The Best Popcorn

Buying Guide

You may love popcorn, but do you know all there is to know about it? For instance, you probably know there are various tastes, like kettle corn and movie theater butter. But there are also different kernel types, each of which brings different results.

Butterfly popcorn is typically the type you get at the movie theater or a ball game. It provides more of an irregular shape, with wings protruding from each side. This is a lighter, fluffier kind of popcorn that offers a substantial crunch.

The type you typically get from home popcorn is called mushroom popcorn. This is a larger shape that’s denser than butterfly popcorn. This type of popcorn is perfect for flavorings like caramel and chocolate, and it’s also best for use in making kettle corn.

For home popping, it can be tempting to go with microwave versions that pop inside the bag. While those can be great for a snack, they won’t give you that genuine taste you enjoy at the state fair or movie theater. For that truly fresh taste, choose kernels and buy a kettle to pop them in.

The quality of the kernels makes a difference, too. You’ll want to go for top-quality brands and keep the packaging sealed until you’re ready to consume it. Some popcorn kernels ship with butter and salt included to give you everything you need for movie night at your house.

But there’s no denying the convenience of packaged popcorns. If you simply want a fun, healthy snack whenever you’re craving one, you can buy snack-size popcorn that’s fully popped. Grab a bag when you’re ready for a treat and enjoy. These packaged popcorns can be similar to bags of chips in that the right variety can be a tasty snack. This option is also great if you’re feeding multiple children.

• There’s an art to choosing the best popcorn kernels. First, it’s important to look at the sell-by date on the package. The fresher your kernels are, the better the results will be. Second, packaging is everything. Kernels stored in glass or plastic jars with lids will keep air from getting in and making the product stale.
• Without salt and butter, popcorn can be a somewhat healthy treat. However, the flavorings are what makes it taste so great. You can find alternatives to traditional popcorn that are made with coconut oil and sea salt to keep calories and trans fats low without sacrificing taste.
• Popcorn is naturally whole grain and gluten-free, but check the packaging before buying if you’re striving for a gluten-free diet. Some products might be manufactured in a facility where glutenous foods are made.
• Health-conscious consumers will want to look out for trans fats. Even though popcorn is naturally low in trans fats, microwavable popcorns will often use hydrogenated oil, which can bump up the trans fat content. This will also cause the calorie count to vary.
• If you want to make your popcorn truly heart healthy, invest in an air popper. You can insert kernels and get fresh popcorn without the oil at any time.
• You can liven up snack time by adding flavorings like cheddar, caramel and chocolate to your popcorn. This will obviously change the nutritional content, but it can be a great way to indulge your love of both salty and sweet treats.
• If you’re buying popcorn, look for fresh options and try to consume it as soon as possible after buying. If you purchase it and leave it in your pantry for months, you’ll likely find it’s not as fresh as you expect.