12 Best Microwave Popcorn Brands Ranked in 2025
With so many brands crowding the shelves, how do you know which are the best microwave popcorn products worth the pop?
According to Grand View Research, the U.S. popcorn market generated over 2 billion USD in 2023 and is expected to reach over 4 billion USD by 2030. With all this growth potential, it’s no wonder there are numerous microwave popcorn options to choose from. However, while there is a lot of choice, not all microwave popcorn is made equal.
So, how can we know which brand really makes the best microwave popcorn? From flavor and ingredients to quality and sustainability, we’re going to rank the best microwave popcorn and show you what to look for when choosing the one for you.
Jump to Section
The 12 Best Instant Popcorn Brands
12. ACT II Butter Lovers Microwave Popcorn
When it comes to the classic buttery indulgence of movie theater popcorn, few brands get it right as well as ACT II does. The Butter Lovers flavor has long been deemed the best butter popcorn by households across America and the brand is known for delivering consistently fluffy kernels drenched in a rich butter flavor.
Along with being one of the best microwave popcorn brands for butter flavor enthusiasts, ACT II is also an affordable and widely available option. However, while the flavor is undeniably up there on this list of the best microwave popcorn, ACT II does come with a few caveats, hence its last-place ranking.
The product is made with non-organic palm oil, artificial flavors and preservatives like TBHQ and added colorants, which makes it a choice to avoid for health-focused consumers. That being said, it does use 100% whole grain popcorn and contains no trans fats, offering a nod toward better nutrition.
11. Simple Truth Organic Original Microwave Popcorn
For those who value organic food and transparency, Simple Truth’s microwave popcorn delivers peace of mind in every bag. As Kroger’s organic house brand, Simple Truth takes a clean and straightforward approach to snack foods and this popcorn is made with non-GMO, USDA-certified organic corn that’s grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. The result? A crisp, fluffy popcorn that’s as satisfying as it is responsibly sourced.
It’s also one of the best microwave popcorn products to turn to when you need affordable and healthy snacks for kids. In fact, with no artificial flavors or colors and a minimal ingredient list, this popcorn is a great healthy snacking choice for all ages.
It's a healthier option compared to many mainstream brands that rely on chemical additives and low-grade oils, so if you're navigating the snack aisle with a focus on whole foods, this brand is one of the best microwave popcorn choices to trust for your next movie night or afternoon craving.
10. Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP Lightly Sweet Kettle Corn Microwave Popcorn
Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP microwave popcorn uses a subtle blend of sugar and salt to bring all the fun of a fairground snack right to your microwave. This is perhaps the best popcorn brand if you want a light snack that’s also gluten-free and contains zero trans fats. Plus, with simple ingredients like non-GMO corn, whole grains and no artificial anything, it’s deserving of its spot on this list of the best microwave popcorn.
The flavor is crowd-pleasing without being overpowering and the pop itself is satisfyingly fluffy and crisp. Whether it’s a movie night or a midday pick-me-up, Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP proves you don’t have to compromise on taste to keep things light. Plus, it's one of the best microwave popcorn choices when you want that classic sweet-salty combo but without all the additives.
9. LesserEvil Microwave Popcorn
If clean eating is your vibe, then LesserEvil may be the best microwave popcorn brand for you. The brand’s two most popular flavors are Himalayan Pink and Himalayan Gold and both are made with minimal ingredients: non-GMO popcorn, extra virgin coconut oil and Himalayan salt, plus organic butter-type flavor for the Gold variety.
Both varieties of this popcorn bring all the flavor without the extra baggage of artificial ingredients and overly processed oils and the result is a standout product that is light, fluffy and delicately seasoned. Plus, the use of coconut oil adds healthy fats and a subtle richness that takes the overall flavor profile one step further.
However, Pink and Gold aren’t the only varieties; there are around 10 flavors available, with other options including a hot and spicy blend and those made with ghee or avocado oil.
What makes LesserEvil’s range some of the best microwave popcorn on the market isn’t just the taste but the philosophy, too. The brand prioritizes sustainability, minimal processing and earth-friendly packaging. And, with only 100 to 120 calories per serving, depending on the flavor, and no refined sugars or preservatives, it's a snack you can truly feel good about.
8. Amish Country Sweet Kettle White Hulless Microwave Popcorn
For fans of old-fashioned flavors, Amish Country’s microwave popcorn is prized for its sweet kettle-style flavor and light, fluffy texture that comes from white, hulless kernels.
The popcorn is non-GMO, gluten-free and completely free of tree nuts and peanuts, making it one of the best microwave popcorn choices for those with allergies. Interestingly, despite its sweet flavor, it’s relatively low in calories and has no artificial ingredients or additives.
For popcorn lovers who want a snack rooted in tradition but aligned with modern wellness, this is one of the best microwave popcorn brands to keep stocked in your pantry. You can grab it at most major grocery stores and Amish Country stocks other popcorn products if you want some snack variation, including popcorn seasonings and loose kernels for popping yourself.
7. Black Jewell Natural Flavor Microwave Popcorn
Black Jewell is a brand that has carved out a place among the best microwave popcorn options for those shopping for quality and flavor.
This popcorn is grown in small batches as part of a family-run operation that’s been perfecting its heirloom varieties for over 50 years. Another thing that sets Black Jewell apart is that the popcorn is hulless. This means it’s gentler on teeth and easier to digest.
The fact that this product is made from non-GMO corn and contains no artificial additives also means that Black Jewell is one of the best microwave popcorn brands to turn to if you want to eat healthier and avoid overly processed foods. Plus, the brand's commitment to sustainable, environmentally responsible farming practices is a win for planet-conscious snackers.
6. SkinnyPop Microwave Popcorn
SkinnyPop has carved out a niche with its low-cal snacking philosophy and its microwave popcorn lives up to the brand’s reputation. This popcorn is light, airy and delicately salted.
What sets SkinnyPop apart is its clean ingredients list: premium popcorn kernels, sunflower oil and a dash of salt are all it takes to make this popcorn fluffy and crisp without the greasiness. The popcorn is additionally low in calories and includes no artificial ingredients or preservatives.
SkinnyPop doesn’t offer the most flavor out of all the best microwave popcorn products on this list, but it’s a balanced option with a transparent ingredients list and a top pick if you enjoy a more refined popcorn. You can also get an array of pre-popped SkinnyPop products, which come in a few different flavors while remaining a healthy snacking choice.
As one of the best 7-Eleven healthy snacks, it’s also a great microwave popcorn brand for those looking to snack on the go. As many 7-Elevens have microwaves, SkinnyPop Microwave Popcorn is also an excellent, low-calorie gas station snack to enjoy during a road trip.
5. 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic No Oil or Salt Microwave Popcorn
Wanting a stripped-back snacking experience that doesn’t break the bank? Then this next popcorn pick by 365 by Whole Foods Market — one of the cheapest grocery stores in the U.S. — is for you. The chain’s Organic No Oil or Salt Microwave Popcorn is kept plain so you can customize it with all your favorite toppings.
If you’re craving the best microwave popcorn that has a warm, satisfying popcorn crunch and a pleasant flavor, this is your best bet. However, the simplicity does come with trade-offs. By itself, the popcorn is underwhelming as it has a limited flavor, so be sure to grab some pumpkin spice, a stick of butter or some cinnamon sugar to stir through your popcorn.
As a microwave popcorn option that's affordable and has an ultra-minimalist ingredient list, this is a rare find that caters to custom seasoning lovers, budget shoppers and nutrition-first snackers alike.
4. Newman's Own Organic Butter Microwave Popcorn
Unlike many commercial popcorn brands, Newman’s Own keeps things clean and honest with organic microwave popcorn that combines old-school buttery satisfaction with organic sensibilities. Not all of the best microwave popcorn on this list is organic, so this is an important certification to look for if you want to enjoy freshly popped popcorn as a healthy snack.
With just the right amount of butter and sea salt, this is one of the best instant popcorn brands to grab when you want a savory-sweet snack. The humble ingredients list of organic popcorn, organic palm oil, sea salt and organic natural flavor makes it stand out further as one of the best microwave popcorn options available.
3. Cousin Willie's Movie Theater Butter Microwave Popcorn
Cousin Willie’s popcorn doesn’t do subtle and the Movie Theater Butter flavor is a top pick if you want an extremely buttery flavor that rivals any movie theater offering. Family-owned and with a loyal cult following, this popcorn is non-GMO, certified kosher and naturally gluten-free.
There are a few other flavors to choose from as well, such as Buttery Explosion if you want an even more intense butter flavor and Hot Butter, which pairs chile pepper with creamy butter flavoring.
Plus, at just 35 calories per cup, Cousin Willie’s popcorn is a rare example of a treat that feels indulgent without derailing your health goals. However, it’s important to note that this pick for best microwave popcorn has artificial flavors, which may not be appealing to everyone.
2. Orville Redenbacher's Naturals Light Classic Butter and Sea Salt Microwave Popcorn
The best butter popcorn is often the one you can easily grab off the shelf at your local grocery store, with no hunting required, and Orville Redenbacher’s natural popcorn meets this guideline.
When choosing between the varieties sold by this brand, Light Classic Butter and Sea Salt variety is a great choice, delivering the quintessential popcorn experience. It's perfect for shoppers who want the best microwave popcorn but with a light, health-conscious twist.
The ingredients list is refreshingly straightforward: whole grain popcorn, a touch of oil and natural flavors. While Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn doesn’t pack the same rich buttery punch that some competitors have, this is one of the best microwave popcorn brands to opt for when you want popcorn that tastes great, is free of artificial preservatives and contains less fat than traditional buttery varieties.
1. Jolly Time Blast O’ Butter Microwave Popcorn
Taking the top spot on this list of the best instant popcorn is Jolly Time’s Blast O’ Butter microwave popcorn. If you believe popcorn should come drenched in buttery goodness, then you’re in luck, because this is the best microwave popcorn for die-hard butter fans who want that nostalgic movie theater experience at home.
But flavor isn’t all Jolly Time delivers. Blast O’ Butter is made with 100% whole grain, gluten-free, non-GMO kernels and it’s even produced in a peanut-free and tree nut-free factory, making this one of the best microwave popcorn choices for people with common allergies.
That being said, Jolly Time certainly focuses more on flavor than fitness, and it’s not exactly a low-calorie snack. Therefore, it’s recommended to enjoy this microwave popcorn in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
What Is the Best Microwave Popcorn?
Is you’ve been wondering: “What is the best microwave popcorn?”, the answer really depends on your taste, dietary needs and snacking style.
If you’re in it for that buttery decadence, Jolly Time Blast O’ Butter takes the crown with its rich, indulgent flavor. On the other hand, if you prefer your popcorn a little healthier, Orville Redenbacher’s Naturals offers a balanced butter option with a wholesome twist.
For fans of sweet kettle-style treats, Amish Country’s Sweet Kettle Corn comes with plenty of nostalgic flavor and for something you can season yourself, 365 by Whole Foods Market’s microwave popcorn gives you a blank canvas with a satisfying crunch.
In terms of snacking on the move, both SkinnyPop and Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP offer more than just the best microwave popcorn with their grab-and-go bags of pre-popped corn.
What Is the Best Microwave Butter Popcorn?
Let’s get down to business: what is the best microwave popcorn when it comes to butter lovers? It’s a tough race, but for us, Jolly Time Blast O’ Butter takes the gold for that full-on movie theater flavor in every bite.
If you’re seeking a more health-conscious version without giving up that satisfying buttery vibe, Orville Redenbacher’s Naturals is a reliable household favorite with its Classic Butter and Sea Salt product. ACT II Butter Lovers and Cousin Willie's Movie Theater Butter Microwave Popcorn also earn a mention — especially if you’re after intense flavor at an affordable price.
Ultimately, the best microwave popcorn in this category will depend on your own personal preferences, so try a few brands and see which is your favorite.
Choosing the best microwave popcorn may seem simple at first glance, but as this list proves, not all kernels are created equal. From organic, oil-free options to sweet kettle classics and full-butter explosions, the best microwave popcorn comes in many delicious forms to suit every taste. Whether you're prioritizing high-quality ingredients, flavor intensity or just trying something new, there's a microwave popcorn for every mood.
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Join the conversation.