Food & Drink
Bring The Movies Home With The 13 Best Popcorn Brands to Snack On
Get all the delicious flavor you want with the best popcorn you can try, whether you’re looking for a movie theater experience or something a little different.
January 27, 2022
On the scale of all things bingeable, there’s only one thing that scores higher than TV’s latest dystopian sci-fi historical romance epic, and that’s popcorn. It doesn’t matter whether you’re munching caramel, cheese-flavor, kettle, or good old salt and butter varieties. Once you start munching on those light, fluffy kernels, you won’t stop until it’s all gone.
Popcorn is one of those snacks that tastes great and is reasonably healthy, depending on your toppings. And there are so many toppings. Depending on your imagination and sense of adventure in food, you’ll never run out of flavor combinations to try. All you need is some air-popped or microwave popcorn, a few seasonings, and you’re off to the races. Or pick a bag that’s already covered in yummy flavors.
Ready to chill with a bowl filled with some of the best popcorn brands around? If you’re looking for indulgent or healthy popcorn, we’ve got you covered. We even have a few suggestions for the best microwave popcorn, so you won’t have to wait long to start munching on those crunchy and soft morsels. Grab your favorite blanket, queue up the latest TV obsession, and fill your bowl with the best popcorn for a fantastic night in.
1. Popz Buttered Popcorn 2.9oz
Prepare for your next Netflix binge session with Popz microwave Buttered Popcorn. Popz was founded by Jim Watkins, who first engineered microwavable popcorn, so you know it’s good. Popz is made with non-GMO corn and no trans fats or artificial flavor. There’s nothing to come between you and the authentic butter flavor you long for.
$1.79
2. Havsies Popcorn Elote 4oz
Movies aren’t the only thing coming out of Los Angeles. Elote is LA’s classic street corn, a savory combination of lime, spices, hatch chilies, and cheese. And now it’s here in popcorn form. Non-GMO corn is popped in 100% coconut oil and then drenched in lime before being tossed in cheese and spices. It’s LA street food at its tastiest.
$6.49
3. LesserEvil Himalayan Pink Organic Popcorn 5oz
Shouldn't a handful of popcorn only have a handful of ingredients? LesserEvil has only three: organic popcorn, extra-virgin coconut oil, and Himalayan pink salt. A minimal amount of processing goes into each bag of popcorn for maximum taste and snackability. All organic and non-GMO, it’s a tasty treat for people who appreciate clean eating.
$4.29
4. Barcel Pop Fuego Popcorn 2.82oz
You love Takis Fuego tortilla snacks; well, now it’s here as your next favorite brand of popcorn. Every bite stands out with an unforgettable blast of Fuego’s bold flavor combination of chili and lime. Throw it, catch it, eat it. Delight in every mouthful of fiery heat and bold flavor — popcorn like this was made for those who dare.
$2.69
5. Boom Chicka Pop Cinnamon Roll Drizzled Kettle Corn 5.5oz
Buttered popcorn is delectable, but Boom Chicka Pop’s Cinnamon Roll Kettle Corn is a whole other level. Each morsel is drizzled in cane sugar frosting and spice for a flavored popcorn treat that’ll have you longing to curl up on the couch with a blanket and your favorite rom-com. And without GMO ingredients and zero gluten, it’s the sweet snack you’ve been craving without the guilt.
$3.49
6. Oogie's Wisconsin Cheddar Gourmet Popcorn 4.25oz
Get all the cheddar cheese goodness from the people who know it best. Produced for discriminating palates, this artisanal white cheddar popcorn has a strong but smooth tangy flavor characteristic of aged sharp cheddar. It’s a gluten-free, trans-fat-free, and cholesterol-free all-natural whole grain treat that’ll have you licking your fingers before reaching for more.
$5.29
7. Popcorn Indiana Sea Salt 2.1oz
This popcorn keeps it simple. Made with just three ingredients, sea salt, oil, and naturally delicious high-quality corn kernels, you’ll keep finding reasons to book this snack for repeat engagements. The gourmet-quality sea salt is sprinkled on just-popped popcorn at the perfect moment to enhance crunch and bring out all the flavor. It’s pure, unadulterated snacking!
$3.79
8. POP! Gourmet Sriracha Hot Chili Popcorn 4.5oz
We used to think popcorn didn’t need anything more than a pinch of salt. Boy, were we wrong! The beloved flavor of Sriracha brings the perfect amount of heat and spice to POP’s premium snack food. Pop! Gourmet Popcorn worked closely with Huy Fong Foods, the original Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce makers, to create a tantalizing gourmet popcorn experience.
$6.29
9. Skinny Pop Real Butter Popcorn 4.4oz
Guilt-free snacking never tasted this delicious. Grab a bag of SkinnyPop’s richest and butteriest popcorn yet. You can enjoy bowl upon bowl of delightful popcorn without artificial flavors, gluten, nut allergens, trans fats, or GMO-based ingredients. It’s just you and the delicious buttered popcorn taste you crave.
$5.19
10. Act II Butter Lovers Popcorn Microwavable 2.75oz
If ever a snack deserved a second act, it’s Act II Butter Lovers Popcorn. Each kernel pops up light and fluffy, bursting with rich movie theater popcorn flavor, the perfect amount of salt, and all the whole grain goodness you can ask for from a snack. It’s the perfect treat anytime you need a delicious, crispy snack in a hurry.
$1.79
11. Pop Secret Movie Theater Butter Popcorn 3.2oz
Get all the theater popcorn flavor straight from your microwave in less time than it takes you to pick a movie. With a classically rich buttery flavor and airy crunch, this craveable popcorn makes home movie night feel like you’re at the theater. Made with non-GMO corn and no artificial flavors or preservatives, you can look forward to sequels for years to come.
$1.69
12. Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn 6.75oz
Smartfood is best known for its iconic White Cheddar Popcorn. You don’t need an advanced degree to know that air-popped popcorn plus real cheese equals an indulgent gluten-free snack. Make this black bag of deliciousness your go-to movie night staple. It’s equally delicious for parties or snacking on the run.
$4.99
13. Cheetos Flamin' Hot Popcorn 2oz
WARNING! There’s a three-alarm fire in your bowl! Cheetos Popcorn combines the delicious taste of Flamin' Hot Cheetos with your classic snacking favorite — popcorn. You’ll get all the rich, smooth, cheesy flavor you know and love with a heaping serving of delicious flamin’ hot flavor. It’ll set off a burning desire for snacks that even the fire department won’t be able to put out.
$1.89
FAQ
How to make popcorn on the stove?
Popcorn lovers agree. The perfect popcorn is popped on the stovetop. Yes, we know. Air-poppers are healthier, but something about the pop popcorn makes while frying in oil turns a chore into a jolly time.
So, how do you make great homemade popcorn? Here’s the GoPuff team’s favorite popcorn recipe.
STEP 1: Select an oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, peanut, sunflower, safflower, or canola oil. Remember, your choice of oil will infuse your popcorn kernels with a subtle flavor.
STEP 2: Pour 2 tablespoons into a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid.
STEP 3: Add 2 or 3 test kernels to the oil. Cover and place the pot on the stove, and set the element to medium-high heat.
STEP 4: Once you hear all the test kernels pop, lift the lid and add two-thirds of a cup of popcorn kernels to the oil. Cover and put on some oven mitts. Shake the pot to coat the contents.
STEP 5: Return the pot to the stovetop. Crack the lid to let some steam escape and shake the entire pot frequently.
STEP 6: Listen closely. When 2 to 3 seconds go by between pops, take the stove off the heat and lift the lid.
STEP 7: Pour the popcorn into a bowl, and remove the unpopped kernels. Pour your favorite topping over the popped kernels and shake the bowl to distribute evenly.
STEP 8: Enjoy by the handful!
What toppings are good on popcorn?
Has your usual popcorn routine gotten a little stale? Plain microwaved or air-popped popcorn can get a little bland, and we can’t have that. Why not shake things up with some homemade popcorn seasoning?
Fire up your favorite popcorn maker and taste-test some of these delicious combinations.
CHEESE-TASTIC: Combine 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast with 2 tablespoons of melted butter or olive oil. Don’t be scared by the name. Nutritional yeast has a cheesy-nutty flavor that you’ll enjoy, especially if you like savory snacks. Trust us.
WARM COMFORT: Spicy hot chocolate taste and popcorn, all in one? YES PLEASE! Blend 2 teaspoons cocoa powder with 1 teaspoon sugar and one-quarter teaspoon of cinnamon. Add 2 teaspoons of virgin coconut oil to hot, just-popped popcorn, and stir. Add seasoning, stir again, and enjoy.
GOURMET DECADENCE: You’ll want to keep every delicious morsel to yourself. Combine 1 tablespoon of truffle oil with fresh-popped popcorn and then sprinkle with some sea salt or Himalayan Pink Salt.
OLD FAVORITE: Take a trip down memory lane with your favorite childhood combination. Mix 1 tablespoon of peanut butter with 2 teaspoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Microwave the mixture for 20 seconds or until melted. Toss with just popped kernels until coated, then pour the mix evenly onto a cookie tray and wait until cool. Break the mix up and enjoy. If you want a little more grown-up flavor, add a pinch of chili powder to the peanut and honey mix before microwaving.
ROMAN HOLIDAY: Spray warm, just-popped kernels with canola or olive oil and add 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. It’s delizioso *chef’s kiss.*
Here’s an idea for a fun night. Invite your friends over with their favorite popcorn topping recipes. You might discover a new flavor combination.
Do popcorn kernels go bad?
You're not alone if you’ve ever wondered how long a bag of popcorn kernels can sit on the grocery store shelf without going bad.
Never fear; unpopped popcorn can last indefinitely so long as it’s stored in an airtight container. You should try to use popcorn kernels within 6 months of purchase for maximum pop-ability, but they won’t spoil or make you sick. Enjoy!