Quick List - Top Healthy Popcorns
Kara Swanson is a certified nutritionist and the founder of Life Well Lived. She is married to her best friend and the proud mother of three. Her passion is to make nutrition simple+easy+delicious!
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Popcorn - even packaged popcorn - should be little more than corn, salt, oil, and maybe some spices or cheese as seasoning. If you want the healthiest popcorn, avoid products with additional ingredients like artificial flavors or dyes.
You can also start with a plain, air-popped popcorn that just contains corn and maybe salt, and then you can add your own flavorings! It's more work, but it can turn into a fun activity.
You may even want to pay attention to the kind of oil used. Generally speaking, the most healthful oils you might find include olive, coconut, and sunflower oil. Sunflower oil in particular is rich in the essential vitamin E.
Some oils that you may want to avoid due to the generally high level of processing that they go through include canola, vegetable (or soy), corn, and grapeseed oil.
Simple is always best. We often confuse what nutrition is, but when it comes down to it, simple and few ingredients are the way to go. Paying attention to ingredients is really important so make sure you grab popcorn that has few ingredients and ones you actually know like corn, salt, and oil.
In particular, it’s important to keep an eye on the fat and salt content. Generally speaking, you want to keep it under five grams of fat and 100 milligrams of sodium per two-cup serving. This will leave you plenty of wiggle room in terms of the rest of your meals for the day.
When it comes to flavored popcorn, especially sweet varieties, you should also pay attention to the sugar content. Less than six grams is ideal since that would be a quarter of your recommended daily intake of added sugar of 25 grams or less. And of course, always remember to check nutrition labels against serving size!
Popcorn is actually really healthy because it's got fiber and is low in calories. Three cups of popcorn has four grams of fiber and only 100 calories. But that doesn't automatically mean all popcorn is healthy. Be careful and pay attention to added fat and sugar.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||||
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Ingredients | Fat | Sugar | Salt | Vegan | Weight | Packs | Calories | |||||
1 | LesserEvil Himalayan Pink Salt Organic Popcorn | ![]() | Organic Popcorn: Simple Acts, Clean Snacks | Organic NON-GMO Popcorn, Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Himalayan Salt | 3 grams | 0 grams | 90 milligrams | 0.46 ounces | 24 | 50 calories | ||
2 | SkinnyPop Original Popped Popcorn | ![]() | Guilt-Free Movie Night with SkinnyPop Popcorn | Popcorn, Sunflower Oil, Salt | 7 grams | 0 grams | 50 milligrams | 0.65 ounces | 30 | 100 calories | ||
3 | Smartfood® White Cheddar Popcorn | ![]() | Irresistibly cheesy, perfectly air | Popcorn, Vegetable Oil (Corn, Canola, and/or Sunflower Oil) | 6 grams | 1 grams | 150 milligrams | 0.62 ounces | 10 | 100 calories | ||
4 | pur Sea Salt Popcorn | ![]() | Simply popped, perfectly salted | Popcorn, Coconut Oil, Sea Salt | 5 grams | 1 grams | 170 milligrams | 12 ounces | 1 | 130 calories | ||
5 | Jolly Time Healthy Pop 100's | ![]() | Light, crispy, and packed with buttery flavor | 100% Whole Grain Non-GMO Popcorn, Palm Oil, Sea Salt | 2 grams | 1 grams | 240 milligrams | 1.2 ounces | 30 | 20 calories | ||
6 | Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP Sea Salt Popcorn | ![]() | Popcorn That Will Make Your Mouth Go Boom | Popcorn, Sunflower Oil, Sea Salt | 9 grams | 0 grams | 150 milligrams | 4.4ounces | 4 | 150 calories | ||
7 | SkinnyPop Dairy Free White Cheddar | ![]() | Cheesy flavor, guilt-free crunch | Popcorn, Sunflower Oil, Natural Non-Dairy Cheddar Flavor, Salt, Rice Flour | 6 grams | 0 grams | 75 milligrams | 0.65 ounces | 6 | 100 calories | ||
8 | SMARTFOOD® Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn Flavored Popcorn | ![]() | Fairground Flavors, Anytime, Anywhere | Sugar, Popcorn, Canola Oil, Corn Syrup, Salt, Soy Lecithin, Caramel Color, Natural Flavors, Rosemary Extract (Antioxidant), and Ascorbic Acid (Antioxidant) | 3 grams | 6 grams | 55 milligrams | 0.5 ounces | 40 | 70 calories | ||
9 | BOOMCHICKAPOP Caramel and Cheddar Mix Popcorn | ![]() | Sweet caramel meets bold cheddar—snacking perfection | Brown Sugar, Cane Sugar, Popcorn, Brown Rice Syrup, Butter | 1 grams | 9 grams | 130 milligrams | 6 ounces | 1 | 100 calories | ||
10 | SkinnyPop Cheddar Jalapeno Popcorn | ![]() | Cheesy, spicy, and irresistibly light | Sunflower Oil, Organic Whey, Organic Non-Fat Dry Milk, Peppers | 8 grams | 2 grams | 200 milligrams | 4.4 ounces | 1 | 140 calories |
Ingredients | Organic NON-GMO Popcorn, Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Himalayan Salt |
---|---|
Packs | 24 |
Calories | 50 calories |
Enjoy a wholesome snacking experience with 24 snack-size bags of organic popcorn, each containing just 50 calories. Perfect for any lunchbox, this popcorn is crafted from just three high-quality ingredients: organic popcorn, organic extra virgin coconut oil, and Himalayan pink salt. Free from random vegetable oils, it offers a clean, satisfying snack option.
This popcorn is air-popped to create tender, fluffy kernels, tumbled in coconut oil, and sprinkled with Himalayan salt for a taste of simple perfection. By sourcing the finest organic ingredients and using minimal processing, this snack is both delicious and earth-friendly. Embracing sustainability and organic sourcing, this popcorn embodies the belief that simple acts can lead to great results, making clean snacking accessible to everyone.
Fat | 3 grams |
---|---|
Sugar | 0 grams |
Salt | 90 milligrams |
Vegan | |
Weight | 0.46 ounces |
Ingredients | Popcorn, Sunflower Oil, Salt |
---|---|
Packs | 30 |
Calories | 100 calories |
Transform your movie nights with the delicious and guilt-free enjoyment of SkinnyPop popcorn. Each box contains 30 individual bags, each weighing 0.65 ounces, making it the perfect snack for any occasion. With only 100 calories per bag, this Non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and peanut and tree nut-free treat has no artificial ingredients, zero trans fat, and zero preservatives. It's also a good source of fiber, ensuring a healthy snacking experience without compromising on taste.
SkinnyPop popcorn is ideal for kids' lunches, breaks between video calls, or simply as a satisfying snack for yourself. Whether you're stocking up for back-to-school snacks or just looking for a convenient, healthy option, SkinnyPop has you covered. Founded on the belief that everyone deserves snacks that are both delicious and good for them, SkinnyPop lets you enjoy your popcorn guilt-free.
Fat | 7 grams |
---|---|
Sugar | 0 grams |
Salt | 50 milligrams |
Vegan | |
Weight | 0.65 ounces |
Ingredients | Popcorn, Vegetable Oil (Corn, Canola, and/or Sunflower Oil) |
---|---|
Packs | 10 |
Calories | 100 calories |
Enjoy the light, crispy crunch of Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn, coated in rich, real cheddar cheese for a bold, savory flavor in every bite. Made by Frito-Lay, this perfectly seasoned snack delivers deliciously cheesy goodness with a satisfyingly airy texture.
Whether you're snacking at home, on the go, or sharing with friends, this 6.25-ounce bag is packed with mouthwatering white cheddar flavor—because great taste should always be this smart and delicious.
Fat | 6 grams |
---|---|
Sugar | 1 grams |
Salt | 150 milligrams |
Vegan | |
Weight | 0.62 ounces |
Ingredients | Popcorn, Coconut Oil, Sea Salt |
---|---|
Packs | 1 |
Calories | 130 calories |
Savor the light, crunchy goodness of PUR Sea Salt Popcorn, made with just three simple ingredients for a 100% natural, guilt-free snack. Kettle-popped to fluffy perfection, this whole grain, preservative-free popcorn delivers the perfect touch of sea salt for a balanced, satisfying flavor.
Now available in a party-size bag, it's ideal for sharing at gatherings, movie nights, or everyday snacking. Vegan, non-GMO, and peanut-free, PUR popcorn makes healthier choices effortless—because great taste should always be this pure and simple.
Fat | 5 grams |
---|---|
Sugar | 1 grams |
Salt | 170 milligrams |
Vegan | |
Weight | 12 ounces |
Ingredients | 100% Whole Grain Non-GMO Popcorn, Palm Oil, Sea Salt |
---|---|
Packs | 30 |
Calories | 20 calories |
Enjoy the perfect balance of butter and sea salt with Jolly Time Healthy Pop 100’s, a 100-calorie, whole-grain snack that’s light, crispy, and satisfying. Each single-serve mini bag pops up 5 cups of delicious, hot popcorn, making it an ideal on-the-go treat for work, lunch, or movie nights.
Made with non-GMO kernels, gluten-free ingredients, and 0g trans fat, this high-fiber, low-calorie popcorn delivers classic buttery flavor without the guilt. Kosher, vegetarian, and made in the USA, Jolly Time has been America’s trusted popcorn brand since 1914—because smart snacking should always taste this good.
Fat | 2 grams |
---|---|
Sugar | 1 grams |
Salt | 240 milligrams |
Vegan | |
Weight | 1.2 ounces |
Ingredients | Popcorn, Sunflower Oil, Sea Salt |
---|---|
Packs | 4 |
Calories | 150 calories |
Indulge in a delightful snacking experience with four 4.4-ounce bags of Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP Sea Salt Popcorn. Made with real, simple ingredients like sunflower oil and sea salt, this popcorn offers a deliciously clean and satisfying snack. Each pre-popped bag is perfect for grabbing on the go, providing a convenient salty treat that's ready to eat anytime.
With just 40 calories per cup, this whole-grain, non-GMO popcorn is a guilt-free pleasure. Gluten-free and vegan, it's an excellent choice for a variety of dietary needs. Stock up on Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP for a wholesome snack that fits seamlessly into a healthy lifestyle.
Fat | 9 grams |
---|---|
Sugar | 0 grams |
Salt | 150 milligrams |
Vegan | |
Weight | 4.4ounces |
Ingredients | Popcorn, Sunflower Oil, Natural Non-Dairy Cheddar Flavor, Salt, Rice Flour |
---|---|
Packs | 6 |
Calories | 100 calories |
Enjoy big cheddar taste with SkinnyPop Cheddar Cheese Popcorn, a light, airy, and deliciously satisfying snack with only 43 calories per cup. Made with non-GMO, gluten-free ingredients, this dairy-free, preservative-free popcorn delivers bold cheddar flavor without artificial ingredients or trans fat.
Perfect for lunches, work breaks, or movie nights, each individually portioned bag is a healthy, fiber-rich snack you can enjoy anytime. SkinnyPop does popcorn right—so you can snack smarter without sacrificing taste.
Fat | 6 grams |
---|---|
Sugar | 0 grams |
Salt | 75 milligrams |
Vegan | |
Weight | 0.65 ounces |
Ingredients | Sugar, Popcorn, Canola Oil, Corn Syrup, Salt, Soy Lecithin, Caramel Color, Natural Flavors, Rosemary Extract (Antioxidant), and Ascorbic Acid (Antioxidant) |
---|---|
Packs | 40 |
Calories | 70 calories |
Indulge in this gluten-free, Non-GMO Project Verified treat that contains 70 calories per serving. Ideal for movie nights, parties, road trips, or any time you're craving a delicious snack. With its simple ingredients and real flavors, this kettle corn brings the fairground fun straight to your home.
Fat | 3 grams |
---|---|
Sugar | 6 grams |
Salt | 55 milligrams |
Vegan | |
Weight | 0.5 ounces |
Ingredients | Brown Sugar, Cane Sugar, Popcorn, Brown Rice Syrup, Butter |
---|---|
Packs | 1 |
Calories | 100 calories |
Satisfy your cravings with Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP Caramel & Cheddar Popcorn Mix, a delicious blend of buttery caramel sweetness and real cheddar cheese. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it an irresistible snack for any occasion.
With 100 calories per cup, zero trans fat, and made with non-GMO, whole-grain popcorn, this gluten-free, kosher treat is ready to enjoy straight from the bag. Grab a handful and experience snacking bliss in every bite!
Fat | 1 grams |
---|---|
Sugar | 9 grams |
Salt | 130 milligrams |
Vegan | |
Weight | 6 ounces |
Ingredients | Sunflower Oil, Organic Whey, Organic Non-Fat Dry Milk, Peppers |
---|---|
Packs | 1 |
Calories | 140 calories |
Turn up the heat with SkinnyPop Cheddar Jalapeño Popcorn, a boldly flavored, crunchy snack that combines rich cheddar cheese with a kick of jalapeño spice. With just 47 calories per cup, this GMO-free, gluten-free popcorn lets you indulge guilt-free while satisfying your spicy cravings.
Perfect for movie nights, lunchboxes, or on-the-go snacking, this light and airy popcorn delivers the cheesy, spicy punch you love with the clean ingredients you trust. Snack away—SkinnyPop makes it deliciously easy!
Fat | 8 grams |
---|---|
Sugar | 2 grams |
Salt | 200 milligrams |
Vegan | |
Weight | 4.4 ounces |
Now that you've gotten the basic information about how to choose a healthy popcorn down, expert Kara Swanson has a few more tips to add into the mix about making your own popcorn and flavoring it in a healthy way.
I highly recommend making your own popcorn! We love air popping our own and adding a little coconut oil or vegan butter. Or if you don't have an air popper you can make it on the stove. This way you also have control over how much salt you add. I've even come to love popcorn without added salt in my attempt to cut down on sodium.
If you love cheesy popcorn, try adding nutritional yeast to your popcorn. This works best if you make your own popcorn so the nutritional yeast sticks to the popped kernels better. Nutritional yeast has a cheesy flavor and is very nutritious and high in B Vitamins.
Peanut butter cups are an amazing sweet treat that is hard to keep away from! However, it can be high in calories and fat. Instead of pigging out on the candies, why not try this healthier, popcorn-inspired alternative? Kara Swanson's prepared an amazing, healthified recipe. You can find the exact same recipe on her site, here.
*Please note that the picture provided is not of the completed recipe.
Ingredients:
Directions:
In an air popper, air pop the popcorn kernels. If you can have an air popper, you can make the popcorn on the stove with a little bit of oil.
In a small saucepan, combine honey and coconut sugar. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add the peanut butter. Stir until combined.
In a large bowl, pour peanut butter mixture over popcorn. Gently toss with a wooden spoon until popcorn is coated. Spread popcorn on a sheet of parchment paper. Drizzle popcorn with melted chocolate.
Cool completely and stir in the chopped peanut butter cups.
If you want something else to munch on with your popcorn, consider one of these options!
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: LesserEvil|Himalayan Pink Salt Organic Popcorn
No. 2: SkinnyPop|Original Popped Popcorn
No. 3: Smartfood®|White Cheddar Popcorn
No. 4: pur|Sea Salt Popcorn
No. 5: Jolly Time|Healthy Pop 100's
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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