What’s the best smell in the world? For many of us, it’s the unmistakable, buttery aroma of popcorn popping in the microwave. That sound—the eager *pop, pop, POP*—signals movie night, a cozy afternoon, or a fun treat is about to happen. It’s a simple pleasure, but getting that perfect bag isn’t always easy.
Choosing the right microwave popcorn can feel like a maze. Do you want classic butter? Lightly salted? Less grease? Maybe you worry about artificial ingredients or that dreaded burnt bag smell. Too many choices mean you might end up with a snack that’s either too bland or too oily. We all want that satisfying crunch without the hassle or the guilt.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down the best brands, explain what to look for in ingredients, and share tips for achieving that perfect pop every single time. Get ready to upgrade your snack game from disappointing to delicious!
Top Popcorn For Microwave Recommendations
- 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
- 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 (24) 3.29 oz. classic bags of Orville Redenbacher’s Movie Theater Butter Popcorn, offering a bulk supply of popcorn
- 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
- 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
- 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
- FAST GOURMET POPCORN: Choose beautiful, durable temperature safe borosilicate glass for better popcorn popping experiences. No oil or butter needed. Hot air circulates preventing burning. Melt butter with the dual function lid for gourmet results. Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. A fun gift idea
- PREPARING AND SHARING: Great for a healthy snack, movie night, the big game or recipes including popcorn. Simply use the dual-function lid to measure the desired serving size, pour into the Micro-Pop and place in microwave for 3-minutes or less. Hundreds of fun and healthy snack recipe possibilities for your popcorn enjoyment.
- MONEY WELL-SPENT: Make homemade popcorn as an alternative to buying expensive single use prepackaged bags containing unwanted chemicals, ingredients, and calories.
- WHY GLASS IS BETTER: Watch your popcorn popping for perfect results. Temperature safe glass resists wear-and-tear and will not absorb acids or chemicals typically produced during use. Glass is made without BPA, hypoallergenic, and thermal shock resistant. Wide-mouth design and ergonomic handle add versatility and ease-of-use.
- USE AND CARE: For use with microwaves with turntables only. Only use popcorn popper in a clean, fully functioning microwave oven with unrestricted, rotating turntable. Do not use popcorn button or setting on your microwave. Make sure to use fresh popcorn kernels. Nontoxic way to make popcorn
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Microwave Popcorn
Microwave popcorn is a fun, fast snack. You just pop it in the microwave, and presto—you have a warm, salty treat. But not all bags are created equal! This guide helps you pick the best bag for your movie night.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for microwave popcorn, check these things first:
1. Flavor Variety
- Classic Butter: This is the standard. Look for bags that promise a rich, real butter taste.
- Light/Low Sodium: If you watch your salt or fat intake, choose these options. They often use less oil but still aim for good flavor.
- Gourmet Flavors: Some brands offer fun tastes like Kettle Corn (sweet and salty), Kettle Corn, or even Spicy Jalapeño. Pick what sounds tasty to you!
2. Bag Size and Yield
Check the weight of the bag. Smaller bags make about 4-6 cups of popped corn. Larger “family size” bags make 10-12 cups. Choose the size based on how many people you are feeding.
3. “Old Maid” Count (Unpopped Kernels)
Nobody likes biting into a hard, unpopped kernel. Higher quality bags often pop more completely, leaving fewer “old maids” at the bottom of the bowl. Read reviews to see what others say about how fully the kernels pop.
Important Materials and Ingredients
What’s inside the bag matters for taste and health.
The Kernels
Most popcorn uses high-quality popping corn kernels. Good kernels pop big and fluffy. Poor quality kernels might burn before they fully pop.
The Oil and Butter Flavoring
This is where big differences happen. Many brands use palm oil or soybean oil. For the buttery taste, look closely:
- Real Butter: Bags listing real butter or cream often taste the best.
- Artificial Flavoring: Some budget brands use artificial butter flavor. This tastes okay but lacks the richness of real dairy.
- Diacetyl: Be aware of this chemical. While it adds a strong butter flavor, some people prefer to avoid it due to health concerns related to inhaling large amounts in factories. Many modern brands have removed it.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your final snack depends on a few things:
Factors That Improve Quality
- Freshness Date: Popcorn kernels lose moisture over time. Older kernels won’t pop well. Always check the “Best By” date.
- Thick Bag Lining: A better bag traps heat evenly. This helps every kernel pop at the right time, leading to fewer burnt spots and more fluffy pieces.
Factors That Reduce Quality
The biggest quality reducer is uneven heating. If your microwave has “hot spots,” the popcorn might burn on one side while the other side is still popping. Always follow the package timing instructions carefully.
User Experience and Use Cases
Microwave popcorn is best for speed and convenience.
Easy Setup
The experience is simple: put the bag in the microwave, press start, and wait for the popping to slow down. Good bags make the process nearly foolproof.
Best Use Cases
- Movie Nights: It is the classic movie snack.
- Quick Lunches: When you need a warm snack fast, this is perfect.
- Game Days: Easy to make a big batch to share while watching sports.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Microwave Popcorn
Q: How long should I microwave the popcorn?
A: Most bags take between 2 and 4 minutes. You must listen for the popping. Stop the microwave when the popping slows down to 2-3 seconds between pops. Overcooking burns it!
Q: Why are there so many unpopped kernels left?
A: This usually happens for two reasons: the kernels are too old, or your microwave doesn’t heat evenly. Try microwaving the bag in a different spot or using a lower power setting for longer.
Q: Is microwave popcorn healthy?
A: It can be! Plain or lightly salted popcorn is a whole grain. The health factor changes based on the amount of butter, salt, and oil added by the brand.
Q: Can I reuse the microwave popcorn bag?
A: No, you cannot reuse the bag. The bag is designed for one-time use only. The lining breaks down under the heat.
Q: What is the difference between “Movie Butter” and “Light Butter”?
A: “Movie Butter” has much more fat and flavoring for a rich taste. “Light Butter” uses less oil and fewer calories.
Q: Should I use the “Popcorn” button on my microwave?
A: Sometimes. The automatic “Popcorn” button uses a sensor, but it often guesses wrong. It is usually better to listen and stop it manually for the best results.
Q: What is the best way to open the hot bag safely?
A: Always open the bag away from your face. Steam trapped inside is very hot and can cause burns. Pull the corners apart slowly.
Q: Are there microwave popcorn brands that are non-GMO?
A: Yes, many specialty and organic brands offer non-GMO (not genetically modified) kernels. Check the label for this certification.
Q: Can I add my own seasonings to the bag before popping?
A: It is safer to pop the bag plain first. Adding spices or extra salt inside the bag before cooking can cause the bag to burn or stick.
Q: Which brands usually pop the most completely?
A: Brands with higher-quality, fresher kernels generally pop better. Reviews often point to premium brands having fewer unpopped kernels.