Is popcorn good for you? It makes a great healthy snack! Here’s how to make healthy homemade microwave popcorn with just popcorn kernels and a paper lunch sack! A whole grain snack for older kids and adults and you can flavor it any way you want to!
*Originally published 3/2013. Updated in 2020 & 2023*
Hi Friends!
I wanted to share this healthy microwave popcorn with you guys because it’s such a great snack option for older kids and adults. It’s important to note that popcorn is a choking hazard for younger kids, but my five-year-old and I have been enjoying it together lately. Let’s chat a little bit about popcorn:
Is Popcorn Healthy?
Yes! It can be. Did you know popcorn is a whole grain? It’s a great source of fiber and also contains several B vitamins and other nutrients like iron, magnesium and phosphorus.
Is microwave popcorn a healthy snack?
For many years now, popcorn has been one of my favorite after-dinner snacks. I typically just eat it plain, but you can easily add whatever flavors you want after it’s popped. If you’re looking for a way to use up some of your popcorn, I’d definitely suggest my Sweet & Spicy Popcorn Snack Mix. Or for some flavored options, try this Spicy Ranch Popcorn or make up your own seasoning combo – try some nutritional yeast or cinnamon with a sprinkle of sugar.
Is microwave popcorn bad for you?
While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a bag of store-bought popcorn every once and a while, I want to show you guys just how easy it is to make your own. You may be familiar with making it at home in an air popper or on the stovetop, but did you know that all you need in order to skip the pre-packaged microwave bags is a jar of popcorn kernels and a brown paper lunch sack.
Have you tried making your own popcorn?
You guys, this is so easy! Here’s what you do:
PrintHealthy Microwave Popcorn
Make healthy microwave popcorn with just popcorn kernels and a paper lunch sack. Makes a great whole-grain snack for older kids and adults and you can flavor it any way you want to!
Ingredients
1/4 cup popcorn kernals
optional toppings: melted butter or oil, salt or other seasonings
Instructions
1. Measure out about 1/4 c popcorn kernals
2. Pour them into a paper lunch bag
3. Fold the top over several times and place in the microwave. Use the popcorn button and listen closely. When you hear the pops slow down to a couple seconds between pops, take it out.
4. Enjoy your popcorn! Season it if you wish.
Have you tried making your own popcorn? What are you waiting for?
What is the healthiest microwave popcorn to eat?
Healthiest popcorn brands
When choosing a brand of microwave popcorn from the store, I would look at things like:
- Total fat and saturated fat – look for low levels of saturated fats
- Sodium level – look for low amounts of sodium (less than 300mg per serving)
- Avoid artificial flavorings
- Try to find bags not lined with PFAS (Quinn is known for this)
Some brands to consider: Orville Redenbacher has an option made with avocado oil. Whole Foods has a store brand that’s just popcorn, no oil or salt. You could add your own after popping.
Healthy Microwave Popcorn
Let’s chat: Do you like popcorn? Plain or seasoned? What’s your favorite popcorn flavor combo?
Enjoy!
–Lindsay–
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I like mine seasoned. Lately my go-to flavor combination has been white cheddar and Old Bay. So good!
Someone told me about this tip a few months ago and I still have yet to try it but I LOVE it! It just seems so easy and really ensures you’re getting popcorn that isn’t entirely covered in oil or butter.
Popcorn is my all time favorite snack and to be honest, is my dinner so many nights when I’m too tired to cook. It’s great with cayenne ans nutritional yeast, plain, herb, salted caramel finishing salt & chocolate chips, or just a tiny drizzle of melted Earth Balance. Mmm!
Add a side of chopped veg and a piece of lean protein and dinner is served. 😉
I like mine SPICY! 🙂
My Mom tried this before and sent me some pitiful text about almost catching the house on fire it burned so bad. Emailing her this post!
OMG awesome! Ok I actually didnt know you could pop popcorn without oil – I’ve never made my own – just the bagged stuff which I know is bad!
Popcorn is one of my very favorite snacks. We use an air popper, but it’s nice to know that making it in the microwave can be quick and healthy, too!
Ahhh you have no idea how much I simply adore popcorn, I seriously even every single solitary night!!!
I usually stick to the Costco singleserve a boxes but definitely want to give this a try!
Do you think you can flavor it like you can stovetop popcorn?
This is brilliant!! I cannot wait to try this! I used to have an air popper, but I forgot it at my parents house when I moved =(. I like mine plain, too, but sometimes I throw in some chopped jalapenos for some spice!
I still haven’t done the popcorn in a bag trick 🙂 I want to try it! I like to top my popcorn with nutritional yeast. Nothing beats it.
Do you know how much I LOVE POPCORN?!!!! It’s like an addiction! What a cool way to make it! Love it!
I LOVE popcorn. My go to method has been to use the old-fashioned whirly pan thing (how’s that for a description? ) I put a tad of olive oil in the pan and then add salt when it’s all over. So good. I am going to try your method, though!
I love homemade popcorn!
I have to try this…I gave up microwave popcorn years ago, but have burnt 2 skillets through making my own (like throwing the skillet out kind of burnt), so kinds swore off popcorn for a while.
I love my seasoned! I sprinkle it with parmesan and garlic salt. Sooo good.
Just another example of how taking a few extra mins to control what goes into your food can be such a big difference.
This is how I make mine too! The pot/stove thing is way too much effort. I like to add cinnamon, cocoa powder, cacao nibs, and xylitol for a sweeter pop, or sriracha for some heat!
I’m a popcorn-eating machine! I seriously just love it and usually have it as a snack in the evenings most nights 🙂 I always make mine on the stovetop but hate how easily it burns. I had never even thought of putting it in a bag in the microwave – and since you don’t need to use any oil, it’s so healthy! LOVE 🙂
(I get super passionate about my popcorn :P)
I like to add a little chayanne pepper on mine! It adds just the right amount of spiciness. I will have to try making homemade popcorn. Ive never done it before.
I like mine with a tiny bit of extra virgin olive oil, rosemary, and a little Parmesan cheese! It’s so tasty.
I have seen this done a couple of times now.. I need to try it. However, I have an air popper that is usually just as easy. Then again, all ya need here is a bag and the micro! Thanks for sharing!
I love making stove top popcorn with coconut oil…it’s so buttery tasting! But I’m sure more than enough oil and salt so I should definitely try your version sometime 🙂
I LOVE popcorn – such a fun snack when you’re craving salty, crunchy goodness but aren’t in the mood for fresh cut veggies or something. I have an air popper at home that I use for mine, but would totally go this route if I didn’t have that! I like to add salt and sometimes pepper and always some grated parmesan, so yummy!
I love popcorn! Will definitely need to try this out 🙂
Popcorn on the stove cooked in coconut oil + a bit of salt is DIVINE!
i love popcorn! i have a whirly popper that we use alot- this method looks easier, though the fire hazard scares me. now i’m in the mood for popcorn tonight!
Love this idea! Also for the cheap factor.
I am not a huge fan of popcorn. I hate that it gets stuck in my teeth – but my hubs loves the whirly pop.
I love popcorn! Thanks for posting this, Lindsay. I never knew that you can make popcorn using a paper bag. Very resourceful! Sounds pretty easy and simple too. Thanks again.
I make mine in pressure cooker. My boyfriend mentioned this method- will have to try because pressure cooker requires shaking and stirring like dutch oven.
I didn’t know dogs and/or cats could eat popcorn! I thought it was one of those things they should avoid like Chocolate or Onions – well clearly not since yours are obsessed! lol. Oh I am having flashbacks of the days when I used to order the XL XL XL tub of popcorn at the movies and eat the whole thing before the movie even started! 😉
ohhhh yes, me too. used to love movie popcorn 🙂
I bought bags and popcorn a few weeks ago but haven’t actually made myself popcorn tonight. I think tonight’s the night!
yay! hope it turns out well!
What a great idea! I’ve heard so many bad things about the store bought microwave popcorn, this is so easy and so healthy! Who would have thought!
it’s almost too good to be true, isn’t it 🙂
I wonder-could you make this with the white paper sacks too? Has anyone tried it with those??
This is my most FAVORITE way to make popcorn! It’s so much easier than dragging out the air popper. Also, I reuse the brown paper bags each time. It’s awesome. It’s probably healthiest before I put a smidgen of butter on it, right? Haha. Love it!
me too! love that you can reuse the bag!
I LOVE Popcorn!
I like to make it stove top with a little olive oil, popcorn salt & season it with nutritional yeast & garlic powder.
There’s not better indulgence!
sounds amazing!
That’s cool… and so healthy without all the added butter and salt in the pre-packaged kind. Very cool.
thanks! let me know if you give it a try!
I have to try this!
I do this same thing!
My favorite way to eat it though is to add a little bit of garlic grapeseed oil, some rosemary blend seasoning, and a sprinkle of shredded parmigiano reggiano. Seriously sounds gourmet, but so easy!
that sounds amazing!
Yum!! I am a total popcorn lover too 🙂 I typically make my popcorn on the stove, and it takes just about as long as the microwave!
Spicing it up different ways is fun! Love the last pic with your dog!!!
thank you 🙂
so need to try this brown bag method! of course, I like adding reese’s pieces to soften in my popcorn… hmmmm, will need to replace that and try different seasonings. Like black pepper sounds yummy.
ooooh that sounds delicious!
Yes! I love homemade microwave popcorn- I make it the same way, and then sprinkle with a little extra virgin olive oil and nutritional yeast… sooo good!
yummmm, gotta try that nutritional yeast!
This is awesome. I too am a popcorn lover (among other things :)).
Thanks for sharing!!
I LOVE brown bag popcorn. It’s so easy, and who would have thought?! I discovered that over the summer after a tip from a friend, and I’m never looking back.
We enjoy reading the great variety in the suggested ingredients to finish the popcorn flavoring. Some spices are healthier—cinnamon and turmeric top our list. We unplugged the microwave and use an air popper for the health of it. And, we try to find corn labelled non-GMO. That’s a challenge.