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.

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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
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Honey Popcorn Balls - Gimme Some Oven
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Easy Dark Chocolate Popcorn with Sea Salt - Cup of Jo
Best Healthy Popcorn Recipes » LeelaLicious (7)

Peanut Butter Drizzled Popcorn - The Lemon Bowl
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Honey Cinnamon Popcorn - Naturally Ella
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Best Healthy Popcorn Recipes - Savory

Garlic Rosemary Popcorn - Leelalicious
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Smoked Paprika & Rosemary Olive Oil Popcorn - Cookin Canuck
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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
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Garlic Parmesan Popcorn - The Gracious Pantry
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Italian Breadstick Popcorn - Pastry Affair
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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? ›

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 healthiest oil to make popcorn with? ›

Walnut, avocado or extra virgin olive oils are best when making popcorn on the stovetop. Canola oil is the next best option. Flaxseed and wheat germ oil shouldn't be heated, so they don't really work for popping popcorn.

Is popcorn healthy to eat every day? ›

Popcorn is high in several important nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and polyphenol antioxidants. Not only that, but it is also incredibly tasty and one of the world's best sources of fiber. At the end of the day, popcorn is very healthy and consuming it in moderation may even help with weight loss.

What can I add to popcorn to make it better? ›

For savory popcorn: Olive oil, kosher salt, and nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is the perfect seasoning if you want cheesy flavor but also want vegan popcorn seasoning. For sweet popcorn: Olive oil, cinnamon, and a dash of brown sugar. This will satisfy your sweet cravings without making your teeth hurt!

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 happens when you eat too much popcorn? ›

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 Homemade popcorn healthy? ›

Yes, popcorn is fun, but it's also healthy. Popcorn is a whole grain and a good source of fiber. And 3 cups of plain, air-popped popcorn weighs in at only about 95 calories. For the healthiest results, pop your corn in an air popper or in the microwave.

What oil do movie theaters use for popcorn? ›

The most usual configuration for “movie theatre style popcorn” is: high quality corn. popped in coconut oil (it doesn't impart any coconut flavor but a high-fat oil is the most important ingredient in making something taste like “movie popcorn”)

Is olive oil better than avocado oil for popcorn? ›

Oil – My favorite oil for tasty, perfectly crisp popcorn is avocado oil. It adds great flavor and richness. Other oils that can be used are extra virgin olive oil or refined coconut oil. Movie theaters typically use canola oil, but that's not the best oil in regards to keeping this recipe healthy.

What is a good substitute for butter on popcorn? ›

Adding trail mix to your popcorn can introduce a variety of flavors while also providing a healthy alternative to butter. Peanuts, almonds, and dried unsweetened fruit are good options. However, use trail mix carefully when adding it to popcorn, as too much can increase your caloric intake.

Can I eat popcorn while trying 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.

Is popcorn bad for cholesterol? ›

Popcorn is a great snack option for people with high cholesterol and is a great alternative to snacks that often increase cholesterol such as chips and nachos. Make sure to prepare homemade popcorn cooked in vegetable oils such as olive oil instead of buying packed.

Can dogs eat popcorn? ›

Plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. Buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings is not safe for your dog on a regular basis, although eating a few dropped pieces here and there probably won't hurt them.

Can homemade popcorn be healthy? ›

In addition to being high in fiber, popcorn also contains phenolic acids, a type of antioxidant. In addition, popcorn is a whole grain, an important food group that may reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension in humans.

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."

How unhealthy is microwave popcorn? ›

Even if you ignore all the harmful chemicals in the packaging and the artificial flavors in the popcorn, you can't get around the fact that most microwave popcorn is loaded with saturated fats like palm oil. Some popular brands contain up to 4 grams of saturated fat in a single serving.

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