The Best Popcorn Kernels

Orville Redenbacher’s Original Gourmet White Popcorn Kernels

A Pantry Must-Have

These popcorn kernels are as essential to your pantry as sugar and flour. Plus, they come in a great package design that makes them easy to store and pour when ready to use.

Best Overall

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For original popcorn lovers, this tub of popcorn kernels will never disappoint. Orville Redenbacher has been growing high-quality popcorn kernels since 1952. Through years of experience, they’ve managed to make their popcorns pop crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Plus, this package comes in an easy-to-use container that is easy for storing in the pantry and pouring the kernels when it’s time to cook. You can easily use these kernels in your air popper, electric popper, microwave, or stovetop. Plus, these are non-GMO, organic, and gluten-free, so you don’t have to worry about safety issues.

Pros:

• No oil or seasoning is added to the kernels
• 100% Whole-grain, non-GMO, and gluten-free.
• Popcorn kernels can be made in an air popper, stovetop, electric popper, and even the microwave.
• The container’s label comes with easy instruction and oil measurement recommendations for beginner users.

Cons:

• The popcorn kernels are not premeasured, so you need a measuring cup to get an exact amount.
• The opening of the container is not wide enough to fit a measuring cup.

Amish Country Popcorn

Locally Sourced Always Tastes Better

There's something about knowing you're helping those in your community that makes the food taste that much better, don't you think?

Best Locally Sourced

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It doesn’t get more traditional than this popcorn bag that just happens to be sourced from Indiana. These are non-GMO white popcorn kernels that give you extra small and tender popcorn. Plus, they’re made at a facility that’s tree nut-free and peanut-free, so you don’t have to worry about allergies here. The whole bag will give you about twelve servings of popcorns. Plus, the bag comes with an amazing recipe guide book.

Pros:

• The kernels are non-GMO, gluten-free, peanut-free, tree nut-free, and contain no additional oils, salts, or flavors.
• These can be made on the stovetop, microwave, or your favorite popcorn popper.
• Includes a complete recipe guide that features different recipes highlighting popcorns.

Cons:

• The packaging only comes with a simple twist tie for closing it.
• They are not premeasured, so you need a measuring cup to get the right amount of popcorn when making them.

Great Northern Popcorn Premium

Perfect for Popcorn Fans and Parties

If you know your family is obsessed with popcorn, this package is a no-brainer for those looking for a great value buy.

Best Value

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When it comes to packaging, these Great Northern popcorns take the gold medal. These popcorn kernels come in premeasured 8-ounce packages, which means you don’t have to use a measuring cup. Plus, this tri-pack system comes with oil and seasoning in separate compartments for quick prep time. Plus, these kernels are also sourced from local farms, so you know you’re getting the best of the best.

Pros:

• The popcorn kernels come premeasured to be 8-ounce portions and include oil and seasoning in separate compartments.
• These kernels are non-GMO and gluten-free.
• It can be made in an air popper, electric popper, or the stovetop.

Cons:

• If you prefer to use your own salt, oil, and seasoning, you might want to look elsewhere.

Franklin’s Gourmet Popcorn All-in-One Packs

Movie Theater Popcorn at Home

This little set from Franklin's will bring your beloved movie theater popcorn to your house.

Best Movie Theater Taste

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For vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free popcorn, none does it better than Franklin’s Gourmet Popcorn. This option comes in premeasured portions of about 6 ounces each, perfect for large bowls. Thanks to their packages, with separate oils, seasoning, and kernels, they are ideal for making enough servings for the whole crew on movie night. What’s even better is that the oil in these packets is 100% pure coconut oil, which adds a unique flavor and makes your popcorn a bit healthier.

Pros:

• The kernels come in prepacked packages with the right amount of oil and seasoning if you wish to add it.
• They have coconut oil instead of the traditional vegetable oil to make these healthier.
• Vegan, organic, and non-GMO,
• Gluten-, peanut-, and soy-free.

Cons:

• The 6-ounce package is probably too much for one person, though Franklin’s Gourmet Popcorn does offer their popcorn in different sizes.

Bob’s Red Mill Whole White Popcorn

For Microwave Lovers

If you can't part ways with your microwavable popcorns, this is your best option. It is like having the best of both worlds.

Best for Microwave

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These popcorns are the perfect healthy snack to have around for your family and friends. They don’t have any added salt or oil, so you can make these with whatever recipe you choose. The package comes with instructions for popcorn beginners, and they can be done on the stovetop or in the microwave. Plus, this option comes with some amazing recipes. You can try using these kernels, including nacho popcorns.

Pros:

• The package design is great for stocking up your kitchen.
• Whole-grain popcorn kernels that have no added salt or oils.
• Packages include fun and easy recipes to try with the kernels.

Cons:

• Once opened, the bags are not resealable, so you have to clip them or transfer them to an airtight container to keep the kernels fresh.
• The bags can be messy, and there might spill when you try to get the kernels out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are popcorn kernels the same as corn kernels?

Not really. Your average corn kernel might not pop and turn into the delicious popcorn we know and love so much.

What’s the difference between yellow or white popcorn?

For those looking for a smaller, more tender popcorn flake, you want to choose white kernels. On the other hand, yellow kernels will always give you larger, fluffier flakes. You might want to try a mix of both types of kernels to get the right ratio for candied popcorn.

Is popcorn a healthy snack?

Popcorn is a whole-grain, high-fiber snack that’s a great healthy alternative snack. However, for the popcorn to be truly healthy, you’ll need to make it air-popped, lightly seasoned, and light in oil.