You may think your favorite bag of Trader Joe’s popcorn is also, unquestionably, the very best Trader Joe’s popcorn flavor. And who’s to say you’re wrong? Actually, me. I’ll say if you’re wrong. That’s literally my job. Let’s get popping.
We don’t talk about the popcorn selection at Trader Joe’s nearly enough. Forget frozen appetizers and cheap cheese; after this taste test, I’m convinced that bagged popcorn should be one of the first things you think about when planning your shopping trip to TJ’s. They’ve got four shelves packed to the brim with classic favorites, like Trader Joe’s kettle corn and movie theater butter, plus wacky new additions (French onion soup, anybody?) that you literally can’t find anywhere else. Trader Joe’s popcorn selection is simultaneously eclectic and comforting and, frankly, it’s dangerously close to becoming my new hyperfixation.
My criteria for finding the best popcorn at Trader Joe’s is pretty simple. The kernels need to taste freshly popped, and not like they’ve been sitting in a bag in the back of your cabinet for two months. Since it’s not a huge chore to season your own microwave popcorn, each flavor needs to be yummy enough to compete with your spice rack and store-bought popcorn seasonings. Most importantly, since TJ’s clearly likes to take creative risks with this particular snack food, I’m looking for popcorn flavors that have a certain star quality. And guess what? I think I found a few. Here’s my final ranking, from the best Trader Joe’s popcorn to the worst.
- Trader Joe’s Olive Oil Popcorn
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To some, olive oil popcorn may sound classy, healthy, refined. To others, it’s underwhelming, if not a total snooze fest. As a professional taste tester (and Libra-sun), I have to be judicious: For a popcorn seasoned with only olive oil, this isn’t half bad. The flavor is subtle, smooth, and lightly salted. But it simply can’t compare to the other gloriously weird and classically delicious flavors of Trader Joe’s popcorn.
Credit: Merc
- Trader Joe’s Piquant Popcorn
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As a huge nutritional yeast (aka nooch) fan, I wanted to love this more than I did. I don’t know if I got a bad batch, but the quality of the popcorn itself is the problem here; it’s not as fresh and crisp as the others. Since it was the only flavor of Trader Joe’s popcorn that came in a paper bag (instead of plastic), it’s possible this comes from a different manufacturer. The nutritional yeast yields an addictive flavor for those who enjoy it, but that’s really the primary flavor you’re getting, and the overall product pales in comparison to the rest. Sorry, fellow nooch lovers.
Credit: Merc
- Trader Joe’s White Cheddar Popcorn
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I’ll level with you: This isn’t the best white cheddar popcorn you’ll ever eat. If it was, this would be dangerously close to being hailed as the best popcorn at Trader Joe’s, because white cheddar popcorn is my go-to popcorn flavor and sometimes, I play favorites. While it still carries a nice cheddary tang with every bite, this Trader Joe’s popcorn isn’t as flavor-blasted as other brands. Still, unlike Piquant, the popcorn itself is light-bodied, crisp, and high quality. I wouldn’t hesitate to pick this up if I was feeling snacky!
Credit: Merc
- Trader Joe’s Kettle Corn
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Trader Joe’s makes a good kettle corn—and if you’re wondering how I can say that and relegate this flavor to sixth place, well, that’s just how yummy the rest of Trader Joe’s popcorn flavors are. The popcorn is delicate and light, with a sweetness that isn’t too concentrated. It’s highly snackable and sneakily delicious.
Credit: Merc
- Trader Joe’s Herbs and Spices
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If only they took the spices in this pleasantly seasoned popcorn and mixed them with TJ’s Piquant Popcorn. Don’t get wrong—TJ’s Herbs and Spices popcorn is really yummy. We liked it enough to include it in our best bagged popcorn ranking. I’m just saying, they could have had the perfect product. The onion, garlic, yeast, and dried herbs in this remind me of poultry seasoning, but the overall flavor is still pretty subtle. While it stands on its own very well, this Trader Joe’s popcorn makes an even better base for all your favorite savory seasonings…including nooch!
Credit: Merc
- Trader Joe’s Movie Theater Popcorn
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The high quality of the popcorn itself really sells TJ’s classic movie theater butter flavor. The kernels are airy and delicate, with an addictive light crunch that (warning) makes it hard to tell just how much you’re eating when you aren’t paying attention. The flavor is just buttery enough to bring the cinema vibes straight to your couch, but not too buttery or oily that you feel sick when you eat half the bag in one sitting like some crazy people (oops). This could easily be the best popcorn at Trader Joe’s, but we’ve got too many great options to choose from, it seems.
Credit: Merc
- Maple Sea Salt Kettle Popcorn
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Flavor is king at Sporked, and these top three best Trader Joe’s popcorn flavors earn their crowns. Maple Sea Salt Kettle Popcorn is for anyone with an insatiable sweet tooth, because damn—we loved TJ’s regular kettle corn, but this packs an extra sweet, slightly sticky maple syrup crunch with every bite. It’s concentrated, but not cloying, and the crisp sea salt balances the sweetness nicely. It’s carnival popcorn, bagged and ready to buy at your local TJ’s.
Credit: Merc
- Trader Joe’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Popcorn
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Why, why, why must this be a limited-time flavor? (The larger question: Why is stuffing a seasonal food that isn’t socially acceptable to eat every week?) The seasoning is herby, a little buttery, and incredibly flavorful without being too salty, so you never get tired of it. I swear, you even can taste a bit of tart cranberry hidden in the layers of flavor. I tried a lot of stuffing-flavored snacks this past holiday season, and this is one of the best I tried, hands down.
Credit: Merc
- Trader Joe’s French Onion Popcorn
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First of all, I’m sorry: Our number one pick is also a limited edition Trader Joe’s popcorn flavor. Which means you have to rush out and buy it. I don’t know who came up with French onion-flavored popcorn as a concept, but if you’re reading this, can we be best friends? The savory caramelized onion flavor is so bold and rich, while the popcorn itself is quite delicate and light, making it way too easy to eat half a bag in one sitting. (Or a whole bag. You do you.) It has a salty-sweet honey quality that also reminds me of Snyder’s honey mustard pretzels. As it stands, this is the best popcorn at Trader Joe’s—but you better believe I’ll be on the lookout for new bags going forward.
Credit: Merc

Trader Joe’s Popcorn!
Trader Joe’s Popcorn!
Trader Joe’s Popcorn!
Trader Joe’s Popcorn!
Trader Joe’s Popcorn!
Trader Joe’s Popcorn!
Trader Joe’s Popcorn!
Runner Up
Best of the Best
Thoughts? Questions? Complete disagreement? Leave a comment!