Popcorns make a great snack that can be made within just a few minutes. If you usually host movie nights, game nights, or other such parties, then you might be interested to grab a bag of popcorn kernels. The best popcorn kernels will allow you to make tender, fluffy, and crunchy popcorns like the ones they serve in movie theaters. The beauty of making popcorn at home is that you can always customize the flavor according to your and your guests’ preferences.
Best Pick
The Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet Popcorn Kernels is our best pick because it has the perfect seasoning, comes in a generous amount, and has just the right texture. This is definitely something that you can snack on daily without getting bored.
Budget Pick
The Great Northern Popcorn Premium 24 Pk- 8 Ounce Popcorn Portion is our budget pick because it has a delicious buttery flavor, an easy-to-store packaging, and can be prepared in just a few minutes. This popcorn kernel is best for a crowd of 6-8 people.
Quick Comparison: Top 11 Best Popcorn Kernels
| Product Name | Weight (ounces) | Flavor | Calories (per serving) | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet Popcorn Kernels | 96.00 | Gourmet Yellow | 120 | A |
| Great Northern Popcorn Premium 24 Pk- 8 Ounce Popcorn Portion | 8.00 | Butter | 140 | A |
| Amish Country Popcorn Kernels | 16.00 | Baby White | 140 | A |
| Snappy White Popcorn | 64.00 | Popcorn | 110 | A |
| Amish Country Popcorn 10 - 4 oz Bags | 4.00 | Variety Gift Set | 140 | A |
| Amish Country Popcorn 3-1 lb bags | 48.00 | Purple, Blue, & Red | 140 | A |
| Anthony's Organic Yellow Popcorn Kernels | 48.00 | Yellow Popcorn | 150 | A |
| Franklin's Gourmet Movie Theater Popcorn | 2.00 | Butter | 170 | A |
| Great Northern Yellow Popcorn Kernels | 192.00 | 4195 Original | 100 | B |
| Franklin’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels | 28.00 | Organic | 110 | B |
| Snappy Yellow Popcorn Kernels | 64.00 | Premium Yellow | 110 | A |
1. Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet Popcorn Kernels
If you are a true lover of yellow popcorns, you would not be disappointed by the quality of these popcorns by Orville Redenbacher's. They have been growing their high-quality yellow popcorn kernels in their family farms since 1952 and have focused on making their popcorns crispy on the outside but tender on the inside which is one of the secrets to what makes great movie-theater quality popcorns.
This product also comes in a big 5 pounds 12 oz container with a wide opening so that you can easily scoop out as much popcorn as you want.
The airtight lid of the container also keeps the kernels fresh for a long time and the handle of the container allows you a good grip on it when you are lifting it up. The popcorn kernels are also great in the sense that they can be made in versatile methods. You can pop these popcorns using an air popper, electric popper, microwave, or on the stovetop. With these popcorns, you do not have to worry about how much oil you should put in for a certain amount of popcorns since the container gives a clear table of measurements that tell you how much oil is needed to pop specific amounts of kernels, along with easy instructions on how to make the perfect popcorns on your stovetop. The nutritional facts about the popcorns are also given clearly to remove any doubts or confusions.
These popcorns not only taste great but also make a healthier snack compared to many other snack food since they are 100% whole-grain and has a high fiber content. They are non-GMO, organic and gluten-free and are safe to be consumed by anyone. Since the container only contains kernels without any oil or seasoning, you can add your own flavors and oil to make it healthier and tastier.Pros
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2. Great Northern Popcorn Premium 24 Pk- 8 Ounce Popcorn Portion
The first thing that we love about these popcorn kernels is the smart packaging. These come in premeasured 8-ounce packets which means you know exactly how much you are going to use without having to measure out the kernels using a measuring cup or by guesswork.
The packaging also features a tri-pack system which has the oil and the seasoning in separate compartments. This is especially useful when you are not sure how much oil or seasoning you need to add to make your popcorns taste great since there is no measuring involved when using these packets.
You simply open the packet and add the contents into a pan on the stovetop. Also, since the seasoning, the kernels and the oil are in separate compartments, you can skip out on the oil or the seasoning if you want to customize your popcorns by using your own oil or seasoning. The packets are also easy to store and to use since the 8-ounce packets are lighter to carry than a big, heavy bag of popcorns. Another great thing about the packaging is that the back of the packet has a detailed easy-to-understand instruction for the different methods in which you can make popcorns using these kernels. There are instructions for using it in a commercial popper, electric popper, air popper, and top of the stove. Besides the instructions, there is a clear list that shows the nutritional facts about this packet of popcorns.
The second thing that we love about these popcorn kernels is its quality. Since our earliest memories regarding the taste of popcorns come mainly from going to watch baseball games at a stadium or a movie theater, we tend to compare the taste of our home popcorns with the taste of the popcorns we had at those places. And these popcorn kernels from Great Northern Popcorns focuses on bringing out that taste we desire by using low-melt, buttery-flavored oil and extra-fine diacetyl-free seasoned salt. The kernels are also directly sourced from local farms, which maintains the freshness of the popcorns.Pros
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3. Amish Country Popcorn Kernels
If you are searching for crunchy, white popcorn kernels that can be made within just a few minutes, then you might want to grab a bag of this. The Amish County Popcorn Bag contains 12 servings per container which makes it perfect for hangouts or movie nights with friends and family.
This popcorn kernel contains only 140 calories per serving. You can snack on this whenever without worrying about gaining weight. This low-calorie snack is made using healthy and safe ingredients that do not include any GMO or gluten. It does not contain any nuts either so you do not have to worry about developing any nut allergies when you consume this product.
You can prepare the popcorn kernels on your stovetop by placing them in a pan that is coated with oil and has a lid on top. Make sure that the popcorn kernels are coated with oil as well before securing the lid. You can also prepare them in your microwave by placing the white kernels in a microwavable paper bag. It will take only about two minutes for all the kernels to pop.
This product has Climate Pledge Friendly certification which means that its packaging is sustainable. It does not include a lot of waste and has a compact size which makes it easy to store.
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4. Snappy White Popcorn
The never-ending debate between whether white or yellow popcorns are better might never be resolved but the good news is that you can easily find both types on the market. If you are an avid fan of white popcorn kernels which are usually smaller than the yellow ones and might even be tenderer, then this is a great jar of white popcorn kernels that are worth looking into.
The great thing about this popcorn is that it comes in a 4 pounds jar, which means you will not have to go through the hassle of having to cut several packets of small portions to make popcorns for a group of people.
This jar also contains only the kernels, without any oil or seasoning so you have the full freedom of customizing your popcorns however way you like.
To make things more interesting, the jar has a fun recipe for making cinnamon crunch popcorns that you can look up and make a bowl of delicious cinnamon flavored sweet crunchy popcorns to savor with your favorite movie or TV show. Since these popcorns are whole grain products, they are high in fiber and low in fat and combined with the fact that they are non-GMO, they are a healthy snack alternative to having crisps or fries.
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5. Amish Country Popcorn 10 - 4 oz Bags
These popcorn kernels from Amish Country come in a pack of ten. Each pack contains 4 ounces of flavored popcorn that can be prepared in no time. The size is perfect for trying out new flavors.
The flavors indicate the different sizes of the popcorn kernels or the type of corn used to make them. All ten bags are plain in flavor which means that you can make the popcorn according to your preference. You can add the seasonings and oil of your choice to create a delicious snack. You can also follow the recipe guide eBook that contains around 15 exciting recipes for making unique and delicious popcorn meals.
You do not have to worry about consuming any toxic or harmful chemicals since the popcorn kernels are made using fresh and safe ingredients only. They do not include any GMOs or gluten so you are unlikely to have allergic reactions. Moreover, these popcorn kernels do not include any nuts such as tree nuts or peanuts either. All users will be able to enjoy this delicious treat without facing any health issues.
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6. Amish Country Popcorn 3-1 lb bags
If you have tried both white and yellow popcorns and have been wanting to try something new, this set of three bags of popcorns is something you should definitely look into. Each of the bags contains 1 pound of popcorn kernels, but the kernels are different in size, appearance, texture, and flavor.
Looking at their names, purple, blue and red, you might become intimidated thinking that these are genetically modified or artificially colored. If that is the case, set your worries aside because the good news is that they are completely non-GMO, and does not have artificial coloring added.
They have been naturally cross-bred to bring out the unique colors in their kernels and when popped, they will look like your usual white or yellow popcorns, only with great features like them being more flavorful and with fewer hulls.
The purple popcorns have a nutty kernel and are smaller than your usual popcorns and when they are popped, they turn tender and fluffy. The blue ones are the favorite for many popcorn lovers since these have their unique natural sweet flavor and contain fewer hulls, which saves you from the trouble of having to pick out hulls that get stuck on your teeth after having popcorns. The red popcorns become similar to the usual white popcorns when popped but they also have less flaky hulls and puff up to be fluffy and meaty popcorns. None of these three varieties have seasoning or oil added to them so you can make them however way you want, and what makes things more fun and exciting is the recipe guide book that comes with this set that offers you interesting recipes that you can try using these popcorns.
Not only are these popcorns a great thing to enjoy with your family, especially your children, but they also make a great gift for anyone who is a popcorn connoisseur.Pros
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7. Anthony's Organic Yellow Popcorn Kernels
If you cannot watch your favorite TV shows and movies without binging on popcorn, this might be the perfect product for you. Not only can these yellow popcorn kernels be prepared in just a few minutes but they also come in a large quantity that allows you to have a total of 34 servings per container. Just using 3 tablespoons of these unpopped popcorn kernels will produce 7.5 cups of yellow, fluffy, soft popcorns.
You can easily prepare the popcorn on the stovetop by placing the unpopped kernels in a pan and covering it with a lid. You can also prepare the popcorn in an electric popper or air popper. The unpopped popcorn kernels can also be prepared in the microwave. This simple snack is great for parties as you can prepare a large quantity of it in less than just five minutes.
The popcorn kernels are made using plant-based ingredients that are free of GMOs and gluten. It does not contain any sodium content either so you do not have to worry about the popcorn being too salty for your taste. You can always season it with butter and salt or other ingredients. You can visit Anthony Good’s website for more exciting and delicious recipes.
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8. Franklin's Gourmet Movie Theater Popcorn
If you are looking for a strictly organic popcorn that uses no animal fat and contains no GMO or gluten, with the added requirement of the packets being premeasured for a small portion, then these 2 ounces packets from Franklin’s would make a great choice for you.
These compact popcorn packets come in three compartments that separate the oil, seasoning and the kernels and are perfect for making home popcorns as well as being tossed into your camping bag so that you can enjoy popcorns even outdoors.
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9. Great Northern Yellow Popcorn Kernels
Sometimes a 12-pound popcorn kernel jar from 4195 Original is all you need in your kitchen pantry. With around 200 servings per container, this jar is great for domestic and commercial use. The yellow popcorns are light, tender, and quite crispy which makes it perfect for movie nights.
The popcorn kernels are made of non-GMO ingredients that do not include gluten either. There are no nuts, dairy products, preservatives, or artificial flavorings added to the popcorn kernels. Plus, it is a low-calorie snack which means that you can binge on it without worrying about gaining too much weight.
The popcorn kernels can be prepared in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in a popcorn machine. It is recommended to use 3 tablespoons of oil for every half cup of the popcorn kernels. You do not need to use a large amount of oil to get that crunchy texture.
You do not need to transfer the popcorn kernels onto another airtight container after opening the jar. Since the lid can be fixed tightly onto the jar, the popcorn kernels remain fresh for a long period of time.
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10. Franklin’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels
Perfect for game nights, movie nights, poker nights, and cozy parties, this jar of popcorn kernels from Franklin’s is a delight in every bite. The popcorn kernels are packed well into an airtight jar which allows them to remain fresh for longer.
You will be able to prepare them in a microwave, popcorn machine, or in a saucepan on your stovetop. You will be left with crunchy, tender yellow popcorn that tastes exactly like the ones sold at movie theaters.
The popcorn kernels are fresh and made using safe and healthy ingredients. These are non-GMO popcorn kernels that are free of gluten as well. Moreover, they are high in natural fiber. These popcorn kernels do not include any sodium or artificial flavorings so you can season them to your preference. Moreover, it contains only 110 calories per serving so you will be able to add butter or caramel without feeling food guilt.
The plastic jar is not too bulky which means that you can easily fit it into tight spaces. You can use the jar to store other food when it empties. This product has 28 servings per container so you will be able to use it for a long period of time. You do not have to run to the store frequently to refill it.
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11. Snappy Yellow Popcorn Kernels
These yellow popcorn kernels from Snappy are larger and have a fuller shape compared to the white popcorn kernels. You will receive four pounds of these yellow popcorn kernels in a large, airtight plastic jar which makes for easy storage.
These popcorn kernels are made completely with whole grain. They are high in fiber as well. The popcorn kernels contain a total of 7g of dietary fiber. Moreover, it contains only 110 calories per serving which makes it a healthy snack. You only need three tablespoons of unpopped kernels to produce a large number of popcorns.
You will be able to prepare them on your stovetop or in an electric or air popper within just a few minutes. You will be able to prepare them in your microwave as well. This jar of popcorn kernels contains 10mg of sodium so it gives off a mild salty taste. It is best if you do not add more salt when preparing the popcorn.
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Factors to be Considered Before Buying a Popcorn Kernel
Reading about all these popcorns might have made you crave for popcorns and you might be getting ready to go out and grab a packet of kernels from the nearest store and make yourself a bowl of delicious popcorns. But before you do that, we want you to consider a few factors that will help you buy the popcorns that are the perfect match for you and your family.
Amount per pack
The amount of kernels in each packet is an important factor to consider because you do not want to end up buying a large amount of popcorn that you would not be able to finish but also it is a bad idea to buy packets that contain too little popcorn for your big family and running out of popcorns right before your favorite TV show starts. It is important to assess how many ounces of popcorn kernels you are using each week or every month and stock up your kitchen accordingly so that there is no wastage or shortage.
Cooking Instructions
Popcorn kernels that can be made on the stovetop, in the microwave, or in an air popper will help to ease your cooking process. You should purchase a bag or jar of popcorn kernels that come with clear cooking instructions so that your popcorns turn out to be light, fluffy, and crunchy.
The packaging
As with all other edible materials, it is important to note that the popcorn kernels have a good packaging that ensures safe storage of your popcorns. Popcorn kernels in containers with airtight lids or in resealable bags are good because they help to preserve the freshness of the kernels. The packaging should also have a clear description of the nutritional facts so that you can be aware of any ingredients that you might be allergic to. Also, if you prefer non-GMO and vegan kernels, that information should be given on the packaging.
The variety of kernels
There are many types of popcorn kernels and everyone has their own preferences when it comes to what their favorite variety is. On the market, you can commonly find yellow and white popcorn kernels, and even blue, red, purple, etc. if you want to explore the possibilities of flavors and textures of different popcorns. Each variety has their own unique flavor, texture, amount of hulls, and size and you can experiment with different varieties or stick to your favorite variety.
Only kernels or kernels with oil and seasoning
Popcorns are like rice in the sense that there is no end to the number of ways you can prepare your popcorns and tune it to fit your likings. Popcorns kernels that come without any seasoning or oil would be a great choice for you if you want maximum freedom in how you want to make your popcorns. You can replace butter with olive oil, add cheese or caramel instead of salt, or try out one of the fun recipes that often comes on the packaging of the kernels.
But if you want your popcorn preparation to be quick and easy, you can go for the popcorns that have the kernels, oil, and salt in separate compartments and all you have to do is cut the packet open and add it to your stovetop, microwave, air popper or electric popper. The salt, oil, and kernels of these packets also come in premeasured portions which saves you from the trouble of having to measure them out manually.
FAQ
How should I prepare the popcorn kernels in the microwave if I do not own a microwavable paper bag?
If you do not own a microwaveable paper bag, you can place the unpopped popcorn kernels in a bowl that is safe to be used in the microwave. Before turning on your microwave, you should place a plate or tray on top of your bowl. You should not microwave for more than 5 minutes if you want unburnt popcorn.
How do I get rid of the popcorn hulls stuck in between my teeth?
You can use a toothpick to remove the popcorn hulls in between your teeth. However, toothpicks can cause injuries so it is best if you use floss and work it in between your teeth to get rid of all the waste.
Conclusion
Now that you know about the seven best popcorn kernels on the market and also a comprehensive list of the things you will need to consider to choose the popcorn kernel that is suitable to your taste and nutritional preferences, you are ready to treat yourself and your family to a delicious bowl of popcorns.
Snappy Popcorn is the best to me. They have a higher fiber and protein content than other popcorm.
Farmers Best, grown in Iowa is the best popcorn I have ever had. They only grow white popcorn, which is fine with me because I prefer white over yellow.
Thanks! I hope they mail order. I prefer white!!!!!
I just tried the Amish Country Rainbow Unique blend and I’m not impressed. It burns easily on the stove and the popped kernels are very, very, small. I also ended up with a lot of unpopped kernels. At this price point I expected better results than what I get from an 89 cent bag of yellow corn at Food 4 Less.
I loved this article on helping me choose the right popcorn for my situation and description of all the different types and brands. Also, for people’s feed back on their experiences of different brands. Thank you.