What's the difference between microwave popcorn and regular popcorn?

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.

What makes microwave popcorn different?

Microwave popcorn, in theory, is no different from any other type of popcorn. The core ingredient, butterfly corn kernels, is the same. The only difference is the method of making the kernels pop: microwaving instead of pot-popping.

Can you use regular popcorn in the microwave?

Can I pop plain popcorn kernels in a microwave? A: Yes, it's a cinch to zap your way to this addictive snack. Here's how: Place 1/3 cup kernels (no oil needed) in a large microwave-safe bowl; cover with a microwave-safe plate and cook on High 2 to 3 minutes or until popping slows.

Is air popped popcorn better for you than microwave popcorn?

A full cup of air popped popcorn is only 31 calories and is roughly 1 mg of sodium. Even if you make 10 cups worth of it, it is still only 310 calories and 10 mg of sodium, which is significantly better than any microwave bag or movie theater popcorn out there.

Is microwave popcorn worse for you?

Chemicals linked to cancer and popcorn lung have been removed from microwave popcorn in recent years. Even though some chemicals that remain in the packaging of these products may be questionable, eating microwave popcorn from time to time shouldn't pose any health risks.

Is Microwave Popcorn Safe to Eat?

Is it OK to eat popcorn everyday?

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 type of popcorn is healthy?

Air-popped, unsalted, and unsweetened is the most healthful type of popcorn and, per serving, it contains : 0.21 g of sugar. 1.09 g of fat.

Which method of popping popcorn is best?

What's the Best Way to Pop Popcorn? The best method of popping corn will evenly heat up the kernels, not too fast nor too slowly, while also allowing the developing steam to escape so the popcorn stays crisp and crunchy.

Is popping your own popcorn healthier?

The best way to reap these benefits is to make your own popcorn, especially because: Most types of microwave popcorn contain unhealthy trans fats (and, most popcorn purists would say, are in inferior in taste and texture). Bagged, pre-popped popcorn may be low in trans fats but high in calories.

Why is air popped popcorn healthier?

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.

How do I pop a bag of popcorn without a microwave?

How do you make microwave popcorn taste better?

Is stove top popcorn better than microwave?

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).

Does stovetop popcorn taste better than microwave?

Why does popcorn cooked on the stove taste so much better than microwaved popcorn? Because when you cook on the stove, each kernel is heated on the bottom of the pan to exactly the temperature at which it pops, then smaller, more dense, unpopped kernels fall to the bottom to get cooked next.

Is movie theater popcorn better than microwave?

A: First, while they certainly do taste different, it's not the actual popcorn that makes the difference. The kernels used to make theater popcorn and those used in the home (whether microwave or air popped) are essentially the same. By the way, the No. 1 state for popcorn production -- the Cornhusker state, of course.

Does popcorn cause belly fat?

Popcorn is a great flat-belly snack as long as you choose the air-popped version—you can eat a 3-cup portion for only 100 calories! Not only that, but popcorn is also a whole grain, and studies show that people who eat whole grains have less belly fat than those who eat refined grains.

What is the healthiest way to make popcorn at home?

What happens when you eat too much popcorn?

However, overloading on fiber-rich popcorn could put you over the daily recommendation. While this isn't the worst thing, it may land you on the toilet with an upset stomach, gas, or bloating until your fiber levels even out. The impact on your heart health is more concerning, of course.

What's the best oil for popcorn?

The best cooking oil for popcorn has a high smoking point, and canola oil is the most excellent option if you seek to make a healthy snack. Canola oil, unlike other oils, are high in omega-3 fatty acids and vegan friendly.

Why is store bought popcorn round?

Because the popped kernels are round, they present a larger surface to hold coatings and are less likely to crumble during preparation. You will notice that this popcorn is widely used for candied popcorn.

Is popcorn healthier than chips?

When it comes to popcorn and chips, popcorn is the healthier snack option. Popcorn is lower in calories and fat, but it has a higher fiber content so it is more filling than chips. Air-popped, lightly seasoned popcorn is the healthiest type of popcorn for snack food.

Is popcorn a junk food?

Popcorn is a healthy snack substitute for junk because it a loaded with fiber but how it is cooked is important. Air popping, cooking in a little canola or olive oil, or microwaving are all good methods.

Why do I crave popcorn everyday?

Ask your doctor to check your iron and zinc levels. If either of them is low, it could lead you to binge on popcorn even when you don't really want it. When people crave nonfood substances such as clay, cornstarch or ice, doctors call the condition pica.