavor.
If you’re a health nut or just looking for a tasty twist on a classic snack, this is a must-read for our recommended best coconut oils for popcorn.
In a Hurry? – Our Top Picks for Best Coconut Oil
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What Kind of Coconut Oil is Best for Popping Popcorn?
There are two main types of coconut oil: refined and unrefined.
Refined coconut oil should always be used when popping popcorn, regardless of whether you’re making it in a popcorn machine, on the stove, or in a microwave. This is because the smoking point of coconut oil is between 400-450 degrees F. Once coconut oil reaches this temperature, it will stop cooking and start to burn.
The ideal cooking temperature for popcorn is 356 degrees F. By cooking your popcorn in refined coconut oil, there’s very little chance of your popcorn burning and leaving a horrible lingering smell in your home.
Alternatives to Coconut Oil for Cooking Popcorn
Perhaps you don’t like the taste of coconut oil or maybe you’re allergic to it. In these cases, you’ll need to pop your popcorn in a different oil that has a high smoke point. Your options include:
- Avocado oil
- Peanut oil
- Canola oil
- Sunflower oil
- Vegetable oil
- Sesame oil
- Olive oil (Extra virgin olive oil is recommended)
How to Make Popcorn With Coconut Oil
For our full guide on using coconut oil to make popcorn check this article.
Best Coconut Oils for Making Popcorn
We’ve reviewed five different coconut oils which are designed to be used with popcorn. Read on to find out what we thought of them below.
1. Franklin’s Gourmet Popcorn Butter Flavored Coconut Oil
The first thing that struck us when we tried Franklin’s Gourmet Popcorn Butter Flavored Coconut Oil was how much it tasted like butter. It’s even reminiscent of movie theater popcorn which is a big pro in our books.
We like that this coconut oil doesn’t contain any unnecessary ingredients and is vegan and gluten-free. There are no trans fats in this product, either, which is good news for popcorn lovers with diabetes or high cholesterol.
You can buy Franklin’s Gourmet Coconut Oil in various sizes. A large jar is perfect for individuals looking to cook their popcorn and other foods, such as vegetables, meat, and eggs, in it.
Pros:
- Real buttery flavor
- Tastes like popcorn from the movies
- Comes with a money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Pricey…but worth it!
2. Golden Barrel Butter Flavored Coconut Oil
Golden Barrel Butter Flavored Coconut Oil
Golden Barrel’s Butter Flavored Coconut Oil is an affordable option that you’re sure to love. We found that it works well when used with flavacol. The two ingredients together combine to make popcorn that tastes like it’s been bought from a movie theater.
Golden Barrel has added natural beta-carotene to this coconut oil. This is a great addition as it converts into vitamin A in the body, which is essential for a healthy immune system, eyes, skin, and more.
If you’re a vegan or eat a dairy-free diet, you’ll be pleased to know that this coconut oil is dairy-free and makes a great alternative to butter. However, if, like us, you’re expecting this to taste like coconut, you’ll be disappointed.
Pros:
- Contains natural beta-carotene
- Works well with flavacol
- Has a good buttery taste
Cons:
- Doesn’t taste like coconut
3. Dutchman’s Popcorn Coconut Oil
Dutchman’s Popcorn Coconut Oil gives the popcorn a delicious and authentic buttery flavor. It even smells amazing when you open the jar. Another big pro of Dutchman’s coconut oil is that it melts well, and there’s little chance of the popcorn burning.
We like the health benefits of this coconut oil, too as there are no trans fats, it’s nonhydrogenated, and there aren’t any preservatives. It also includes natural beta-carotene, which further boosts its health benefits.
This coconut oil also gives the popcorn a movie theater taste and look as it turns popcorn a lovely yellow color.
Pros:
- Smells and tastes good
- Melts well
- Vegan and gluten-free
Cons:
- Nothing!
4. Snappy Pure Colored Coconut Popping Oil
We really like the price of this Snappy Pure Colored Coconut Popping Oil as it’s affordable for most people.
There’s no denying that this coconut oil tastes nice, but it doesn’t have as much of a buttery taste as some of the other brands we tried. If you throw in a little flavacol with this coconut oil, though, you do get some tasty popcorn.
We also like that this oil has been naturally colored with beta-carotene and that there aren’t any GMOs or trans fats in the ingredients.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- GMO-free
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Mild buttery flavor which won’t be rich enough for everyone’s tastes
5. Wabash Valley Farms – Organic Coconut Popping Oil
If you love the taste of movie theater popcorn but don’t want to leave your home, then Wabash Valley Farms’ Organic Coconut Popping Oil is your perfect solution. This non-GMO, gluten-free and preservative-free oil is just what you need to turn your stovetop popcorn into a delicious and healthful treat. Just add our 16-ounce jar of premium organic coconut oil for that authentic flavor you crave!
With this coconut popping oil, there’s no need to wait for a trip to the movies: you can have perfect popcorn in just three minutes right in your kitchen! And since it’s certified Kosher pareve, vegan and free of cholesterol, it’s sure to meet a wide variety of dietary needs. Plus, it’s simple and versatile – with this one purchase, you’ll have enough flavorful oil to season any snack or recipe with a fun twist.
It’s time to spice up your movie night with Wabash Valley Farms’ Organic Coconut Popping Oil – order yours today and enjoy delicious theater-style popcorn without leaving the comfort of your own home!
Pros:
- Looks and smells delicious
- Makes perfect popcorn every time!
- GMO-free
Cons:
- Small tub
Coconut Oil Deliciousness
If you want great-tasting popcorn time and time again, you should only ever cook it in coconut oil. Coconut oil is packed full of flavor and goodness and really makes popcorn shine. So, the next time you’re about to pop some popcorn, why not use one of the great coconut oils that we’ve reviewed above?
Is your popcorn popping small? Check out our full guide to making bigger popcorn.
Sources
https://www.myrecipes.com/course/snack-recipes/make-popcorn-with-coconut-oil
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/trans-fat/art-20046114
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/beta-carotene
https://www.milkandhoneynutrition.com/recipes/coconut-oil-stovetop-popcorn
https://www.groupon.com/articles/best-movie-theater-popcorn
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cooking-101-how-to-cook-with-16-different-oils-plus-the-5-healthiest-cooking-oils
