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.
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 reviewpost. And be sure to use non-GMO popcorn kernels.
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 reviewpost.
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.
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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
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Regina
Yay glad to hear these recipes could help
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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
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 😉
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.
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.
Even though it is much more filling than many other snack foods, it can still be fattening if you eat too much of it. Popcorn is high in fiber, relatively low in calories and has a low energy density. Eating it in moderation may help with weight loss.
"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.
Plain air-popped or lightly salted popcorn can be a good low-calorie snack option. Just be cautious of excessive butter, oil, or toppings that can add extra calories and unhealthy fats. It's always a good idea to maintain a balanced diet and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
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!
How Much Popcorn Is Too Much? 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.
Coconut oil is the most popular oil used for popcorn machines, especially at movie theaters. You can often find coconut oils with butter flavoring, which helps create that classic movie theater taste. While this oil isn't the lightest on calories, your customers will definitely love the flavor.
Stove-top and air-popped varieties of popcorn can be an improbably nutritious snack, if cooked with the right oil, tossed with the right toppings and enjoyed in the right ratios. Popcorn kernels are whole grains with the germ and the bran intact, which is where the majority of nutrients lie.
Premade popcorn often contains a high level of salt, or sodium. Eating too much sodium can cause high blood pressure and lead to other health complications. Some brands also include a lot of sugar. Added butter, sugar, and salt can make popcorn an unhealthful snack.
Snack favorites high in sodium, such as chips and popcorn, are also known inflammation causers. These salt-filled snacks will surely lead to bloating and swelling. Looking for a filling snack? Try nuts like almonds and walnuts.
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."
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.
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."
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.
Many have asked, how is pre-popped popcorn healthy? Well, for starters, pre-popped popcorn contains much less salt than bagged popcorn. It also contains less sugar, grease, and calories. In past studies, microwavable popcorn was linked to harmful chemicals such as diacetyl.
Introduction: My name is Kerri Lueilwitz, I am a courageous, gentle, quaint, thankful, outstanding, brave, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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