Popcorn brand- Popcorn is a favorite snack for many people. It is known for being irresistibly tasty and a great crunchy snack for the cinema, social event, or any other occasion. What’s more, it may even offer some nutritional benefits if you choose a healthy popcorn brand.
That’s right: There’s a big difference between the popcorn you buy at the movie theatre and the one you eat at home, and even homemade popcorn can have quite a few ingredients and ingredients.
With that in mind, we consulted the experts on which popcorn brands on the market can really be considered healthy and why they’re so great.
There is a lot of variety when it comes to popcorn brands. We used our own research and knowledge to make our selections, as well as gathered the expertise of registered dietitians.
The brands we selected were selected based on the following criteria:
Nutrition (especially calories, fat, fiber, and sodium)
- Flavor
- List of ingredients
- Packaging
Popcorn brand
1. Skinny Pop Original
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10 g
“Skinny Pop is made with just three ingredients—popcorn, sunflower oil, and salt,” says Jean Hanks, RDN, CDN, of Well by Messer.
“Sunflower oil is high in unsaturated fat, so while the overall fat content is higher, most of that fat is heart-healthy. Plus, compared to other brands, sodium is very low at 75 milligrams per serving,” she says.
Offering 3 grams per serving. This popcorn is also a good source of fiber.
2. Himalayan pink salt of the lesser evil
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
Quality ingredients set this healthy popcorn brand apart, say our experts.
“Lesser Evil uses extra virgin coconut oil, which gives this popcorn a uniquely satisfying flavor. It has no questionable ingredients and is sustainably processed. I love putting the snack-sized bags in my daughter’s lunchbox,” says Lauren Manaker, RDN.
3. Quinn Aged Parmesan and Rosemary
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 10 g
You can try this brand for healthy popcorn.”Quinn popcorn is a great choice for people who love microwave popcorn but don’t want to be exposed to the chemicals typically used to coat the bags, which are associated with negative health effects,” says Manaker. This popcorn is a staple in my pantry. Made with quality ingredients like non-GMO Corn.
The Aged Parmesan and Rosemary flavor is unique and offers a spicy flavor that is absolutely crave-worthy.
4. Boom Chicka Pop Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 8g
Some brands of kettle corn can be very high in sugar. Still, this version will give you the same great taste without the stuff you don’t want.
“I highly recommend this popcorn to anyone who craves crunchy and sweet at the same time,” says Jessi Holden, RDN, Registered Culinary Dietitian of The Kitchen Invitation.
5. Bjorn Qorn
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 8g
This is not your average popcorn. “Bjorn Quorn is produced on a farm that is powered by solar energy and is constantly improving its energy-independent operations,” says Manaker. “Nutritional yeast gives this popcorn a satisfying cheesy flavor along with some important nutrients like vitamin B12. Plus, it’s 100% vegan.”
6. Popcorn Truffle Mini Popcorn
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 8g
This is a unique type of pre-roasted popcorn that is made from corn. This means that the seeds are about 100 years old and have been pollinated, which helps keep crops genetically diverse and more sustainable in the long term.
The company is also a certified B corporation, which means it meets high standards of performance, accountability, and transparency in things like employee benefits, charitable giving, and supply chain practices.
Companies that are B corporations also work together to improve their communities, create inclusive workplaces and reduce climate impact.
This brand provides 20 percent less fat than leading popcorn brands and has 21 grams of whole grains and no artificial colors or flavors. It is also gluten-free and non-GMO.
7. Newman’s Own Organic Touch of Butter
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 2g
Newman’s Own is a brand that is widely available on grocery store shelves. Per 3.5 popped cups, this popcorn provides 130 calories, just 0.5 grams of saturated fat, 240 milligrams of sodium, and an impressive 5 grams of fiber.
“If you need a buttery flavor on your popcorn, this can be a good option without sacrificing too much nutritional value,” says Laura McDermott, RDN, CD, registered dietitian with RET Physical Therapy Group.
“It’s low in saturated fat, moderate in sodium, and a good source of fiber. The good news is that it doesn’t contain hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils.”
An added bonus: The Newman’s Own Foundation gives 100 percent of profits to good causes, including supporting resources to help children
8. Yellow popcorn kernels whole foods 365 organisms.
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 1.5 g
Popping your own popcorn gives you the opportunity to flavor it to your specific liking. “I always recommend that patients put their own cores on the stove at home,” says Hanks. With popcorn as the only ingredient, you have free rein when it comes to toppings. “I recommend seasoning the popcorn with a drizzle of olive oil and a little salt so you know you’re getting an extra healthy fat as opposed to the saturated fat from the butter,” says Hanks.
“In my opinion, it’s the best bang for your buck in terms of protein and fiber for not a lot of calories or fat.”
9. Trader Joe’s Organic Olive Oil Popcorn
- Calories: 130
- *Fat: 6g*
If regular popcorn isn’t your jam, opt for this healthy popcorn from Trader Joe’s.”Trader Joe’s Olive Oil Popcorn is delicious, organic, and only has three ingredients,” says Hanks.
10. Anthony’s Organic Yellow Popcorn Kernels
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 1.5 g
These popcorn kernels from Anthony’s are organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free, and are grown and packaged in the USA.
“Not only is this affordable popcorn easy to keep on hand, but because you pop it yourself, you can season it with any delicious, low-sodium seasoning you like,” says Morgyn Clair, RDN, registered dietitian and founder of Fit Healthy Mom.
How to choose healthy popcorn
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a healthy brand of popcorn to make sure you’re making a healthy choice.
1. Check the sodium
They classify anything with less than 5 percent of your daily sodium value as low and anything above 20 percent as high.
Too much sodium is linked to things like high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney disease, according to a November 2019 study in Paediatric Nephrology. This is especially true for people who are sensitive to salt.
When shopping, try to choose brands of popcorn with as little sodium as possible.
2. Limit saturated fat
Too much-saturated fat is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, according to Harvard School of Public Health’s T.H Chan.
Hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils are trans fats that contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries and heart disease.
3. Skip the added sugar
Sugar can be hidden in almost any food, including popcorn. It’s not uncommon for packaged popcorn to contain added sugar, especially if it’s the corn variety or if it’s flavored with any sweet ingredients.
Most brands of popcorn should not contain any added sugar at all. If you’re choosing kettle corn to be sweet, stick to the lowest possible amount, like 8 grams or less per serving, like the Boom Chicka Pop Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn described above.
4. Read the Ingredients
Popcorn brands should only have a handful or less of real food ingredients. So if you see a lot of ingredients you don’t recognize, you might want to put the bag back on the shelf,” says Hanks.
5. Pay attention to the packaging
According to a May 2020 study in Environmental Health Perspectives, many microwave-safe popcorn bags are coated with poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
“Since popcorn is usually sprinkled with fat (such as oil or butter), manufacturers add this chemical to ensure that the bag remains intact once the popcorn pops.”
High levels of certain PFASs have been linked to the following, according to the CDC:
Higher cholesterol levels lower vaccine response in children Higher risk of high blood pressure or preeclampsia in pregnant women Higher risk of kidney or testicular cancer changes in liver enzymes Lower birth weight of the child”These results won’t happen to every single person who eats microwave popcorn with PFAS, but the risk may be higher in people who eat it regularly,” says Manaker.
6. Choose Organic or Non-GMO
Corn is the most commonly grown crop in America, and the majority is GMO (genetically modified organism). Most GMO corn is engineered to resist insects or tolerate herbicides, according to the FDA. In 2020, 92 percent of corn grown in the US was GMO.
Organic foods must not be genetically modified in any way, according to California Certified Organic Farmers. This can be beneficial because the risks of genetically modified foods can include things like allergies and antibiotic resistance, according to the Centre for Food Safety.
Organic foods are also grown without pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, some of which have been linked to hormone problems and some types of cancer, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Ultimately, it’s important to “consider your health and happiness at the same time,” says Holden. “If sodium concerns you, find popcorn with 5 percent or less. If you’re trying to get less sugar, find a brand with 8 grams or less.”
You can also try a few healthy brands of popcorn before you buy a case
