• Vitamins & Supplements
  • Food & Drink
  • Sports Nutrition
  • Free From
  • Natural Beauty
  • Weight Management
  • Offers
  • Summer Shop
  • The Health Hub
  • Learn more Healthbox
  • Account
Track your order Delivery & Returns Help Centre My subscriptions

Customer Service

  • Contact us
  • Site map
  • Site map
  • Store locator

About us

  • Who are we
  • Working at Holland & Barrett
  • Press releases
  • Privacy & cookie policy
  • Terms & conditions
  • Holland & Barrett More
  • Holland & Barrett International
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Modern Slavery Statement

Connect with us

Store
0370 606 6606
My account
Rewards
  • Sign in
  • How do I join?
  • What are the benefits?
  • FAQs
Holland & Barrett :: the good life
  • Menu
  • Account
  • Store
  • Basket
    Search for
    • Vitamins & Supplements
    • Food & Drink
    • Sports Nutrition
    • Free From
    • Natural Beauty
    • Weight Management
    • Offers
    • The Health Hub
    • Healthbox

    Home / Food & Drink / Diets / Dairy Free / How to make healthy popcorn

    How to make healthy popcorn
    How to make healthy popcorn

    How to make healthy popcorn

    It might be easy to associate popcorn with that served in cinemas laden with unhealthy fats, salt and sugar. But, surprisingly, popcorn can be one of the most healthiest, and popular, snacks you can reach for. It’s all in how you prepare it.

    Is Popcorn Healthy For You?

    Depending on how you prepare your popcorn it can turn out as either one of the least nutritious snacks or become one of the healthiest1. Popcorn is actually a wholegrain food that can be high in fibre and antioxidants and is even recommended as a low-carb and low-sodium food option (unsalted of course)2. It only becomes unhealthy when you add oil or butter.

    Popcorn itself is simply a type of corn that when exposed to heat, causes the kernel to explode and essentially ‘pop’3. Popcorn has become increasingly popular due to the low costs in producing and purchasing it.

    Alternative Ways To Make Popcorn

    If you’re looking to keep your popcorn as a tasty treat but without the overload of calories, try the following tips for a healthier version that still packs a flavorsome punch.

    Pop On The Stove

    It might seem counter-intuitive to use a stove top to make your popcorn as you will need to use oil. However, by choosing your oil wisely, using this method adds a healthy dose of fat to control hunger cravings and all within 10 minutes4.

    Choose Your Oil Wisely

    Don’t worry about using oil, especially when popping on the stove. Choose your oil based on whether they contain healthy fats as these are great for providing energy and your overall health5. Avocado and extra virgin olive oil are the best options as they are loaded with monosaturated fats. Coconut oil is a good alternative but use sparingly due to its high saturated fat content.

    Avoid Butter & Sweeteners

    Although very popular, adding butter to your popcorn can have a huge increase in the number of calories you’ll be consuming. A normal butter topping can add around an extra 102 calories and 7 grams of saturated fat to a three-cup serving6.

    Similar to sweeteners or artificial flavourings, these toppings make popcorn less healthy and more often than not will contain chemicals. The best way to avoid these is to purchase corn kernels (ready to be popped) or popcorn in its most basic form.

    Add Healthier Toppings

    It’s not all doom and gloom. You can keep your popcorn fresh and tasty by adding fun, healthy toppings. Spices and seasoning can give popcorn a kick. A great alternative to your normal popcorn is a sweet and spicy topping using chilli powder and cinnamon and layering the top with a healthy sweet option like honey or agave syrup7.

    You can also add a hit of protein to the pot by mixing your popcorn with peanut butter or a healthy cheese for a savoury twist.

    For more quick and easy treats, check out our free from sweet snacks range.

    Last updated: 29 April 2020

    Sources

    1 https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/how-to-make-popcorn-a-healthy-snack/2019/04/04/a8b0bd00-4c11-11e9-b79a-961983b7e0cd_story.html
    2 https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/topics/health-conditions/heart-health/lower-sodium-foods-shopping-list
    3 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/popcorn-nutrition-and-health
    4 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/9-best-tips-help-make-healthier-popcorn/
    5 https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/choosing-healthy-fats.htm
    6 https://www.verywellfit.com/popcorn-nutrition-facts-calories-and-health-benefits-4111296
    7 https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/sweet-spicy-popcorn

    Tweet
    Follow on Instagram
    Dairy Free Dairy Free Recipes Diet Advice Diets Food Food & Drink Gluten Free Healthy Eating Nutrition Recipes Sugar Free Sugar Free Recipes Vegan Vegan Recipes Vegetarian Recipes

    You may also like

    5 reasons to swap soy sauce for tamari

    Article

    5 reasons to swap soy sauce for tamari

    Tamari is an increasingly popular ingredient in the UK, but perhaps you’re not sure exactly..

    READ MORE...
    Your ultimate guide to tapioca flour + 8 top uses

    Article

    Your ultimate guide to tapioca flour + 8 top uses

    What is tapioca flour? Native to South America, tapioca flour is made by crushing a..

    READ MORE...
    The best sources of vegan protein

    Article

    The best sources of vegan protein

    Whether you are a long-term vegan or vegetarian or you’ve only recently made the switch,..

    READ MORE...

    Connect with us

    • Log in Register
    • rewards for life

    Customer service

    • Store locator
    • Contact us
    • Site feedback
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Delivery & returns
    • Site map
    • My account

    About us

    • Who we are
    • Working at Holland & Barrett
    • Press room
    • Privacy & cookie policy
    • Terms & conditions
    • Holland & Barrett More
    • Holland & Barrett International

    Brands

    • Holland & Barrett
    • Bootea
    • Dr Organic
    • Precision Engineered
    • Manuka Doctor
    • Good n Natural
    • Miaroma
    Register
    Click to verify if this website is operating legally

    Copyright © Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2017. All rights reserved. hollandandbarrett.com is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited,. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7RH. Registered in England: company no. 2758955. Registered VAT no. 211727395.