Popcorn Is the Ultimate Snack. These 8 Brands Prove It.

Don’t have a movie theater date night in your near feature? That doesn’t mean you have to forgo your vegan popcorn while watching Netflix at home—in fact, we encourage all the vegan snacking. Though you can always make your own popcorn if you feel so inclined (just don’t forget the nooch), numerous companies are now making ready-to-eat popcorn in various vegan flavors you can’t easily replicate at home. We’re sharing eight of our favorite brands.

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Is popcorn vegan?

More often than not, popcorn is vegan-friendly. When buying popcorn at your local convenience store, check the ingredient label to ensure animal ingredients haven’t snuck their way inside your snack of choice. Dairy is the ingredient to look out for, as butter and cheese are common ingredients in bagged popcorn. If you’re purchasing microwavable popcorn bags, this same rule applies.

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But what about movie theater popcorn? Best known for its buttery taste, movie theater popcorn doesn’t always contain butter. In fact, most major movie theater chains achieve this buttery taste using plant oils, not butter. As always, double check with the concessions stand before purchasing. 

Is popcorn healthy?

Popcorn is a whole grain, which means it contains vitamins, including B vitamins; minerals, including iron and magnesium; and fiber, which supports gut and digestive health. In fact, popcorn is very high in fiber—just 100 grams contains around 15 grams. Popcorn is also a source of an antioxidant called polyphenols. These powerful plant compounds may help to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body and potentially lower the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

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This all sounds pretty positive, but there are a few things you need to know before you stock up. Some popcorn products can contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, as well as added salt and unhealthy fats. Some microwavable varieties are also packaged with a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). This helps to prevent oil from leaking through the paper, but it’s also a per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS). You can read more about the potential risks associated with consuming PFAS here.

Vegan popcorn snacks

If you want all the best bits of popcorn, without the questionable chemicals, there are many delicious products on the market to choose from. Below, we’ve rounded up a few of our go-to vegan bagged popcorn picks (listed in no particular order).

Skinny Pop

1 Skinny Pop

You can’t have a “best of” popcorn list without including Skinny Pop. Not all of its flavors are vegan, so check the package to be sure, but the vegan options among the current lineup include Original, dairy-free White Cheddar, Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn, Sea Salt & Pepper, and Twist of Lime. 

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Angie’s Boomchickapop

2 Angie’s Boomchickapop

Another brand that keeps it simple and delicious when it comes to popcorn is Angie’s BoomChickaPop. It’s not a totally vegan-friendly brand, but its tasty Sea Salt offering is made with just a handful of ingredients, including sunflower oil, and none of them come from animals. Its other vegan flavors include Lightly Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn and Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn. 

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Lesser Evil

3 LesserEvil

Avocado is a go-to plant ingredient for many. It’s delicious on toast, you can’t beat guacamole, and it takes sandwiches to the next level. But it’s also a great popcorn flavor, according to the organic popcorn brand LesserEvil. If that doesn’t sound like your bag, though, you can also try one of the brand’s many other tasty vegan flavors, including Himalayan Pink Salt and dairy-free White Cheddar.

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Pür

4 Pür

When it comes to popcorn, we say you can’t beat the combination of sweet and salty flavors in one bag. Pur’s gluten-free, nut-free version is a great choice, it’s made with just four simple ingredients: corn, coconut oil, sugar, and Himalayan pink salt. If you prefer to avoid sugar, you can opt for the brand’s simple Sea Salt flavor, which is made with just corn, coconut oil, and sea salt.
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Pipcorn

5 Pipcorn

Sink your teeth into Pipcorn’s Truffle popcorn and your taste buds will explode with gratitude. This luxurious, umami-rich flavor is a scrumptious splurge guaranteed to win anyone over—after, all it’s approved by Oprah Winfrey herself. And “pip” is appropriate when describing the kernels, as the mini heirloom kernels are half the size of regular popcorn. Enjoy with a glass of wine for the ultimate luxe night-in. For a more classic flavor, don’t miss Pipcorn’s Sea Salt variety. 

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BjornQorn

6 BjornQorn

Get your nooch on with these deliciously flavored all-vegan kernels. Choose from Classic, Spicy, Cloudy (salty), or Earth (truffle), all of which are topped with nutritional yeast instead of cheese. And when your sweet tooth comes calling, reach for Maple, which swaps out the nooch for maple sugar. The fun part about the brand? This artisan popcorn is solar popped, meaning you can thank the sun for making the kernels so crispy and airy. 

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The Safe + Fair Food Company

7The Safe + Fair Food Company

Never tried drizzled popcorn? You’ll wonder what took you so long when you dig into a bag of Safe + Fair’s popcorn. The all-vegan flavors are among the most unique you’ll find in commercially available popcorn and include fun versions such as strawberry shortcake, birthday cake, and Honeycrisp apple pie. 

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Pop Art Snacks

8 Pop Art Snacks

Pop Art Snacks offers a number of classic popcorn flavors including Rosemary Truffle, Hawaiian Sea Salt, and Sweet & Salty. But for something unlike anything else, go for the Dill Pickle Vegan Ranch popcorn flavor. It’s slightly salty, tangy, and makes for the perfect snack come movie time. 
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