The Best & Worst Popcorn in America—Ranked! (2024)

Popcorn is one of the best salty snacks out there, because not only is it tasty, but it's light enough that you can feel good about eating a heaping serving of it. But while some popcorn varieties will fit well into a healthy eating plan, others are simply an indulgence.

For example, you probably already know that movie theater popcorn is a salt and calorie bomb. At AMC, a small popcorn without butter has 740 milligrams of sodium—and adding that butter to it will only make it worse. Sure, it's delicious, but it's going to set you way back on your nutrition for the week.

Don't worry, though. What you can do instead is find other alternatives to the heavy movie theater popcorn that you can enjoy at home. We've compiled a list here of a bunch of options you can grab at the grocery store and ranked them as far as their nutrition goes. Taking a look at calories, sugar, sodium, and ingredients, we've outlined which popcorn is the best to choose if you want a healthy option. As you go through, you'll notice that the best way to go is with microwave popcorn you can make yourself. Check out the rest of the list and take a look at our collection of 22 Meals to Melt Belly Fat in 2022.

Cheetos Popcorn

The Best & Worst Popcorn in America—Ranked! (1)

28g serving: 160 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 260mg sodium, 13g carbs (2g fiber, 2g sugar), 3g protein

For the cheesiest popcorn experience, Cheetos popcorn is an option. While it's a little higher in sodium than regular popcorn, where you're really running into trouble is with the fat. This is one popcorn that should be saved for a special treat.

Pop Zero Cinema Popcorn

The Best & Worst Popcorn in America—Ranked! (3)

28g serving: 150 calories, 8g fat (0 g saturated fat), 190mg sodium, 15g carbs (3g fiber, 0g sugar), 2g protein

Pop Zero makes a healthier alternative to the popcorn you typically get at the movie theater. Much lower in fat, calories, and carbs, this popcorn is instead a plant-based snack. But while it's a better option, it's still far from the healthiest one out there.

Orville Redenbacher SmartPop!

The Best & Worst Popcorn in America—Ranked! (4)

37g serving: 120 calories, 2g fat (.5g saturated fat), 340mg sodium, 26g carbs (4g fiber, 0g sugar), 4g protein

Orville Redenbacher's SmartPop! popcorn packets are the brand's healthier option, however, this popcorn still clocks a good amount of sodium and carbs. But considering the saltier, fattier popcorn options, this one from a classic brand isn't a bad way to go.

G.H. Cretors Cheese and Caramel Mix

The Best & Worst Popcorn in America—Ranked! (5)

28g serving: 140 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 220mg sodium, 17g carbs (1g fiber, 10g sugar), 2g protein

There's no denying the salty-sweet deliciousness of G.H. Cretors Cheese and Caramel Mix popcorn. With the sharp cheddar flavor balanced by the crunchy caramel, you're getting a well-balanced treat that can satisfy all the cravings. What you're also getting, though, is the sugar from the caramel—and it can add up fast. Using a bowl or plate can help keep portion sizes in control.

Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn

The Best & Worst Popcorn in America—Ranked! (6)

28g serving: 160 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 240 mg sodium, 13g carbs (2g fiber, 2g sugar), 4g protein

Smartfood lives up to its name. It packs a punch of cheesy flavor without a ton of sodium. Each serving even has 4 grams of protein, which is an added bonus and will help keep you full.

Indiana Drizzled Black & White Kettlecorn

The Best & Worst Popcorn in America—Ranked! (7)

28g serving: 130 calories, 6g fat (3.5 g saturated fat), 75mg sodium, 20g carbs (1g fiber, 13g sugar), 1g protein

Never again will you have to choose between chocolate and popcorn—and this combo is super sweet. Not only is it kettle corn to begin with, but it's then drizzled in chocolate, as well. It's no wonder it has quite a big of sugar in it, though the calories and sodium aren't bad.

Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn

The Best & Worst Popcorn in America—Ranked! (8)

28g serving: 140 calories, 8g fat (.5g saturated fat), 110mg sodium, 18g carbs (2g fiber, 8g sugar), 1g protein

Of course with kettle corn, you're going to have added sugar—it has to get sweet somehow. A serving of this brand contains 8 grams, which isn't terrible if you don't have a lot of other sugar in your day. And actually, with a fairly low calorie count, this makes for a decent sweet snack while watching Netflix.

Skinny Pop

The Best & Worst Popcorn in America—Ranked! (9)

28g serving: 150 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 75mg sodium, 15g carbs (3g fiber, 0g sugar), 2g protein

Skinny Pop comes in a few different flavors, but you can't go wrong with the classic popcorn. It's a low-cal snack that's also incredibly low in sodium, making it an excellent healthy choice without tasting bland.

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LesserEvil Himalayan Gold Popcorn

The Best & Worst Popcorn in America—Ranked! (10)

28g serving: 110 calories, 5g fat (4g saturated fat), 170mg sodium, 15g carbs (5g fiber, 0g sugar), 2g protein

This popcorn is a little lower in calories than some of the other options and is made from organic ingredients. Plus, because it's made from coconut oil, you'll get the faintest hint of coconut flavor!

Lily's Sweets, Milk Chocolate Style Caramel Popcorn

The Best & Worst Popcorn in America—Ranked! (11)

28g serving: 120 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 75mg sodium, 18g carbs (9g fiber, <1g sugar), 1g protein

Though you might be inclined to think that this chocolate-covered popcorn is super indulgent, you'd be surprised to know that it's really not! It's sweetened with Stevia, so it's low in sugar, and packs a huge wallop of fiber. If you want a rich popcorn treat, opt for this one.

ACT II Butter Lovers Microwave Popcorn

The Best & Worst Popcorn in America—Ranked! (12)

1 cup serving: 25 calories, 1g fat (.5g saturated fat), 45mg sodium, 3g carbs (<1g fiber, 0g sugar), <1g protein

For being a buttery option, this microwave popcorn actually isn't horrible. It's incredibly low in calories and carbs, which makes it a better choice than other prepackaged buttery popcorns.

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Pipcorn Sea Salt Popcorn

The Best & Worst Popcorn in America—Ranked! (13)

28g serving: 120 calories, 6g fat (.5g saturated fat), 120mg sodium, 19g carbs (5g fiber, 1g sugar), 3g protein

Pipcorn doesn't have anything extra when it comes to ingredients. The carbs and fiber you're getting are natural from the corn itself. The only things added are a bit of oil and salt to pop the corn and flavor it.

Jolly Time Healthy Pop Microwave Popcorn

The Best & Worst Popcorn in America—Ranked! (14)

1 cup serving: 20 calories, 0g fat (0g saturated fat), 45mg sodium, 5g carbs (<1g fiber, 0g sugar), <1g protein

Jolly Time keeps the sodium, sugar, and fat content super low in this healthier popcorn option. Though the ingredients have a few more additives than some other options, this is still a great healthy choice.

365 by WFM Microwave Light Butter Popcorn

The Best & Worst Popcorn in America—Ranked! (15)

1 cup serving: 30 calories, .5g fat (0g saturated fat), 45mg sodium, 5g carbs (<1g fiber, 0g sugar), <1g protein

What you'll get with this light popcorn is a filling snack that doesn't have a whole lot to it. It only has a little bit of oil, salt, and flavoring, which keeps all the nutrition content low. If you're looking for a healthy popcorn, this is your winner!

And for more check out: 6 Things You'll See at Costco This Year.

The Best & Worst Popcorn in America—Ranked! (2024)

FAQs

What is the most unhealthy popcorn? ›

"With 11 grams of fat 2.5 cups serving, Lance's Movie Theater Butter Popcorn is on the unhealthier side when it comes to bagged popcorn," says Megan Huff, RD, LD, Cardiac ICU Dietitian.

Which popcorn is closest to movie theater popcorn? ›

Blast O Butter®

Blast O Butter microwave popcorn tastes like it's straight out of the theater's popcorn machine! Whether is a spontaneous late-night craving or a movie marathon, grab your Blast O Butter and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

What is the most popular popcorn brand in America? ›

Most eaten brands of popcorn products in the U.S. 2020

The data has been calculated by Statista based on the U.S. Census data and Simmons National Consumer Survey (NHCS). According to this statistic, 63.59 million Americans consumed Orville Redenbacher in 2020.

What popcorn to avoid? ›

Air-popped popcorn is a healthy snack, but it's best to avoid microwave popcorn.

Is it bad to eat popcorn every day? ›

Because of its low calorie content, low energy density, high fiber content and increased satiety, eating popcorn may help you eat fewer calories and lose weight. However, moderation is key. Even though it is much more filling than many other snack foods, it can still be fattening if you eat too much of it.

What tastes like popcorn but isn't popcorn? ›

🍿Sorghum, Buckwheat, Barley and Quinoa can all be popped just like corn and make a delicious treat!

Why does cinema popcorn taste so good? ›

The flavor all comes down to one ingredient: Flavacol. You've likely never heard of Flavacol because, really, only movie theaters use it. Essentially, it's butter-flavored salt. It's a really fine, bright orange powder that adds that buttery flavor you crave and the signature yellow color.

What is the best movie popcorn? ›

Cinemark edges ahead of AMC and Regal because it pops its corn in canola oil, which is nonhydrogenated and (relatively) lower in fat than other oils. Plus, anyone who makes stovetop popcorn at home can tell you it's the canola oil, not the butter, that gives popcorn its signature savory taste.

Is Orville Redenbacher real? ›

Orville Redenbacher isn't just a brand name; he was a real person. Born in 1907 in a small town in Indiana, Orville was named after Orville Wright of the Wright brothers. His father was a farmer, and Orville got involved in agriculture from a young age. At just 12, he started a small business growing popcorn.

Which popcorn is healthiest, white or yellow? ›

Nutritional Value

Approximately 31 calories and 1.2 grams of fiber are found in one cup of air-popped white popcorn, while 35 calories and 1 gram of fiber are found in one cup of air-popped yellow popcorn. Both varieties of popcorn are regarded as nutritious treats despite these minor variations.

What is the best butter for popcorn? ›

Clarified butter or ghee, a type of clarified butter, is the best bet for coating your kernels. Regular butter contains water and milk solids, which lead to a soggy snack. The water and milk solids are removed from clarified butter and ghee.

What is the oldest popcorn brand? ›

The American Pop Corn Company is a family owned popcorn producer. Founded in 1914, it is the oldest popcorn company in the United States. Its only brand, Jolly Time, is sold globally and in every state in America. It employs 185 people, and its headquarters are in Sioux City, Iowa.

What is the most liked popcorn? ›

Buttered Popcorn

This timeless flavour has been a go-to for popcorn lovers for decades. The rich, buttery goodness adds a creamy texture to the popcorn, making it an irresistible treat.

What ingredient in popcorn is bad for you? ›

People who work around popcorn can inhale large amounts of a chemical known as diacetyl, which some companies add to their popcorn because it mimics the taste of butter. When a person inhales it, diacetyl can cause a rare lung disease known as bronchiolitis obliterans.

Which is better, Skinny Pop or Lesser Evil? ›

I tried three different brands of salted popcorn to find out which snack was the most satisfying. I loved Lesser Evil's popcorn because it was flavorful, satisfying, and kept me reaching for more. I thought Skinny Pop's snack tasted a bit plain and the kernels were kind of soft.

Which popcorn is healthiest white or yellow? ›

Nutritional Value

Approximately 31 calories and 1.2 grams of fiber are found in one cup of air-popped white popcorn, while 35 calories and 1 gram of fiber are found in one cup of air-popped yellow popcorn. Both varieties of popcorn are regarded as nutritious treats despite these minor variations.

Why is microwave popcorn so bad for you? ›

Bottom Line: Microwave popcorn can be a convenient option for a fun snack, but beware that the added flavorings can cause fat, calories and sodium to stack up quickly. Most companies use simple ingredients but the check labels of your favorite brands. When all else fails – make your own!

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