What is the best sound in the world? Many people say it is the satisfying *pop, pop, pop* of popcorn cooking in the microwave. That warm, buttery smell fills the kitchen. It signals movie night is starting! Microwave popcorn is a classic snack for a reason. It is fast, easy, and delicious.
But have you ever stood in the grocery aisle, staring at rows of bags? Should you choose light butter, extra butter, or maybe kettle corn? Some bags promise “natural” ingredients, while others boast lower calories. It can be confusing! You want the perfect snack without the guesswork or the guilt. Choosing the wrong bag can lead to a soggy, bland mess or too much fat.
This article cuts through the noise. We will look closely at the top microwave popcorn brands. We will compare flavors, ingredients, and value so you know exactly what you are buying next time. Get ready to discover your new favorite movie companion!
Top Microwave Popcorn Recommendations
- Movie theater taste: bring the movie theater home with this classically rich buttery flavor and airy popcorn crunch
- Delicious any time: a delicious snack for movie night, TV watching, family game time, or any time!
- Warm popcorn: delicious hot popcorn with n irresistible aroma and flavor, ready in minutes
- Ingredients to feel good about: non-GMO corn and no artificial preservatives, flavors, fructose corn syrup or trans fats
- 12 single-serve snack bags: box of 12 means there are plenty of microwave popcorn bags to go around
- Movie theater taste: bring the movie theater home with this classically rich buttery flavor and airy popcorn crunch
- Delicious any time: a delicious snack for movie night, TV watching, family game time, or any time!
- Warm popcorn: delicious hot popcorn with an irresistible aroma and flavor, ready in minutes
- Ingredients to feel good about: non-GMO corn and no artificial preservatives, flavors, fructose corn syrup or trans fats
- 30 shareable bags: box of 30 shareable Pop Secret microwaveable popcorn bags
- Contains twelve (12) 33.01-ounce bags ACT II Xtreme Butter Microwave Popcorn
- Microwave popcorn with high-impact flavor
- The best value in popcorn
- Gluten free
- 0 grams trans fat per serving
- Contains (24) 3.29 oz. classic bags of Orville Redenbacher’s Movie Theater Butter Popcorn, offering a bulk supply of popcorn
- Contains twelve (12) Classic Bags of Orville Redenbacher's Ultimate Butter Microwave Popcorn
- Microwave popcorn packed with delicious flavor and loads of real butter
- Made from 100% whole grains and is a good source of fiber
- Ultimate Butter Popcorn is a gluten-free snack
- 0 g trans fat per serving
- Contains (6) 3.29 oz. classic bags of Orville Redenbacher’s Movie Theater Butter Popcorn
- Orville Redenbacher’s is the only leading popcorn brand that uses real butter (Select products contain real butter. See package ingredients for details.)
- Orville Redenbacher’s is also the only leading brand of microwave popcorn with no artificial preservatives, flavors, or dyes in all of our products—so grab your favorite popcorn bowl, pop it up in a jiffy, and have a jolly time pretending like you’re at the movies
- In 1952, Orville Redenbacher hand selected a small group of farmers to grow his exclusive kernel, and our family farmers still grow our special kernels today
- Serve our buttery popcorn packs alongside your favorite sweet snacks to add a pop of fun (and flavor) to every occasion
- Movie theater taste: bring the movie theater home with this classically rich buttery flavor and airy popcorn crunch
- Delicious any time: a delicious snack for movie night, TV watching, family game time, or any time!
- Warm popcorn: delicious hot popcorn with an irresistible aroma and flavor, ready in minutes
- Ingredients to feel good about: non-GMO corn and no artificial preservatives, flavors, fructose corn syrup or trans fats
- 12 shareable bags: box of 12 shareable Pop Secret microwaveable popcorn bags
- 21 oz organic microwave popcorn
- Made with organic corn
- Buttery flavor
- Perfect quick snack
The Ultimate Buying Guide to Microwave Popcorn
Microwave popcorn brings a classic, satisfying snack right to your kitchen in minutes. Whether you love a buttery movie night treat or a simple, salty snack, choosing the right bag makes all the difference. This guide helps you navigate the choices available.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for microwave popcorn, several features stand out. These elements determine how good your snack tastes and how easy it is to prepare.
Flavor Variety
- Classic Butter: This is the standard. Look for strong, realistic butter flavor.
- Movie Theater Butter: These bags often use extra oil or flavoring to mimic the cinema experience.
- Light/Reduced Fat: These options use less oil but still aim to keep the flavor strong.
- Unique Flavors: Many brands offer cheese, kettle corn (sweet and salty), or spicy options.
Bag Size and Kernel Quality
Check the weight listed on the box. Standard bags yield about 10-12 cups of popped corn. Also, some premium brands boast “jumbo” or “premium” kernels, which tend to pop larger and fluffier.
Important Materials and Ingredients
What’s inside the bag and what the bag is made of are crucial for a good experience.
The Kernel
Most microwave popcorn uses “mushroom” or “butterfly” kernels. Butterfly kernels are the most common; they have irregular shapes when popped. Mushroom kernels pop into round balls, which are great for heavy coatings like caramel.
The Bag Material
The bag itself must handle high heat. Modern microwave popcorn bags use heat-resistant paper. Importantly, many older bags contained chemicals like PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid). Today, most major brands have removed these chemicals, but it is wise to check the packaging for “PFOA-free” labeling.
The Toppings (Butter, Salt, Oil)
The quality of the topping mix significantly impacts taste. Natural butter flavor is often preferred over artificial flavoring. Look for real butter or oil blends like palm or canola oil.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few simple things can make your popcorn perfect or result in many unpopped kernels (old maids).
Freshness and Storage (Improves Quality)
Popcorn kernels are dried corn, and they need the right amount of moisture to pop correctly. Store bags in a cool, dry place. Old bags may pop poorly or burn easily.
Popping Time and Power Level (Reduces Quality if Ignored)
This is the biggest quality factor. Always follow the package directions for time. If your microwave is very powerful, you must listen carefully. Stop popping right when the popping slows to 2-3 seconds between pops. Overcooking burns the corn and makes it taste bitter.
Artificial Ingredients (Reduces Quality)
Some consumers find that popcorn loaded with artificial colors or excessive preservatives tastes less authentic. Simpler ingredient lists often yield better, cleaner flavors.
User Experience and Use Cases
Microwave popcorn excels because of its speed and convenience. This makes it perfect for several situations.
Movie Nights
This is the primary use case. The quick preparation means less time waiting and more time watching.
Quick Lunch or Study Snack
When you need a substantial, warm snack fast, microwave popcorn fits the bill perfectly. It requires no bowls or stirring.
Portion Control
Since it comes pre-portioned in bags, it is easy to make just one serving, unlike large batches of stovetop popcorn.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Microwave Popcorn
Q: How long does microwave popcorn last on the shelf?
A: Unopened bags usually last about 9 to 12 months past the printed date if stored correctly in a cool, dry place.
Q: Why does my popcorn taste burnt even when I follow the time?
A: Your microwave might be stronger than the time listed on the bag suggests. Always stop popping when the pops slow down, even if the timer hasn’t finished.
Q: Is microwave popcorn healthy?
A: It depends on the flavor. Light or plain versions are generally okay as a whole grain snack, but heavily buttered versions contain high levels of fat and sodium.
Q: What are “old maids” in popcorn?
A: “Old maids” are the unpopped kernels left at the bottom of the bag. This usually happens due to old kernels or uneven microwave heating.
Q: Can I reuse the popcorn bag?
A: No. The bag is designed for one-time use only. It contains oils and coatings that break down under heat and should not be used again.
Q: Are the bags safe to touch right after popping?
A: No. The bag gets extremely hot. Always open the bag away from your face and hands, holding the corners gently.
Q: What is the difference between “natural butter flavor” and “artificial butter flavor”?
A: Natural butter flavor comes from actual dairy products, while artificial flavor is created chemically to mimic the taste.
Q: Does the brand of microwave really matter?
A: Yes. Different brands use different kernel types and different amounts of oil, leading to noticeable differences in flavor and popping consistency.
Q: Can I pop my own kernels in a microwave-safe bowl instead of using a bag?
A: Yes, you can. Place kernels with a lid (like a ceramic plate) in the microwave. This gives you control over the oil and salt amounts.
Q: What should I do if the bag starts smoking?
A: Immediately stop the microwave. Open the door carefully, remove the bag using oven mitts if necessary, and discard the contents outside. Do not try to continue popping it.