Best Healthy Popcorn Recipes » LeelaLicious (2024)

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by Regina | Leelalicious 6 Comments

There are more creative and healthier ways than butter and salt to spice or sweeten up your favorite movie snack - popcorn! Try one of these Best Healthy Popcorn Recipes to snackon during your next movie night in.

Best Healthy Popcorn Recipes » LeelaLicious (1)

We are a family of snackers. Both Konrad and I are nightowls to some extend. That means we are usually still up for quite a while after supper. Sooner or later in the night one of us is hit by the munchies.

Konrad absolutely loves his dill pickle chips as first choice snack - the crazy Canadian that he is. Luckily (because they really aren't healthy) they are impossible to find outside of Canada. So our alternative crunchy snack has been homemade popcorn. Especially he could have it every night.

There are great ways to flavor your freshlypopped popcorn in healthy ways.I am a sucker for sweet flavored popcorn. Growing up in Germany, caramel or kettle corn was the only kind of popcorn I had ever tasted until moving to Canada.

Konrad, on the contrary, is all for salty savory flavors. So I've collected the best of both sweet and savory healthy popcorn recipes in this roundup.

All these recipes start out with freshly made popcorn - not the kind from prepackaged microwave bags! If you are looking for ways to make healthier popcorn at home, check out this air popcorn poppers review post. And be sure to use non-GMO popcorn kernels.

If you enjoythis post, please:

Best Healthy Popcorn Recipes - Sweet

Healthy Caramel Corn - Leelalicious
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Matcha Popcorn - Fork and Flower
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Healthy Cocoa Brown Bag Popcorn - Super Healthy Kids
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Chai Tea Popcorn - Bev Cooks
Best Healthy Popcorn Recipes » LeelaLicious (5)

Honey Popcorn Balls - Gimme Some Oven
Best Healthy Popcorn Recipes » LeelaLicious (6)

Easy Dark Chocolate Popcorn with Sea Salt - Cup of Jo
Best Healthy Popcorn Recipes » LeelaLicious (7)

Peanut Butter Drizzled Popcorn - The Lemon Bowl
Best Healthy Popcorn Recipes » LeelaLicious (8)

Honey Cinnamon Popcorn - Naturally Ella
Best Healthy Popcorn Recipes » LeelaLicious (9)

Best Healthy Popcorn Recipes - Savory

Garlic Rosemary Popcorn - Leelalicious
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Smoked Paprika & Rosemary Olive Oil Popcorn - Cookin Canuck
Best Healthy Popcorn Recipes » LeelaLicious (11)

Garlic + Dill Popcorn Recipe - Simply Shellie
Best Healthy Popcorn Recipes » LeelaLicious (12)

Chili + Lime Coconut Oil Popcorn - Killing Thyme
Best Healthy Popcorn Recipes » LeelaLicious (13)

Lemony Kale Healthy Popcorn Snack - Simply Fresh Dinners
Best Healthy Popcorn Recipes » LeelaLicious (14)

Garlic Parmesan Popcorn - The Gracious Pantry
Best Healthy Popcorn Recipes » LeelaLicious (15)

Italian Breadstick Popcorn - Pastry Affair
Best Healthy Popcorn Recipes » LeelaLicious (16)

Pizza Popcorn - Foxes Love Lemons
Best Healthy Popcorn Recipes » LeelaLicious (17)

All these recipes start out with freshly made popcorn - not the kind from prepackaged microwave bags! If you are looking for ways to make healthier popcorn at home, check out this popcorn poppers review post.

Random Questions

What can I add to popcorn to make it healthier?

Opt for natural flavorings like herbs, spices, or nutritional yeast instead of butter and salt. Ingredients like cinnamon, cocoa powder, or honey can also add sweetness without sacrificing healthiness.

What is the healthiest form of popcorn?

Air-popped popcorn is generally considered the healthiest option as it doesn't involve any oil or butter. It is lower in calories and fat compared to other methods of popping.

What can I put on popcorn instead of butter?

Try using alternatives like olive oil, coconut oil, or ghee for a flavorful and healthier option than butter. Additionally, you can use various herbs, spices, or nutritional yeast to enhance the taste.

What is the best thing to mix with popcorn?

Various seasonings like garlic, rosemary, paprika, or parmesan cheese can be great options to mix with popcorn for added flavor and variety. You can also experiment with different combinations of sweet and savory flavors.

Disclosure: This postincludes Amazon affiliate links. If you decide to buy through them, I may earna small commission – at no added cost to you. Thank you for your support!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. Chevaun

    Cannot wait to try these recipes! Thanks so much for saving me from going insane! My normal sea salt or coconut oil popcorn was getting beyond boring, I almost reached for the naughty snacks ! Weight loss diet is on track! 🙂 Cheers

    Reply

    • Regina

      Yay glad to hear these recipes could help

      Reply

  2. rachel @ athletic avocado

    woah chai tea popcorn!? All of these popcorn recipes sounds delicious! I never knew popcorn could be made so many different ways! Pinning for later 🙂

    Reply

    • Regina

      I know eh, that chai flavored popcorn sounds amazing! I would have never thought of that 🙂

      Reply

  3. Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners

    Wow, what a great collection, Regina. I am definitely going to be trying some of these unique recipes. That Easy Dark Chocolate Popcorn with Sea Salt is waiting for me! Thanks so much for including my recipe!

    Reply

    • Regina

      Thank you Robyn! Oh yes, I am a sucker for dark chocolate too 😉

      Reply

Best Healthy Popcorn Recipes » LeelaLicious (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest popcorn to make? ›

Air popped popcorn uses no oil, meaning it has the fewest calories. “Popping it in oil, however, is a great way to consume a healthy portion of fat to control hunger,” Jeffers says. Not only can you manage serving size, but you can also make it in under 10 minutes in most cases.

What is the best way to pop popcorn healthy? ›

For the healthiest results, pop your corn in an air popper or in the microwave. If using the microwave, put 1/4 cup of kernels in a paper bag, fold the top over twice, and microwave on high for about two minutes, or until the popping slows to about two seconds between pops.

What is the healthiest oil for popping popcorn? ›

Canola Oil: Canola oil is a popular choice for making popcorn, mainly because it has a high smoke point. That means it can handle the heat of popping without breaking down and producing harmful compounds.

Can I eat healthy popcorn everyday? ›

Eating popcorn every night is generally not a problem, as long as it is consumed in moderation and prepared in a healthy manner. However, it's important to consider the nutritional content and portion sizes. Plain air-popped or lightly salted popcorn can be a good low-calorie snack option.

Is popcorn the healthiest junk food? ›

Popcorn is a healthy snack when it's air-popped and served without ingredients high in fat, salt, or sugar. Popcorn is high in important nutrients, including fiber. Popcorn is one of the world's healthiest and most popular snack foods. It is loaded with important nutrients and offers a variety of health benefits.

What is the most unhealthy popcorn? ›

Worst: Lance's Movie Theater Butter 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.

What can I put on popcorn instead of butter? ›

Butter Substitutes for Popcorn
  • Olive Oil. Olive oil is a healthy and tasty alternative to butter. ...
  • Trail Mix. Adding trail mix to your popcorn can introduce a variety of flavors while also providing a healthy alternative to butter. ...
  • Coconut Oil. ...
  • Avocado Oil. ...
  • Ghee. ...
  • Canola Oil.
Jan 3, 2023

What is a healthy alternative to butter on popcorn? ›

One alternative to traditional butter is olive oil. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy fats. These fats can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition, olive oil adds a unique flavor to popcorn, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Is stovetop popcorn healthier than microwave? ›

Then there's the nutritional comparison. Depending on how much oil you use, making your popcorn on the stove should save you a few calories compared to the microwave stuff. Plus, unlike with Pop Secret, you're not forced to make a whole bag's worth (and subsequently eat it in its entirety, because you're only human).

Why do you soak popcorn in water? ›

To make your popcorn pop better, try soaking the kernels in a bowl of water for 10 minutes and then draining them. Then, pop the kernels as usual. The extra moisture added to the kernels helps produce larger and fluffier popcorn. Another option is to keep the lid ajar if you're popping your popcorn on the stove.

How do you flavor air-popped popcorn without oil? ›

Melt sugar in large pot on low over stove, stirring so a brown liquid forms. Then add in popped corn and stir so all sides of each puff get coated. While the sugar is still hot, sprinkle salt on top of the popcorn so it gets stuck in the sugar.

Is it OK to eat popcorn while on a diet? ›

Because of popcorn's high fiber content, its low calorie count and its low energy density, popcorn is considered to be a food that can aid in weight loss.

What oil do cinemas use for popcorn? ›

Coconut oil: Some movie theaters use coconut oil for their popcorn, so this recipe does too. Clarified butter or ghee: Clarified butter or ghee gives the popcorn a clean, rich, buttery flavor.

Is Skinny Pop actually healthy? ›

Given its name, a consumer might well think that SkinnyPop is lower in calories and fat, but it actually contains more of both than the other four popcorns have. On its website the company defines "skinny" not as diet-friendly but as "using the fewest, cleanest and simplest ingredients possible."

Is SkinnyPop healthier than microwave popcorn? ›

Given its name, a consumer might well think that SkinnyPop is lower in calories and fat, but it actually contains more of both than the other four popcorns have. On its website the company defines "skinny" not as diet-friendly but as "using the fewest, cleanest and simplest ingredients possible."

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.

Is bagged popcorn healthier than microwave popcorn? ›

Microwave Popcorn sold in those pouches contain the popcorn kernels, plus fats/oils, salt, artificial flavorings, artificial coloring, and preservatives. Plain hot-air popped popcorn is therefore, much healthier than microwave popcorn.

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