Popcorn is one of my favorite snacks when I’m craving something salty and crunchy (which is pretty much everyday). When I was in high school, I went through a phase where I would microwave a 100 calorie pack bag every single night, without fail.

Spoiler alert: I don’t do that anymore.

Once I became more picky about the ingredients I put into my body, I started making my own popcorn or buying already popped popcorn from brands that I trust!

I almost always add my own seasonings to my popcorn, just to elevate the experience a bit, you know… and because I’m a flavor addict and love really strong flavors in all of my food!

I wanted to do a blog post on popcorn because there’s just so much I have to say about the topic! Here’s what you’re gonna get today:

1. How I make air popped popcorn without any added oil at home without any fancy equipment!

2. My favorite popcorn seasoning combinations

3. My favorite store bought popcorn brands that are both delicious and healthy!

How to Make Air Popped Popcorn at Home (without oil):

What you need:

• A microwave

• Uncooked Popcorn Kernels (I prefer to use Organic Non-GMO kernels

• A paper lunch bag

How to do it:

1. Put 1/4 cup uncooked popcorn kernels in a paper lunch bag and fold down the top of the bag ~1/2 inch to close the bag and then fold it again, creasing the bag well. Make sure it’s closed well so the kernels don’t come popping out of the bag (I’m speaking from experience)

2. Stand the paper bag up in the microwave.

3. Microwave from 2-3 minutes (depending on the strength of your microwave). You want to stop the microwave as soon as you hear the popping start to slow down to avoid overcooking it.

4. Let the bag sit for a minute or so before opening to avoid steam.

5. Season your popcorn however you like! See the next part of this post for ideas!

Okay so now that you know to make your own air-popped popcorn, let’s talk seasonings!

I always keep my olive oil in a misting bottle because it makes it much easier to portion. (Did you know 1 tablespoon of olive oil is 120 calories?!).

So you’ll want to mist your freshly popped popcorn with some olive oil (or other oil of choice) so that your toppings have something to stick to. Then it’s time to get creative!

Here are a few of my fave flavor combinations:

1. Chili + Lime Popcorn: Squeeze fresh lime juice over your popcorn and then sprinkle with chili powder! I also like to add salt since the popcorn hasn’t been salted yet! The lime juice will also help the seasonings to stick to the popcorn! If you like it REALLY spicy, you can add some hot sauce too!

2. Parmesan + Rosemary Popcorn: Spritz your popcorn with olive oil, then add 1-2 tbsp grated parmesan + fresh chopped rosemary (you could also use dried). I also like to add some garlic powder!

3. Truffle Salt + Vinegar: Splash your popcorn with white vinegar and then sprinkle with truffle salt!

4. Everything Bagel Popcorn: Use Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Seasoning or make your own by using a mix of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, onion powder, garlic powder and salt! (PS: Want to see what I like to buy at Trader Joe’s? Check out my ultimate shopping list!)

5. “Smoky Vegan Nacho”: Sprinkle popcorn with nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, cumin and salt!

Finally, for when you just don’t feel like making your own popcorn, here are my 6 favorite store-bought popcorn brands:

1. LesserEvil Buddha Bowl Popcorn:

   • Flavors: Himalayan Pink (This is the original flavor), Himalayan Gold (This is a non-dairy version of the original flavor), Oh My Ghee (Made with grass-fed ghee and has a really delicious buttery taste), Classic Cheddah (Cheddar cheese flavor), Jalapeno & Honey (Spicy & Sweet), Himalayan Sweetness (Similar to kettlecorn), Avocado-Licious (made with avocado oil), Bonsai (Wasabi flavored)

   • Nutrition Facts for the Classic Flavor (Himalayan Pink): 1 cup= 38 Calories, 1.5 g Fat, 6 g Carbs, 2 g Fiber, <1 g Protein

   • Other Info: Certified Organic, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free (not certified), some flavors are vegan

2. Live Love Pop:

   • Flavors: Honey BBQ, Lime Fresco, Salt & Vinegar, Sea Salt, Truffle Salt, Cheddar & Sour Cream

   • Nutrition Facts(All flavors are about equal): 1 cup= 35 Calories, 2 g Fat, 3.5 g Carbs, 0 g Fiber, 0.5 g Protein

   • Other Info: Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Vegan

3. Skinny Pop:

   • Flavors: Original, Aged White Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Sea Salt & Pepper, White Cheddar (Dairy Free), Naturally Sweet, Jalapeno

   • Nutrition Facts (For the Original Flavor): 1 cup= 40 Calories, 2.5 g Fat, 4 g Carbs, 0.5 g Fiber, 0.5 g Protein

   • Other Info: Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Dairy Free

4. Boom Chicka Pop

   • Flavors: Many different flavors but the ones I would suggest are the Light Kettle Corn, Chile Lime,

   • Nutrition Facts (For Light Kettle Corn Flavor): 1 cup= 35 Calories, 1 g Fat, 5 g Carbs, <1 g Fiber, 0.5 g Protein

   • Other Info: Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Vegan

5. Earth Balance:

   • Flavors: Vegan Buttery Flavor, Vegan Aged White Cheddar,

   • Nutrition Facts (For Vegan Buttery Flavor): 1 cup= 40 Calories, 2.5 g Fat, 3.5 g Carbs, 1 g Fiber, 0.5 g Protein

   • Other Info: Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Vegan

6. Good Health Popcorn

   • Flavors: Half Naked Organic Sea Salt, Half Naked Hint of Olive Oil, Half Naked Wild Buffalo Blue

   • Nutrition Facts: 1 cup= 37 Calories, 1.5 g Fat, 5 g Carbs, 1.5 g Fiber, 1 g Protein

   • Other Info: Non-GMO, Organic