While most of us love movie-theater-style popcorn, it is not possible to go to the movies every other day to meet our cravings. If you are a fan of buttery, crunchy, and fluffy popcorn, you might be interested to try out a popcorn oil. You can use it either as a popping oil or a topping oil. You can drizzle it over the cooked popcorn or you can layer it on top of the unpopped popcorn kernels on the stovetop or popcorn maker. The best oils for popcorns will take you back to the movie theaters. They are usually full of flavor and help to make your popcorn light and fluffy.
Best Pick
The Snappy Popcorn Butter Burst Oil is our best pick because it has a long shelf life so it is likely to remain fresh for a long period of time, it has a low melting point so you can pour it over the popcorn kernels whenever, and you can store it wherever you like because it does not need to be refrigerated.
Budget Pick
The Orville Redenbacher's Popping Oil is our budget pick because it makes your popcorns buttery, light, and fluffy. The jar is quite small so you can easily store it in tight spaces. Moreover, you can use it as both a popping oil and a topping oil.
Quick Comparison: Top 15 Best Oil for Popcorns
| Product Name | No. of Servings | Calories per Serving | Flavor | Volume (fl. oz) | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snappy Popcorn Butter Burst Oil | 256 | 120 | Buttery | 128 | A |
| Orville Redenbacher's Popping Oil | 32 | 120 | Buttery | 16 | A |
| Kernel Season's Movie Theater Popcorn Oil | 28 | 120 | Buttery | 14 | A |
| Dutchman’s Popcorn Oil | 60 | 120 | Buttery | 30 | A |
| La Tourangelle Organic Canola Oil | 33 | 130 | Neutral | 16.9 | B |
| Winona Pure Popcorn Butter | 568 | 0 | Butter | 5 | A |
| Snappy Popcorn Colored Coconut Oil | 256 | 120 | Buttery | 128 | A |
| Franklin’s Gourmet Popcorn Oil | 60 | 120 | Butter | 30 | A |
| KERNEL SEASON'S Popcorn Popping & Topping Oil | 28 | 120 | Butter | 13.75 | A |
| Snappy Pure Colored Coconut Popping Oil | 30 | 120 | Buttery | 15 | A |
| Snappy Popcorn Pure Peanut Oil | 256 | 119 | Peanut | 128 | B |
| Amish Country Popcorn Oil | 28 | 124 | Buttery | 16 | A |
| Odell's Super-Kist Buttery Popcorn Oil | 256 | 120 | Butter | 128 | A |
| Great Northern Popcorn Premium Oil | 256 | 120 | Yellow | 128 | B |
| Wabash Valley Farms Popcorn Oil | 16 | 130 | Classic Blend | 8 | B |
1. Snappy Popcorn Butter Burst Oil
Enjoy that rich buttery flavor in your popcorn by taking advantage of this oil from Snappy Popcorn. The oil is free of trans fat which means that it is unlikely to raise your cholesterol level and hence, worsen your heart health. There is no need to melt the oil as it is unlikely to solidify when kept at room temperature.
Whether you are looking forward to buying oil for cooking your popcorn or just want to sprinkle the oil over your cooked food to add more flavor, this oil is recommended for all your corn popping needs.
The oil contains beta-carotene and soybean oil which are known to offer health benefits to the body. Beta-carotene provides a rich source of antioxidants that help prevent the development of certain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and lots more. On the other hand, soybean oil helps to improve heart health and reduce high cholesterol levels. It also improves the texture of your skin and your eyesight as well. The popcorn oil also contains citric acid which helps to keep the liquid fresh for a longer time. What’s great about this product is that you will not need to refrigerate it after opening it. You can leave it on your kitchen counter without worrying about deteriorating its quality.
This oil does not contain any sodium. You might want to add salt to the oil if you prefer slightly salted popcorn. Many consumers have said that adding only a pinch of salt adds a lot of flavor to the popcorn so make sure to not go overboard with it.
What we liked: The oil does not have any artificial coloring. It contains beta-carotene which allows your popcorn to look yellow, just like the ones in movie theaters.
What we didn’t like: The oil contains artificial butter flavor so it does not have the rich, authentic buttery flavor. You might want to mix melted butter with the oil before adding it to the cooked or uncooked popcorn.
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2. Orville Redenbacher's Popping Oil
Orville Redenbacher’s is a buttery flavored oil that makes your popcorns extremely light and fluffy. Orville oil is gluten-free and does not contain any artificial preservatives and color. The oil does not contain any carbs, dietary fiber, or sugar either so it is keto-friendly. You can easily use this oil to microwave popcorn. It helps to bring out the rich, buttery flavor that movie theater popcorns have.
For best results, the Orville Popping Oil is recommended to be used with Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels. You can add a few tablespoons of the oil to the popcorn kernels while they are popping or you can drizzle the oil over the popped popcorn kernels.
The rich, buttery flavor of the popcorns takes you back to the movie theaters. They make a great snack and the oil does not make your popcorns soggy or greasy.
This oil is great for enhancing the buttery flavor in pretzels and bagels. You can also make sweet popcorn using the oil as it does not contain any salt. You can add cinnamon and sugar to the popcorn if you prefer a sweet flavor. What makes this product extremely convenient is that you can use it both before and after the cooking session.
What we liked: The oil helps to produce rich color and flavor so you can expect your guests to be amazed by your popcorn-making skills. All the seasonings stick perfectly to the popcorn, thanks to this popcorn oil.
What we didn’t like: It does not contain any sodium so you will need to add a bit of salt before serving it to your guests.
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3. Kernel Season's Movie Theater Popcorn Oil
This popcorn oil from Kernel Season’s is so popular worldwide that more than 3,000 movie theaters use it to season their popcorns. The oil makes your popcorns taste super delicious. It adds a rich, buttery flavor to your popcorns without making them too soggy or greasy. It allows you to duplicate the movie-theater-popcorn recipe quite effortlessly.
The oil is made using three different types of oil. It includes soybean oil, sunflower oil, and canola oil. Soybean oil helps to improve your heart health and your bone structure.
It provides a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that not only help to improve the texture of your skin but also protect your vision. Sunflower oil also helps to improve the functions of your heart by lowering cholesterol levels and boosting your immune system. It may also help to improve your digestive health. On the other hand, canola oil is considered to be one of the healthiest cooking oils. It contains saturated fats and vitamins E and K that help to keep your heart healthy and slows down the aging of the skin.
This oil contains a natural butter flavor so you do not have to worry about consuming any artificial flavorings or preservatives. You do not have to add anything extra like melted butter to the popcorn oil. To make the popcorns have a yellow hue just like the ones you see in movie theaters, annatto is added. Annatto is a natural food additive that may help to improve eyesight, heart health, and fight inflammation.
It is recommended to shake the bottle before spraying the oil over the popcorn. Make sure to close the lid tightly after using it. You will not need to refrigerate the oil. Just place it on your kitchen counter and use it whenever.
What we liked: This oil has a long shelf life so you do not have to worry about it going bad any time soon. Moreover, it tastes just like butter so you can spray it on pretzels, bagels, toasted bread, and lots more.
What we didn’t like: You will still need to add salt and seasonings to the popcorn. The oil only gives it a “buttery” flavor.
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4. Dutchman’s Popcorn Oil
Free of preservatives and chemical colorings, the Dutchman’s Popcorn Oil is definitely a game-changer. If you do not have butter, you can use this product to season and enhance the flavors of your homemade popcorns. All you need to do is drizzle the oil over the uncooked popcorn kernels to make them have a rich, buttery flavor and a light, fluffy texture.
The coconut oil is not hydrogenated which means that it is completely free of trans fat. Trans fat is likely to increase the risks of developing heart diseases so this oil is unlikely to deteriorate your heart health in the long run.
Moreover, the oil melts very smoothly without being too greasy or clumpy. The melting point of the oil is 76° Fahrenheit so you can easily prepare it on your stovetop or in electric popcorn poppers.
The oil does not contain any artificial preservatives or colors. It uses beta carotene to give it a bright yellow hue. The beta carotene is produced from carrots and does not contain any harmful or toxic chemicals. This oil is low in calories. It contains only 120 calories per serving. There are 60 servings in the 30oz jar so you will be able to use it for a long period of time. The jar is not too bulky so you can store it in the refrigerator or kitchen cabinets easily.
What we liked: You only need to use a little amount of oil for making the popcorns. One tablespoon of the popcorn oil is enough to make 1 or 0.5 cups of buttery, crunchy popcorn.
What we didn’t like: The oil hardens when the temperature goes below 76° Fahrenheit so you might not be able to use it whenever. Moreover, it tends to catch fire if it becomes overheated.
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5. La Tourangelle Organic Canola Oil
La Tourangalle is always focused on producing premium quality oil for all your cooking needs. For over 150 years now, the company has supplied the market with high-quality cooking oil which not only offers health benefits but also gives your food an incredible taste.
The company understands well the importance of healthy snacking and has not only produced oil that is ideal for popping your popcorns but also for other cooking needs. This Canola oil has been extracted using high craftsmanship and hidden natural methods to ensure you enjoy quality at its best.
Its good balance of the Omega 6 and 3 fats, polyunsaturated fats and low saturated fat content make this canola oil great for a healthy heart. And whether you are looking forward to making those healthy snacks or preparing other meals, this canola oil will help you achieve your desired results.
What we liked: You can use this oil in salads and sauteed shrimp among others. It has a bold peppery flavor that helps to add depth to any dish.
What we didn’t like: It does not have a buttery taste so you will still need to add melted butter to your popcorn if you want it to be buttery. Some consumers have said that this oil makes the food taste a bit bitter.
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6. Winona Pure Popcorn Butter
If you’re the one among your friends who usually hosts movie nights at home, you know how important it is to have crunchy, buttery popcorn. The Winona Pure Popcorn Butter might be all that you need to add that extra kick to your popcorns. Each pack contains a 5oz spray bottle that is very easy to use. All you need to do is spray the popcorn butter over the popped popcorn and you will be ready for your movie night.
This popcorn butter contains only 3 ingredients. It contains canola oil, natural butter flavor, and annatto. The canola oil helps to make the seasonings such as cinnamon, sugar, sprinkles, garlic powder, and dried parsley stick well to the popcorns.
The natural butter flavor helps to make your popcorn taste like the ones they serve at movie theaters. On the other hand, annatto helps to add color to your popcorns.
There are 568 servings per container. What’s great about this product is that it has no calories so you can add as much as you like without worrying about increasing your weight. It is recommended to store the spray bottle at a temperature below 120°F. You will not need to refrigerate it.
What we liked: All three spray bottles are completely recyclable. Moreover, the actuator is adjustable so you can spray the butter in three different styles.
What we didn’t like: Each bottle contains a very small amount of popcorn butter, compared to other brands. You can only make 5 or 6 bowls of popcorn with each can.
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7. Snappy Popcorn colored coconut oil
Whether you are making popcorn in your microwave or on the stovetop, the Snappy Popcorn Colored Coconut Oil helps to add an intense buttery flavor to your corn. It is super easy to use and does not contain any artificial flavorings or additives. It leaves your popcorn crunchy and buttery, just like the ones at movie theaters.
The oil is made using only two ingredients. It is loaded with beta carotene that provides a rich source of antioxidants. Beta carotene may be effective in reducing the risks of developing certain diseases and it may also help to improve your skin.
The beta carotene adds a rich golden-yellow color to your popcorns. The other ingredient is coconut oil. Most movie theaters use coconut oil to make their popcorns as coconut oil gives your corn an incredible buttery flavor. The coconut oil is not hydrogenated which means that it is free of trans fat and harmful preservatives.
The oil has a very low melting temperature so you will be able to melt it easily. All you need to do is put the oil with the unpopped popcorn kernels on your stovetop, microwave, or electric popcorn poppers. You can also use the oil to make other food. The container offers a large capacity. It has about 256 servings so you do not need to reorder frequently.
What we liked: You only need to use a small amount of oil to pop the popcorn kernels. The oil enables the popcorns to have a rich, buttery flavor and a nice aroma.
What we didn’t like: The mouth of the jar is quite small so it might be a bit difficult to scoop out the remaining butter from the bottom of the jar.
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8. Franklin’s Gourmet Popcorn Oil
Preparing your movie theatre popcorn at home has just got better with Franklin’s Gourmet oil. The company focuses on bringing the best oil for your popping needs. This oil boasts of 100% Coconut oil which you will find in most movie theatres.
Franklin’s popcorn oil is trans fats free, vegan and gluten-free which makes it not only great for cooking your popcorns but also ideal for your frying needs. It is delicious with a great flavor which gives your popcorns a buttery taste.
When cooking foods that require butter, you do not need to spend money buying one because this Franklin’s oil can be used instead. Its container has a wide opening which enables you to easily access your oil to the last bit without much hassle.
What we liked: The oil does not make your popcorn too greasy or soggy. You can also use it to make other food such as eggs, salads, sandwiches, or even pasta.
What we didn’t like: The oil hardens when the temperature falls below 76°F so you will need to melt it before adding it to the corn.
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9. KERNEL SEASON'S Popcorn Popping & Topping Oil
If you are ever out of butter and can’t think of a way to make buttery popcorn, just remember to use this popcorn popping and topping oil by KERNEL SEASON’S and you are good to go. All ingredients used are completely natural and safe for consumption. Each bottle has a capacity of 13.75 fl oz and contains 3 types of oil to make the popcorns fluffy, crunchy, and full of flavor.
This oil is made up of soybean oil, sunflower oil, and canola oil. Soybean oil has a high smoke point so you might be able to use it to cook food at a high temperature.
It helps to promote both heart and bone health and may improve eyesight as well. On the other hand, sunflower oil is low in cholesterol and reduces the risk of developing heart diseases. It also helps to boost your immune system and may improve digestion. Canola oil helps to reduce cholesterol levels and may improve the appearance and texture of your skin, too. The oil also contains natural butter flavor and annatto for color.
There are two ways to use this product. If you are making popcorn on your stovetop, microwave, or electric popper, you can pour the oil before putting in the unpopped popcorn kernels. The oil heats up quickly and pops the corn perfectly. Another way to use this product is to pour the oil over the cooked popcorn and give it a good mix.
What we liked: This oil is quite flavorful. You can pour it over salads, potatoes, pancakes, and other food. Plus, the oil does not need to be melted before use.
What we didn’t like: The oil burns very quickly so you will need to monitor it carefully while preparing popcorn. Moreover, it might taste a bit bland without salt.
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10. Snappy Pure Colored Coconut Popping Oil
This popcorn oil from Snappy Pure makes your popcorn crunchy, fluffy, and extremely buttery. It allows you to make movie-theater-style popcorn in the comfort of your home. This product has a long shelf life and you will be able to use the oil to make quite a few batches of flavorful popcorn. You can also use it in a variety of styles. You can use the oil to cook other food such as pancakes, eggs, potatoes, stir-fried vegetables, or even egg-fried rice.
Pure refined coconut oil is used which means that it does not have the strong flavor or aroma of coconut. It has a high smoke point so you will be able to use it to cook food at a high temperature without the risk of burning or catching fire.
You can use it to stir fry, sautee, or fry food on the stovetop. Moreover, this oil does not contain any additives or chemicals so your health is unlikely to worsen.
You can use this oil in both solid and liquid forms. The oil has a melting point of 76°F. It will harden if the temperature falls below that level. You will not need to melt the oil before using it. Even if the oil changes its state of matter, it is unlikely to fall in quality. The flavor will remain the same regardless of whether it is a solid or a liquid.
What we liked: The oil melts quickly and prepares your popcorn within a very short period of time. It does not make the popcorn too grease or soggy. The flavor tastes delicious.
What we didn’t like: You will need to add salt or other popcorn seasonings to the popcorn. Otherwise, it tastes a bit bland.
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11. Snappy Popcorn Pure Peanut Oil
Enjoy your popcorn the way you would like to with family and friends at home with this pure peanut oil from Snappy Popcorn. The oil has a nutty flavor which makes your loved ones beg for more once they have a bite.
Pure Peanut oil is the main ingredient. It does not contain any trans fat, food color, or cholesterol. It is quite healthy and is very low in calories. Aside from popping your corn, you can also use the oil for frying turkey and other foods. The oil has a high smoke point so it is unlikely to burn or catch fire easily.
The oil remains liquid at room temperature so there is no need to melt it, which saves time and effort. You can just pour it over the unpopped kernels whenever you want to make crunchy popcorn.
Customers who gave this oil a try were impressed with its quality. However, some complained about its mild smell but were satisfied with the results.
What we liked: The nutty flavor of the popcorn goes well with caramel sauce or chocolate syrup. You can easily make sweet popcorn using this oil.
What we didn’t like: The oil has a very mild buttery flavor and the peanut flavor is not very strong either. Moreover, a lot of people are allergic to peanuts so it might be best to not serve it at large gatherings.
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12. Amish Country Popcorn oil
The Amish Country Popcorn Oil has a mild buttery flavor that compliments all types of popcorns, be it homemade or store-bought. The oil is low in saturated fat and is unlikely to burn or catch fire when it reaches a high temperature. It is perfect for making crunchy, buttery popcorn. It is unlikely to harden when it reaches a low temperature. You can store it with your other oils or you can keep it in a dark, cool place.
Amish guarantees its customers a one-year freshness which is a pretty good time. Once you buy your Country Popping Oil, you will get a free popcorn recipe E-book which features different popcorn cooking guides to help you turn your home into a movie theatre.
The oil contains canola oil which helps to keep your popcorn nice and fluffy. The oil contains TBHQ and citric acid to prevent it from oxidizing. You will be able to use the oil for a long period of time.
What we liked: You can use the oil to make both sweet and savory popcorns. Moreover, many consumers have said that the popcorn tastes just like the ones at movie theaters.
What we didn’t like: The bottle is quite small so you might want to get a few if you make popcorn regularly.
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13. Odell's Super-Kist Buttery Popcorn Oil
If you are looking for a popcorn oil that will make your popcorn flavorful and full of aroma, you might want to check out Odell's Super-Kist Buttery Popcorn Oil. The oil comes in a 1-gallon jar and it is made up of a number of ingredients that help to transform your homemade popcorn into movie-theater-style popcorn.
The oil contains soybean oil that helps to make the seasonings stick well to the popcorn. It also contains beta carotene that helps to add color to the popcorn naturally. TBHQ and citric acid help to preserve the buttery flavor of the oil for a longer period of time.
They also prevent the oil from oxidizing. Another ingredient of this oil is dimethylpolysiloxane which acts as an anti-foaming agent. This means that the oil is unlikely to be foamy or bubbly during use.
The oil is very easy to use. All you need to do is pour the oil over the popped popcorn. Since this oil does not contain any sodium, you will need to add popcorn seasonings or a pinch of salt to the oil before drizzling it over the popcorn.
What we liked: You will be able to make a large batch of popcorn without needing to restock the oil frequently.
What we didn’t like: The 1-gallon jar is quite bulky and might be difficult to store if you are low on storage space. Moreover, the artificial butter flavor does not taste very pleasant.
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14. Great Northern Popcorn Premium Oil
Pop your corns the healthy way with this popcorn oil from the Great Northern Popcorn Company. The oil is made with beta-carotene and coconut oil which are majorly used in movie theatres. With this oil, you do not have to worry about the popcorn brand you use. You will get the same results with varied popcorn brands, a feature which is not common with most brands.
That's not all. People with allergic reactions can benefit from this oil. Great Northern Popcorn oil is peanut-free, gluten-free, and tree nut-free. Also, no MSG, milk, or eggs have been used to create this oil. The oil is great for cooking popcorns but you can also use it for your cooking needs due to its health benefits.What we liked: The oil comes in a large quantity so you can use it for a long period of time. There are about 256 servings in the jar.
What we didn’t like: The oil jar has a large volume with a small opening so It might get a bit messy trying to scoop out the last bits of the oil.
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15. Wabash Valley Farms Popcorn Oil
If you are searching for the best oil for making popcorn on the stovetop, then you might want to give this Wabash Valley a try. Compared to coconut oil, Wabash oil contains 65% fewer fats and is free of trans fat. The taste and smell are similar to that of coconut oil but it has a much lower fat content.
For great results, use the oil with Whirley pop or other stovetop poppers. The oil is Kosher certified and can be used to make other tasty snacks or recipes. Note that, Wabash oil is recommended to be stored in the pantry. Changes in temperatures may affect its color but the flavor and quality will remain the same.
What we liked: The oil makes your popcorn soft and fluffy. It also adds a mild buttery flavor and a yellow hue to the popcorn.
What we didn’t like: The popcorn seasonings do not stick well to the popcorn and the jar is quite small so you can only make a few batches with it.
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Why You Should Always Use A High-Quality Popcorn Oil
Saves time
Oil plays a significant role in the preparation of popcorn. Naturally, oil is a good conductor of heat, and making use of it will save your time as it helps to pop the unpopped popcorn kernels at a faster rate. This is why most popcorn oils have a high smoking point compared to regular cooking oil.
Makes Your Popcorn Flavorful
It might be very difficult to chew on bland popcorn while watching a movie. To make your experience better, most popcorn oils are flavored and have a nice aroma. The most common flavor used is a nutty or buttery flavor. The flavor not only gives your popcorn a great taste but leaves you craving for more.
Once your popcorns are ready, you can use your oil to sprinkle on top to enhance the flavor. You can also add it to the unpopped kernels on the stovetop to enhance the flavor.
Lower Fat Content
Popcorn oils usually have a lower fat content compared to regular cooking oils. This is because the producers of the popcorn oils ensure that the production process is carried out under controlled conditions. Popcorn oils are usually made using well-standardized and quantified ingredients that help to reduce the amount of fat per serving.
Tips for cooking healthy popcorns
Select your cooking oil with caution
The market offers varied cooking oil brands but some are better than others. Oil with high saturated fat content should be used sparingly. High saturated fats are known to trigger heart complications. However, small quantities of saturated fats are not known to have negative impacts.
Some of the oils you can take advantage of are Avocado oil, canola oil, wall nut, and extra virgin olive oil. This is because these oils have health benefits and are free from high-fat content.
Choose your popcorns carefully
You may spend time investing in quality popping oil but if you do not choose your popcorn brand correctly, you will end up consuming unhealthy snacks. Some popcorn brands contain additive and chemicals which may impact your health.
Check out if the popcorn brands you are buying contain artificial flavors or chemicals. Healthy popcorn will only contain the normal popped kernel. Anything more is not healthy and must be avoided.
Quantify your portion size properly
The reason why most people find it hard to manage their body weight is that they do not take into account the amount of calorie present on the food. So they keep on eating and eating until they reach a point where they cannot control the body mass. Just because a snack or food is healthy doesn't mean you take too much. Everything that is beyond the normally required quantity will always impact your health, and before you notice you will be fighting health complications.
Managing the popcorn quantity that you consume daily is one way to a healthy diet. A cup of plain popcorn is claimed to have 30 calories. However, this will vary from one brand to another depending on the popcorn type.
Cook your popcorns using the stove top or air pop them
If you are looking forward to reducing the number of calories intake, air-popping your popcorns is the best way to go about it because the method does not require oil. For higher calorie intake, it is highly recommended to cook them on a stovetop.
Use of Butter
Some people love using butter when cooking their popcorn. While it adds flavor to your snacks, it is recommended to use it moderately to help regulate body fats. In some cases, butter may make your popcorn quite soggy.
Keep away from microwave popcorns
Cooking your popcorn in a microwave is not healthy. This is due to the high salt and flavorings which are not healthy. The flavorings tend to increase your cravings which will in turn force you to consume more than the recommended quantity. High sugar levels in the body will increase your chances of developing high blood sugar levels.
Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Oils For Popcorn
Smoking point
Popping your kernels using oil with a low smoking point can be a nightmare. Usually, the recommended popping temperature for your kernels is 356 degrees Fahrenheit. A popping oil with a high smoking point may help to save time as it is likely to pop your kernels at a faster rate.
Also, note that cooking oils with a higher smoking point are more processed and refined. While you can use them to pop your kernels, you can also use them for other cooking purposes like sautéing, stir-frying among others.
A good example of popping oil with a high smoking point is avocado oil. Aside from having a high smoking point, the oil is known for its health benefits and its ability to retain flavor and taste. It is unlikely to burn or catch fire when exposed to high temperatures, which makes it a great pick not only when popping your kernels but also for other cooking purposes.
Ingredients
If you want your homemade popcorn to taste and smell good, you will need to take a closer look at the ingredients used. It is important to opt for a popcorn oil that does not increase your cholesterol, blood pressure, or weight. It should not increase the risks of developing chronic diseases, too. It is always best to go for a popcorn oil that is free of trans fat, saturated fat, artificial additives, and preservatives.
Health benefits
You are what you eat and this will also apply to the type of popping oil you choose. Each brand comes loaded with different health benefits in regards to the ingredients used. This is why you need to be extra- careful when choosing your oil.
One of the most commonly used oil in movie theatres is coconut oil. The oil is rich in healthy saturated fats which are known to reduce the harmful effects of unhealthy LDL cholesterol. Coconut oil is also rich in fatty acids which help suppress appetite by making you feel fuller. This can be useful for people who react to food when stressed or are overweight.
Avocado oil is popular popping oil which is known for its health benefits. Studies have indicated that using Avocado oil can help increase HDL cholesterol which is beneficial to the body and helps prevent heart complications.
People with diabetes and gum diseases can also benefit from Avocado oil. Extracts of avocado are known to prevent periodontal gum diseases and reduce knee and hip pain as well as stiffness for osteoarthritis patients.
Canola oil is also commonly used oil for popping kernels. It is cholesterol free and a good source of healthy fats and vitamin E. Vitamin E is an anti-oxidant which helps promote a healthy skin. Studies have indicated that Vitamin E can help reduce cancer, heart disease, and memory loss.
Soybean oil and beta-carotene are some of the ingredients used to produce healthy popping oil. Some brands may use soybean or combine it with beta-carotene to increase the health benefits. Beta-carotene is known to be a great source of Vitamin A. A vitamin which promotes a healthy skin, improves the body immune system and boosts eyesight.
Soybean oil, on the other hand, is a good source of Vitamin E, Vitamin K, and healthy Omega 3 fatty acids. Vitamin K is known to promote healthy bones while Vitamin E protects the skin from damage. Omega 3 promotes a healthy skin and good eyesight.
Peanut oil is another quality popping oil which is ideal for people with allergies. Like Olive oil, peanut oil is rich in monounsaturated fats which are good for a healthy heart. The oil is also cholesterol free, Tran’s fats free with low saturated fats content.
Taste and smell
Some oils will have a stronger smell than others depending on the ingredients used. People with allergic reactions should be careful when choosing their preferred brand. You should always check out the ingredients carefully before buying the popcorn oil to prevent any health hazards.
Note that, organically extracted oil will always smell and taste the same as the ingredients used in the extraction. Any other smell is a good indicator of other additives or artificial flavors which are unhealthy.
Another thing worth noting is that organically extracted oils are high in omega 3, 6, 9, and fatty acids which typically have a lower shelf life and require proper storage. Improper handling of naturally extracted cooking oil can ruin its color and taste. To ensure your popping oil does not become rancid, always store it in a cool and dark place.
Quantity
Most people like buying in bulk in order to save money but when it comes to organic extracted cooking oil, you should be extra careful on the quantity you buy. As mentioned earlier, naturally produced oil has a lower shelf life as compared to fully refined oil. For people who do not snack daily, it is highly recommended to invest in smaller quantities. The more your oil gets exposed to oxygen, the higher the chances of becoming rancid and losing its nutritional value.
Uses
While some brands are only recommended for popping purposes only, others can serve as popping oil and cooking oil at the same time. If you are looking forward to saving money, purchasing oil that can be used in varied cooking needs will help you prepare healthy meals without having to break the bank.
What Is The Best Oil For A Popcorn Maker?
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is popularly used in movie theaters. The oil gives your popcorns great taste and if you are a fan of popcorn, you will not get enough. Popcorns cooked using coconut oil have a rich flavor, are moist, and blend in perfectly well with salt. Aside from giving your snacks incredible taste, the oil also has health benefits and makes a great pick for your popping purposes.
Olive oil
Olive oil is commonly used in Mediterranean-style dishes but can also be used to pop your kernels. It is also a good pick for your salad dressings. However, some people claim that the oil gives popcorns a salad-like taste. But if you value quality over taste, you can enjoy the health benefits it offers.
Peanut oil
If you are not allergic to peanuts, cooking your popcorn with peanut oil will give the popcorn a nutty taste or flavor. Note that highly refined peanut oil is unlikely to give you the nutty flavor and will contain fewer calories. Highly refined peanut oil is also known to make your popcorn fluffier.
Canola oil
Another great popping oil for your popcorn maker is canola oil. The oil burns quickly which is a great feature that helps you save time. However, you should keep track of your temperatures to avoid your popcorns from turning black.
If you value taste more, then you should consider choosing other brands because canola oil will not give your popcorn a strong flavor. But still, the oil is an excellent pick for your popcorn maker. If you choose canola oil for your popcorn maker, ensure you store it in your pantry to reduce the chances of getting rancid.
Soybean oil
Just like canola oil, soybean oil does not have a strong flavor but it is great for popping your kernels. You can use it to cook other food such as meat, vegetables, and pasta as well.
FAQ
Why does the popcorn oil make my popcorn soggy?
It might be because you are using too much popcorn oil. You should use no more than a tablespoon for making 1-2 cups of popcorn. It is always best to use less oil when making popcorn on the stovetop or in an electric popcorn maker.
Do I need to mix the salt with the popcorn oil?
You can mix the salt with the popcorn oil or you can sprinkle the salt over the popcorns once they are done. It is recommended to use only a pinch of salt as adding too much may make your popcorns too salty.
Conclusion
Popcorns make a great snack. In fact, they are considered to be quite healthy because they are rich in fibers and whole grains. However, without a popcorn oil, your popcorns may turn out to be quite bland and soggy. It is no doubt that popcorn oil helps to make popcorn more delicious. The best oils for popcorns make your popcorn extremely flavorful and fluffy. You might be able to impress your guests with your popcorn-making skills.
I highly question your review if you think Orville Redenbacher’s Popping Oil is “Rich in buttery flavor” and even recommend it for topping your popped popcorn. I completely disagree, it has zero butter flavor in it, at least none that I can taste and using it as a topping does nothing but cause an oily mess. Don’t get me wrong, it does well as a popping oil because you get nicely popped popcorn from it, but it leaves no flavor on the popcorn. One item that I found that works pretty well is using Smart Balance margarine to pop popcorn (I do hate to name drop brands, but this is the margarine our family buys and its what I used, use of another margarine may not work as well). It does leave a nice buttery taste, although still not the movie theater taste that I am out for replicating, but still good for homemade, buttery tasting popcorn. Since one of its main ingredients is water, you have to “clarify” it (i.e. boil the water out of it, it will boil quite significantly, then quite suddenly clear of all bubbles, so that’s why I call it “clarify” even if there’s no term for clarifying margarine like butter) it first, then add your kernels and boil them on medium, and pop them as you normally do.
Check out flavacol for movie theater butter popcorn. It just needs whatever oil you use + the seasoning. But be careful since it’s super high in sodium.
Coconut oil is used in most theaters for the oil & some, use something called “Flavacol” too. Give coconut oil a try, in place of… or maybe in addition to that clarified butter/margarine to keep it from getting soggy. Happy popping, hope you find that movie theater taste! 🙂 Enjoy.