Is Popcorn a Healthy Snack?
Popcorn! It’s one of my favorite snacks. It’s the perfect addition to a Netflix-and-chill night! What snack food goes better with your favorite movie? If it’s not drenched in a heart-stopping amount of butter and enough salt to fill the Utah Flats, popcorn is a healthy snack! Natural popcorn is a low-calorie, high-fiber snacking option. On its face, popcorn contains more antioxidants than many fruits and vegetables. For people with diabetes, the high fiber content doesn’t break down like other carbohydrates, so it doesn’t cause a blood sugar spike. It’s high in Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and folate. Oh! Popcorn has more iron than spinach! Check out the image below.
The Microwave Popcorn vs. Hot Air Popcorn Debate
Chemicals aside, bagged popcorn costs much more to make. But, I miss that microwave convenience! So this year, I got a unique microwave popcorn bowl so I can make air-popped microwave popcorn! It’s a silicon BPA-free bowl. You measure your popcorn, put on the lid, and microwave it for 3-4 minutes – just like a bag – but cheaper and no chemicals! Check it out!
David bought this microwave popping bowl for me because of how much I enjoy popcorn. Some people like to do their popcorn in a paper bag, but that’s just more trash for the landfill. My bowl is reusable and dishwasher safe – so I don’t have to worry about whose hands were last inside that paper bag.
You can pop four servings of popcorn at a time (but it tends to overflow the bowl.) I find it’s perfect for 2-3 people. Very few kernels remain unpopped. The amount is on par with my hot air popper.
Popcorn Recipe Roundup
At any rate, I’ve been expanding my popcorn recipe database and thought you might enjoy seeing what I’ve found. Not all of these recipes rank high on the healthy, but it’s still a better option than diving headlong into a chocolate cake because it has the high-fiber and nutrition of popcorn!
Savory Popcorn Recipes
- Parmesan Ranch Popcorn
- Tropical Hawaiian popcorn mix
- Rosemary Parmesan Popcorn
- Italian Brown Paper Bag Popcorn
- Cheesy Italian Popcorn
- Perfect Popcorn Recipe
- Pad Thai Popcorn
- Nutted Popcorn
- Homemade Stovetop Popcorn with Old Bay
- Spicy Tajin Popcorn Recipe
- Sweet and Spicy Curried Popcorn
- Sour Cream and Onion Popcorn
Sweet Popcorn Recipes
- Honey PB Popcorn Bars
- Coconut Curry Popcorn
- Toffee Popcorn with Chocolate
- Chocolate Popcorn Balls
- German Chocolate Popcorn
- Gingerbread Popcorn
- Caramel Cashew Popcorn
- Toasted Sesame and Almond Caramel Popcorn
- Mexican Chocolate Popcorn
- Salted Caramel Popcorn with Almonds
Roundups of several popcorn recipes!
- 30+ Recipes for National Popcorn Day
- 50 Flavored Popcorn Recipes
- 21 Party Time Popcorn Recipes
- 32 Oscar-Worthy Popcorn Recipes
- 50+ Perfect Popcorn Recipes
Alicia Taylor
We enjoy hosting parties and my husband and I are both avid gamers. You can find me on PS4 as SunshineFlaGirl. We also play tabletop RPGs and eurogames.
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39 Comments
Tiffany Yong
February 12, 2018 - 11:48 amYes, I used to hear how popcorn has high calories, but they are so addictive! I can’t stop once I start~ I hardly eat them though, unless someone elses buy, otherwise, I won’t usually actively go for them!
Deb Dutta
January 24, 2018 - 5:50 pmOMG Popcornnnn!! Love love these recipes and great write up 🙂
Nicole
January 23, 2018 - 9:02 amWe love popcorn! All of these recipes look great! I have never tried hot air popcorn, but it looks like i’m going to have to! Thanks for sharing!
Kiwi
January 23, 2018 - 6:29 amSee I knew I wasnt crazy I never liked bagged microwavable popcorn like that. I do love a good kettle corn though has to be organic!
Garrile Blog
January 22, 2018 - 4:50 amI looove popcorn! I usually make them oil free and jus tsprinkle with a bit of salt and turmeric 🙂 It can be one of the best snacks to have around for me!
chewoutloud
January 21, 2018 - 11:45 pmI think our household alone keeps the popcorn sellers in business! We buy a ton of kernels, which we pop ourselves almost every day. I love the collection of yummy popcorn recipes here!
Adaleta Avdic (@adaatude)
January 21, 2018 - 5:35 pmOh I love popcorn! I will have to try some of these.
Lisa He
January 21, 2018 - 3:12 pmSo many creative and unique ideas for popcorn! Never heard of Pad Thai or Sweet and Spicy curried popcorn before now, you’ve piqued my interest!
Alicia Taylor
January 22, 2018 - 11:15 amThey were new to me, too!
Elizabeth O
January 20, 2018 - 5:24 pmI really enjoy popcorn, it is such a filling and healthy snack. I really enjoy the sweet and salty version 🙂
Stephanie Jeannot
January 20, 2018 - 10:04 amAs much as we love popcorn in this house, I think it would be hard to try to get everyone to stop eating it. Wow! I love all the different popcorn flavors. Butterscotch sounds yummy! I need that bowl!
Path of Presence (@pathofpresence)
January 20, 2018 - 5:48 amI did not know these tidbits about popcorn! We all love popcorn but don’t enjoy it as often. You’ve inspired me to take a look at the microwave popcorn bowl. Interesting- and thanks!! E
Kelley
January 19, 2018 - 10:37 pmI. Love. Popcorn! Mostly plain – okay, maybe only enough salt (mixed with crushed red pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper) to fill 1/4 of a Utah flat…. delicious!
Alicia Taylor
January 20, 2018 - 12:28 pmLOL 🙂 I hear ya! I have a salty streak myself. I will have to try your combination.
adstanfield25
January 19, 2018 - 10:01 pmI am soooo pinning this one! My daughter is crazy about popcorn (or what she calls “poppy”…she’s 2!). I often worry about her eating it; I wish I could find a hull-less kind. But I love popcorn too, and I am eager to try out these recipes. The Salted Caramel with Almonds sounds delish!
Alicia Taylor
January 20, 2018 - 12:30 pmAww! That’s adorable! Have you asked her pediatrician if it’s safe for her? I honestly don’t know. My kids are grown and they are always changing recommendations. Thanks for pinning!
Fely
January 19, 2018 - 9:25 pmWhat!? Popcorn has more iron than spinach!? That is crazy. Good to know since I’m always low on iron
Alicia Taylor
January 20, 2018 - 12:31 pmI know! It surprised me, too! Of course, I’m not saying quit spinach by any means. Spinach is still a superfood!
Ayana Christine Nell
January 19, 2018 - 8:57 pmWe have one one these! Almost exactly the same, just a different brand. WE LOVE IT. Sure, I still put butter and white cheddar on it, but I don’t think I’ll ever buy bag popcorn again! I feel so much better about using it, too. I didn’t know popcorn had more iron than spinach! That’s so cool to learn!
Alicia Taylor
January 20, 2018 - 12:32 pmI love that I can make just one serving in it! I also like to put some of the white cheddar powder on it. I use an all-natural brand – and it’s not too bad on the calories.
Sarah Camille
January 19, 2018 - 7:11 pmI love making different popcorn concoctions, but we have been doing the same thing over and over with lemon pepper – so good. I’m totally going to try the perfect popcorn recipe. Sounds like my kind of flavors!
Alicia Taylor
January 20, 2018 - 12:32 pmOoh! Lemon pepper! That sounds yummy. I’ll try that one tonight.
Erica Swedish
January 19, 2018 - 5:51 pmI’m not sure if it’s healthy… But i just bought some Milk Chocolate and Peanut Butter Popcorn that is delicious. Lol I just try to keep those darn portions down.
Alicia Taylor
January 20, 2018 - 12:33 pmI don’t have that much self-control! Enjoy 🙂
Dee Jackson
January 19, 2018 - 5:16 pmI love popcorn. My all-time favorite is with cheese. Love all your recipes.
Alicia Taylor
January 20, 2018 - 12:33 pmThanks!
Jay Colby
January 19, 2018 - 8:13 amI’ve always loved popcorn, but I never knew how many different recipes there are. I’m going to have to try Cheesy Italian Popcorn it sounds tasty.
Sandi
January 18, 2018 - 9:01 pmWe are big popcorn eaters here. These are great ideas!
Hope
January 18, 2018 - 8:40 pmWhat a great selection of different ways to enjoy popcorn! I can’t wait to try some!
Patty @ Spoonabilities
January 18, 2018 - 7:09 pmI love love love popcorn! This is a fabulous group of popcorn recipes!!
Manillenials
January 18, 2018 - 7:00 pmPopcorn is so addicting specially the ones you buy in the Cinemas. I would totally try these recipes for my weekend movie marathons. Ha!
Deana Tucker
January 18, 2018 - 5:11 pmPopcorn is one of my favorite healthy snacks. Whether I am watching TV or playing games on the computer, popcorn is my go-to snack! I can’t wait to try the German Chocolate Popcorn and the Parmesan Ranch Popcorn. Thanks!
Marie - Not Enough Cinnamon
January 18, 2018 - 5:06 pmOh I love my popcorn too! I have to look into this popcorn bowl, it sounds perfect!
Sarah Bailey
January 18, 2018 - 4:51 pmThis is so interesting, I’ve always thought popcorn on it’s own was healthy it’s what you put on top of it that can make it not so. So it’s interesting to hear that for some it isn’t at all.
Shadlyn Jay
January 18, 2018 - 2:45 pmI love this article because you literally talking about ym favorite study snack. I am going to try sweet and spicy popcorn for sure! Thanks for sharing the recipes
Amy-Lynn Vautour
January 18, 2018 - 2:16 pmI’m so basic when it comes to popcorn. Like in the literal sense of the work basic. It’s popcorn, salt, and a little bit of melted butter, lol. I tried those shake-on things but they never cut it. Thanks for these cool ideas to amp up my popcorn game (seriously, i popcorn like 3 times a week – always air popped)
Emily
January 18, 2018 - 2:01 pmInteresting post, love the recipes!
Neyssa | Latina Mom Meals
January 17, 2018 - 1:37 pmThank you for the share. 🙂 There are some amazing popcorn recipes I need to try!
Alicia Taylor
January 17, 2018 - 4:56 pmYou are very welcome!