Healthy Homemade Microwave Popcorn

by admin snack

Is popcorn good for you? It makes a great healthy snack! Here’s how to make healthy homemade microwave popcorn with just popcorn kernels and a paper lunch sack! A whole grain snack for older kids and adults and you can flavor it any way you want to!

*Originally published 3/2013. Updated in 2020 & 2023*

Hi Friends!

I wanted to share this healthy microwave popcorn with you guys because it’s such a great snack option for older kids and adults. It’s important to note that popcorn is a choking hazard for younger kids, but my five-year-old and I have been enjoying it together lately. Let’s chat a little bit about popcorn:

Is Popcorn Healthy?

Yes! It can be. Did you know popcorn is a whole grain? It’s a great source of fiber and also contains several B vitamins and other nutrients like iron, magnesium and phosphorus.

Is microwave popcorn a healthy snack?

For many years now, popcorn has been one of my favorite after-dinner snacks. I typically just eat it plain, but you can easily add whatever flavors you want after it’s popped. If you’re looking for a way to use up some of your popcorn, I’d definitely suggest my Sweet & Spicy Popcorn Snack Mix. Or for some flavored options, try this Spicy Ranch Popcorn or make up your own seasoning combo – try some nutritional yeast or cinnamon with a sprinkle of sugar. 

Is microwave popcorn bad for you?

While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a bag of store-bought popcorn every once and a while, I want to show you guys just how easy it is to make your own. You may be familiar with making it at home in an air popper or on the stovetop, but did you know that all you need in order to skip the pre-packaged microwave bags is a jar of popcorn kernels and a brown paper lunch sack.

Have you tried making your own popcorn?

You guys, this is so easy! Here’s what you do:

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Healthy Microwave Popcorn

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Make healthy microwave popcorn with just popcorn kernels and a paper lunch sack. Makes a great whole-grain snack for older kids and adults and you can flavor it any way you want to!

  • Author: Lindsay

Ingredients

Scale

1/4 cup popcorn kernals

optional toppings: melted butter or oil, salt or other seasonings

Instructions

1. Measure out about 1/4 c popcorn kernals
2. Pour them into a paper lunch bag
3. Fold the top over several times and place in the microwave. Use the popcorn button and listen closely. When you hear the pops slow down to a couple seconds between pops, take it out.
4. Enjoy your popcorn! Season it if you wish.

Did you make this recipe?

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Have you tried making your own popcorn? What are you waiting for?

What is the healthiest microwave popcorn to eat?

Healthiest popcorn brands

When choosing a brand of microwave popcorn from the store, I would look at things like:

  • Total fat and saturated fat – look for low levels of saturated fats
  • Sodium level – look for low amounts of sodium (less than 300mg per serving)
  • Avoid artificial flavorings
  • Try to find bags not lined with PFAS (Quinn is known for this)

Some brands to consider: Orville Redenbacher has an option made with avocado oil. Whole Foods has a store brand that’s just popcorn, no oil or salt. You could add your own after popping.

Healthy Microwave Popcorn

Let’s chat: Do you like popcorn? Plain or seasoned? What’s your favorite popcorn flavor combo?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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