How to make delicious and healthy popcorn at home

Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.

Three cups of plain popcorn has 93 calories, 3.6 grams of fibre, 3 grams of protein, 18.6 grams of carbohydrates and 1.1 grams of fat. Popcorn also has a low glycemic index, so it can help maintain blood sugar levels. Just be sure that you’re using unseasoned popcorn kernels rather than the pre-bagged microwave versions which are often loaded with excess fat and salt. 

There are two extremely easy ways to actually make popcorn, with almost no room for error. There’s also the old fashioned way 

For this method of making popcorn, the tools do most of the heavy lifting. If you choose the microwave route, a collapsible silicone popper bowl does the trick really well. And because it’s collapsible, it’s easy to store. 

This method is about as simple as it gets:

Alternatively, a stand-alone popcorn maker works wonderfully, it’s just a bit bulkier to store. This type of popper requires some sort of popcorn catcher, like bowls with lids for storage once you’re done snacking. Though the machine comes with a measuring tool, it’s possible that you end up free pouring kernels and get more popcorn than you bargained for. 

Directions may vary slightly depending on your machine, but should follow the same instructions: 

While slightly more work than the previous two methods, this one is also a way that gets you closer to that movie theater taste. You also won’t need any special equipment, since all you’ll need is a heavy-bottomed pot and some oil (we recommend coconut oil or olive oil).

Once you have your popcorn popped, it’s all about the seasoning. Some people like a quaint shake of sea salt, but there are so many possibilities. To add even more wholesomeness to your healthy snack, try nutritional yeast. It tastes sort of cheesy and sort of nutty. It’s packed with vitamin B12 and provides 6 grams of protein per serving.

You can also get really fancy with truffle oil (this variety is a mix of truffle, olive and extra virgin olive oils). And if you’re ready to elevate your popcorn game to next-level artisanal, you can create your own cheese seasoning. 

Use a dehydrator to remove all the moisture from your favourite cheese. Then, toss the hardened cheese in a blender and you have the freshest seasoning without any additives. A dehydrator provides endless popcorn seasoning opportunities. You can put in fresh dill, garlic or even sour cream or kimchi. The possibilities are limitless. 

Shopping Essentials is a category written by research-obsessed shopping experts. Explore product reviews, recommendations and launches — plus behind-the-scenes info on your favourite brands and hidden gems — learn more here or sign up for our newsletter.