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
Best Healthy Popcorn Recipes » LeelaLicious (3)

Healthy Cocoa Brown Bag Popcorn - Super Healthy Kids
Best Healthy Popcorn Recipes » LeelaLicious (4)

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
Best Healthy Popcorn Recipes » LeelaLicious (10)

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

    Leave a Reply

  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? ›

Plain, air-popped popcorn is low in fat and calories. It's also rich in fiber and antioxidants. Popcorn is smart for those looking to lose or maintain a healthy weight. Avoid adding too much butter, sugar, or salt to your popcorn.

What is the best way to pop popcorn healthy? ›

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 healthiest bagged popcorn? ›

The 10 Best Healthy Popcorn Brands of 2022, According to...
  • How We Chose.
  • Skinny Pop Original.
  • Lesser Evil Himalayan Pink Salt.
  • Quinn Aged Parmesan and Rosemary.
  • Boom Chicka Pop Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn.
  • Bjorn Qorn.
  • Pipcorn Truffle Mini Popcorn.
  • Newman's Own Organic Touch of Butter.
Sep 27, 2022

How to flavor popcorn with no calories? ›

These seasonings are low in calories and fat and provide a lot of flavor.
  1. Cinnamon.
  2. Cocoa powder.
  3. Chili powder.
  4. Minced lemon or lime zest.
  5. Garlic powder.
  6. Black pepper.
  7. Curry powder.
  8. Nutritional yeast.
Nov 2, 2020

Can I eat healthy popcorn everyday? ›

Even though popcorn is healthy, it is possible to eat too much of it. Both dietitians say that eating an excessive amount of popcorn can lead to bloating, gas and constipation because of its high-fiber content—especially for people who aren't used to eating a lot of fiber.

Is popcorn healthy to lose weight? ›

Popcorn can indeed be a valuable addition to a weight loss diet. Its low-calorie, high-fibre, and whole-grain characteristics make it a filling and nutritious snack option. If you are looking to lose weight, it is essential to consume popcorn healthily, without excessive butter, oil, or sugar.

What is the healthiest oil for making popcorn? ›

Avocado oil boasts the highest smoke point, the healthiest nutrition facts, a great buttery creamy flavor, and overall, the cleanest quality of any oil on the market.

How unhealthy is microwave popcorn? ›

Even so, microwave popcorn can be extremely high in saturated fat and sodium, both of which increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. To reduce your risk, either choose "light" microwave popcorn or use an air popper. You should also go light on the salt and butter, or skip them altogether. American Cancer Society.

What can you 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 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.

Is skinny pop 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.

What can I put on my popcorn that is healthy? ›

8 Healthy Popcorn Toppings Sure to Amaze
  • 8 – Apple Pie Popcorn. You'll swear you're chowing down on a very light and delicate apple pie. ...
  • 7 – Pumpkin Glazed Popcorn. ...
  • 6 – Lemon Kale Popcorn. ...
  • 5 – Lime Cilantro Popcorn. ...
  • 4 – Italian Breadstick Popcorn. ...
  • 3 – Rosemary, Black Pepper and Parmesan Popcorn. ...
  • 2 – Peanut Butter Popcorn.
Dec 4, 2015

Can I eat a lot of popcorn and not gain weight? ›

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 is flavacol? ›

FLAVACOL is a very fine seasoned salt that sticks to the popcorn, whereas a ground salt will tend to fall off. Adding it to the oil as you pop improves the coverage without any fear of burning. This is the tried - and - true original popcorn salt! FLAVACOL is the worlds most popular seasoning salt.

What kind of popcorn is better for you? ›

“The healthiest way to eat popcorn is typically air-popped with no oil or butter and minimal salt added,” Walsh says. “However, there are numerous bagged popcorn products that come pretty close to matching the nutritional facts of air-popped popcorn such as SkinnyPop or BoomChickaPop.”

Can you get healthy popcorn? ›

When it's air-popped and lightly seasoned, popcorn is an efficiently healthy snack. That's because it is a whole grain, and high-fiber whole grains have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and other health problems.

Which popcorn kernels are healthiest? ›

Mushroom popcorn kernels are the healthiest because they are non-GMO, have low cholesterol, are high in fiber and nutrients. With the uncrushable nature of mushroom popcorn, waste is reduced, ensuring that every pack of kernels is intact and ready to deliver all the benefits from each kernel.

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."

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