I don’t mean to be corny, but popcorn is a snack that is just bursting with value! Although, I have to admit it’s not exactly bursting with flavor, which is why folks typically take to drowning it in butter and salt. But I’m here to tell you there’s a better way to flavorize your popcorn.
Whether you’re scooping some corn kernels from our bulk bins to pop in an air popper or you’re taking four minutes to pop up some 365 Everyday Value Organic Microwave Popcorn (psst…it’s a Sure Deal at $2.69 for a 3-bag box), the best way to make good popcorn is to start…er, well…with good popcorn.
Once you have your plain popcorn base, just start adding your favorite flavors. Let your imagination (or taste buds) run wild. With incredibly affordable popcorn as the flavor carrier, you might even be able to afford to splurge on a small amount of a really great, high-quality flavor-er.
Here are 10 of our favorite ways to add flavor to a big bowl of popcorn that won’t also add artificial colors, flavors, or hydrogenated fats to the bowl. (Yes, in fact, we are pleased to offer Ranch dressing mix and marshmallows without those undesirable ingredients.)
- parmesan cheese
- cinnamon sugar
- maple sugar and toasted pecans
- chili powder
- honey and pecans
- chocolate chips and mini marshmallows
- bragg liquid aminos and nutritional yeast
- smoked sea salt or citrus salt
- ranch dressing mix
- our recipe for Popcorn Party Mix – a tasty take on caramel corn – or any of these other popcorn treats.
What are your favorite popcorn flavorizers?




October 11th, 2010 at 2:38 pm
We love parmesan as well, however to give it even a better “kick” I add garlic powder to the mix as well. Doesn’t take much and the flavor is wonderful.
October 11th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
I love popping kernels on the stove in a saucepan with a couple tablespoons of oil & a couple tablespoons of hot sauce. Once popped, I throw it in a paper bag, sprinkle cinnamon-sugar on top, close & shake.
It’s a total hit with friends and family. Sweet, then spicy – it’s irresistible!
October 11th, 2010 at 11:30 pm
A few squirts of I can’t believe its not butter and some salt are great. Even better-truffle salt!
http://eatlittleeatbig.blogspot.com/2010/09/microwave-popcorn.html
October 13th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
How about truffle salt ?
October 13th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
pepper
October 13th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
I love popping popcorn medium low with coconut oil. Very crisp! My family enjoys adding curry powder, unsweetened coconut flakes and cashew pieces to the popcorn.
October 13th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
I love curry powder on popcorn.
October 13th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
One key ingredient for my tasty popcorn is coconut oil. the oil tastes sweet and is extremely healthy, giving you so much energy. It is so healthy it is said to reverse dementia in some people.
October 13th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
My all-time favorite is lemon pepper seasoning.
A recent discovery: a mixture of garlic salt, red pepper flakes, and goat cheese crumbles (be sure to add the cheese right away so it melts!)
October 14th, 2010 at 9:09 am
I like to use bacon grease to cook the popcorn in. Add about 2 heaping table spoons to the oil you normally use. It gives it a great flavor and adds a saltiness to it. If you put it in a bag and add very fine chopped sun dried tomatoes it is like BLT popcorn – very yummy
October 14th, 2010 at 11:20 am
I shake freshly ground coriander on my popcorn along with kosher salt. Toss and enjoy!
October 15th, 2010 at 2:04 am
Ever since my childhood popcorn has meant special occasions and communal fun, ah nostalgia! We always popped it in a heavy pot with coconut oil and sprinkled it with spirulina, nutritional yeast, and garlic powder. It looks green, but is ever so tasty!
October 15th, 2010 at 10:01 am
We pop our own on the stove using a flavorless oil like canola. Sprinkle with kosher salt and a generous coating of nutritional yeast. And to spice it up, pickled jalapeños on the side. Yum!
October 15th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
I like to add a couple cloves of garlic to the oil and perhaps some Tabasco. The Parmesan cheese sounds like a wonderful idea… We’ll have to try it.
We L O V E Popcorn
October 15th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Drizzle of peanut butter….mmmmmmmm
October 18th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
Garlic powder, black pepper, a little cayenne and oregano or thyme! I have a little spice jar with that mix (with oregano lately) all ready to go whenever we feel like popcorn!
October 18th, 2010 at 6:55 pm
I use flaxseed oil on my popcorn, it adds a buttery, nutty flavor, I cannot stop eating it. The kids think it is butter.
October 21st, 2010 at 9:23 am
To make this a protein-packed snack, add a scoop of chocolate or strawberry flavored whey protein isolate. Shake the mixture up in a paper bag–not bad!
November 7th, 2010 at 7:32 pm
[...] Flavoring Affordable Popcorn [...]
January 2nd, 2011 at 3:51 pm
We pop popcorn in a brown paper bag in the microwave. It doesn’t need any oil to cook in the microwave, so it’s exactly like cooking it in the usual microwave way. We even re-use the same bag. We also get whole ears of popcorn from our CSA, and these can be put in the bag and popped the same way. Lots of fun! Our microwave cooks 1/2cup in 3 1/2 minutes.
As for toppings, nutritional yeast and soy sauce, drizzled with Earth Balance margarine melted. I love reading other ideas.
August 24th, 2011 at 6:01 am
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