What’s the best popcorn? Usually we’d say, well, it depends on what you mean. But we’ve got your bases covered here. Whether you’re talking about microwave popcorn, stovetop popcorn, ready-to-eat bagged popcorn, kettle corn, or even caramel corn, we have our best of the best picks ready and waiting for you.
And, if these apex picks just don’t do it for you, click into the full, individual rankings for all sorts of specific picks like the most buttery microwave popcorn, the cheesiest bagged popcorn, best white stovetop popcorn, and more.
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- Pop Secret Movie Theater Butter
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Pop Secret is the best popcorn to buy if you’re looking to pop some up in the microwave. It’s a lot like movie theater popcorn: buttery, salty, airy, crunchy. And yes, we’re talking artificial, fake-as-heck movie theater butter. Bonus: It’s pretty darn cheap—certainly cheaper than the stuff at the movie theater.
Read the full ranking of the best microwave popcorn
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- Sprouts Organic Popcorn Lightly Buttered
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So, you don’t want to turn on the stove. You can’t be bothered to deal with a microwave. You want the best popcorn and you want it NOW! Well, calm down, first of all. Secondly, here you go. Have some of Sprouts’ lightly buttered popcorn in a bag. It’s salty and richly flavored. You can enjoy it as is, or add some of your own seasonings to the bag and shake it up.
Read the full ranking of the best bagged popcorn
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- Bob’s Red Mill White Popcorn
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If you’re looking for the best rated popcorn kernels we’ve ever tried for stovetop popcorn, then Bob’s your uncle—er, popcorn. Bob’s Red Mill is the best popcorn brand for those who like to cook their popcorn the old fashioned way. The kernels pop up fluffy and light and a little bit sweet. It’s a delicate popcorn but don’t be afraid to slather it in melted butter, dust it with nutritional yeast, or douse it all in some of the best popcorn seasoning we found.
Read the full ranking of the best stovetop popcorn
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- Popcorn Indiana Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn
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If the best popcorn, in your opinion, is both sweet and salty, then the best popcorn for you is most certainly kettle corn. This bagged kettle corn is beautifully balanced, with pops of sweetness and salt that light up your mouth. And the popcorn puffs themselves are so light and crispy-crunchy. Finally, the perfect kettle corn without having to lug out that giant cast-iron cauldron.
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- Werther’s Original Caramel Popcorn
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Of course Werther’s makes the best caramel corn. These crunchy puffs are absolutely coated with buttery, salty-sweet caramel that tastes just like a Werther’s Original hard candy. And, amazingly, the popcorn underneath stands up to the caramel with its pure corn flavor. This is the best popcorn when you are in the mood for a decadent snack. Go ahead. You deserve a treat.
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Justine Sterling
Vinz Karl
Danny Palumbo
Ariana Losch
Matt Crowley
