Popcorn Is the Ultimate Snack. These 9 Brands Prove It. (2024)

Don’t have a movie theater date night in your near feature? That doesn’t mean you have to forgo your vegan popcorn while watching Netflix at home—in fact, we encourage all the vegan snacking. Though you can always make your own popcorn if you feel so inclined (just don’t forget the nooch), numerous companies are now making ready-to-eat popcorn in various vegan flavors you can’t easily replicate at home. We’re sharing nine of our favorite brands.

Jump to the BRANDS

Is popcorn vegan?

More often than not, popcorn is vegan-friendly. When buying popcorn at your local convenience store, check the ingredient label to ensure animal ingredients haven’t snuck their way inside your snack of choice. Dairy is the ingredient to look out for, as butter and cheese are common ingredients in bagged popcorn. If you’re purchasing microwavable popcorn bags, this same rule applies.

But what about movie theater popcorn? Best known for its buttery taste, movie theater popcorn doesn’t always contain butter. In fact, most major movie theater chains achieve this buttery taste using plant oils, not butter. As always, double check with the concessions stand before purchasing.

Vegan popcorn snacks

Stock up on these vegan-friendly brands for the next time hunger calls.

Popcorn Is the Ultimate Snack. These 9 Brands Prove It. (1)Skinny Pop

1Skinny Pop

You can’t have a “best of” popcorn list without including Skinny Pop. Not all of its flavors are vegan, so check the package to be sure, but the vegan options among the current lineup include Original, dairy-free White Cheddar, Sweet & Salty Kettle, Sea Salt & Pepper, and Twist of Lime.
Perfect for: The classic brand lover

FIND IT HERE

Popcorn Is the Ultimate Snack. These 9 Brands Prove It. (2)Angie’s Boomchickapop

2 Angie’s Boomchickapop

Angie’s popcorn is so good you won’t be able to close the bag. Three flavors make up its vegan line: Sea Salt, Light Kettle Corn, and Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn.
Perfect for: The light-snack lover

FIND IT HERE

Popcorn Is the Ultimate Snack. These 9 Brands Prove It. (3)Lesser Evil

3LesserEvil

Organic popcorn gets a makeover with Lesser Evil’s heavenly vegan lineup. There are seven vegan flavors, many of which use a unique combination of coconut oil and the company’s “butter type” flavor on its air-popped kernels. Try, for instance, the dairy-free White Cheddar, Avocado-licious, or the Himalayan Gold. Or if you want to step out of the bag, look out for seasonal pumpkin spice.
Perfect for: The butter-loving popcorn fan

FIND IT HERE

Popcorn Is the Ultimate Snack. These 9 Brands Prove It. (4)BjornQorn

4 BjornQorn

Get your nooch on with these deliciously flavored all-vegan kernels. Choose from Classic, Spicy, Cloudy (salty), or Earth (truffle), all of which are topped with nutritional yeast instead of cheese. And when your sweet tooth comes calling, reach for Maple, which swaps out the nooch for maple sugar. Looking for something tangy and salty instead? The limited-edition Ruby, flavored with hibiscus, shouldn’t be missed. The fun part about the brand? This artisan popcorn is solar popped, meaning you can thank the sun for making the kernels so crispy and airy.
Perfect for: Nooch lovers

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Popcorn Is the Ultimate Snack. These 9 Brands Prove It. (5)SnackSack

5 Pipcorn

Sink your teeth into Pipcorn’s Truffle popcorn and your taste buds will explode with gratitude. This luxurious, umami-rich flavor is a scrumptious splurge guaranteed to win anyone over—after, all it’s approved by Oprah Winfrey herself. And “pip” is appropriate when describing the kernels, as the mini heirloom kernels are half the size of regular popcorn. Enjoy with a glass of wine for the ultimate luxe night-in. For a more classic flavor, don’t miss Pipcorn’s Sea Salt variety.
Perfect for: The truffle-obsessed

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Popcorn Is the Ultimate Snack. These 9 Brands Prove It. (6)Dill Pickle

6 Safe + Fair Food Company

Never tried drizzled popcorn? You’ll wonder what took you so long when you dig into a bag of Safe + Fair’s popcorn. The all-vegan flavors are among the most unique you’ll find in commercially available popcorn and include fun versions such as strawberry shortcake, dark chocolate, and birthday cake. Non-drizzled, seasoned options include dill pickle and everything bagel.
Perfect for: The adventurous eater

FIND IT HERE

Popcorn Is the Ultimate Snack. These 9 Brands Prove It. (7)Cornucopia

7Cornucopia Popcorn

Talk about vegan flavor overload! Cornucopia currently has 14 vegan flavors in its lineup, and it’s not just the quantity but also the creative diversity that sets this brand apart. Maybe you’re a caramel fan, or you prefer chili lime instead. Or maybe you want to put a different spin on your popcorn snacking and opt for the fun colors of Cornfetti. Better yet, go for all 14! Got a flavor suggestion you think would be awesome? Cornucopia encourages you to submit your creations to get a free gallon tin.
Perfect for: I-can’t-make-up-my-mind munchers

FIND IT HERE

Popcorn Is the Ultimate Snack. These 9 Brands Prove It. (8)AshaPops

8 AshaPops

Inside these bags is a big surprise: the “popped” comes from water lily seeds, an Ayurvedic superfood. AshaPops is an entirely vegan brand and offers four flavors: Turmeric Garlic, Chili, Vegan Cheese, and Himalayan Pink Salt. Here’s a bonus: No kernels get stuck in your teeth.
Perfect for: Free-spirited souls

FIND IT HERE

Popcorn Is the Ultimate Snack. These 9 Brands Prove It. (9)Nature Nate’s

9Nature Nate’s

Forget corn kernels. Instead, go with the grain that’s making headlines: sorghum. You might know sorghum best as a feed for animals, but this whole grain is slowly making its way into foods for humans, showing up on restaurant menus and in food products. Now, it’s being popped as a healthier alternative to popcorn, and Nature Nate’s has five flavors for vegans ranging from Avocado Sea Salt to Masala to Vegan Cheezy.
Perfect for: The health nut

FIND IT HERE

Karen Asp is the author of Anti-Aging Hacks and an award-winning journalist, as well as a fitness pro certified in plant-based nutrition, world record-holding athlete (in Nordic walking), vegan mentor with PETA, and board member with Uplands PEAK Sanctuary, Indiana’s first farmed animal sanctuary.

For more vegan snacks, read:
  • 10 Edible Vegan Cookie Doughs
  • 25 Accidentally Vegan Snacks
  • 28 Super Cheesy Vegan Snacks

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Here at VegNews, we live and breathe the vegan lifestyle, and only recommend products we feel make our lives amazing. Occasionally, articles may include shopping links where we might earn a small commission. In no way does this effect the editorial integrity of VegNews.

Popcorn Is the Ultimate Snack. These 9 Brands Prove It. (2024)

FAQs

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 is the unhealthiest microwave popcorn? ›

Unhealthiest: Orville Redenbacher's Ultimate Butter

Each serving contains 170 calories, 6 grams of saturated fat, which is a hefty 30% of the recommended daily value, and 450 milligrams of sodium (20% DV). Each bag contains 2.5 servings, and the popcorn is made using palm oil.

Is popcorn a good snack? ›

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.

Is popcorn more unhealthy than chips? ›

Another health benefit of popcorn is its high satiety. 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. For example, popcorn has been shown to make people feel fuller than a similar calorie amount of potato chips.

Can I eat 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.

What is the best popcorn for diabetics? ›

Share on Pinterest Air-popped popcorn is the best choice for people with diabetes. People on a restricted diet, including those with diabetes, should avoid adding large amounts of toppings to popcorn.

What is the best alternative to microwave popcorn? ›

Here's how to make about 8 cups of really good popcorn:
  • Start with a 3-quart or larger pot with a tight-fitting lid. ...
  • Heat the oil over medium high heat. ...
  • Add 1/3 cup of popcorn and put the lid on. ...
  • Once the popping slows, take the pan off the heat and lift the lid to let the steam out.
Dec 4, 2009

Is Chicka Boom popcorn healthy? ›

Is Boom Chicka Pop good for you? Ingredients are kept extremely simple with only popcorn, sunflower oil and sea salt. This popcorn is only 35 calories per cup which makes it a good snack choice.

Is popcorn OK to eat every night? ›

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. Popcorn is high in fiber, relatively low in calories and has a low energy density. Eating it in moderation may help with weight loss.

Is popcorn good or bad for your stomach? ›

Unlike some snacks that may be heavy or greasy, popcorn is a light and easily digestible snack. It is gentle on the digestive system, making it an ideal choice for those with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. Popcorn is low in fat and contains no cholesterol, which further contributes to its digestive ease.

Is popcorn good for high blood pressure? ›

In addition to lowering the risk of diabetes and heart disease, eating popcorn without a lot of added salt or butter may help you lower your blood pressure or lower the risk of developing high blood pressure.

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 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."

Is bagged popcorn healthier than microwave popcorn? ›

Primary Health Risk

While microwave popcorn is typically higher in calories and sodium and lower in fiber than the air-popped variety, the main reason it's less healthy is that it often contains trans fats.

Is skinny girl popcorn healthy? ›

Is Skinnygirl popcorn healthy? For a snack, Skinnygirl popcorn is a great choice. With whole grains and less fat than other salty snacks, I think it is a great addition to your snack lineup. Buy Skinnygirl Popcorn here.

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