We tested 15 popular microwave popcorn brands, rating them on taste, pop percentage, value, and ingredient quality. Here are the results.
How we tested: Each brand was cooked in the same 1000W microwave using Popcorn Detector to ensure optimal timing. We measured unpopped kernels, taste-tested blind, and checked nutrition labels.
Top 5 Best Microwave Popcorn Brands
Pros: Consistently fluffy, great butter flavor, very few unpopped kernels
Cons: More expensive than store brands
Pros: Rich buttery taste, good variety of flavors, reliable popping
Cons: Higher sodium than some competitors
Pros: Simple ingredients, low calorie, no artificial flavors
Cons: Less buttery flavor, premium price
Pros: Very affordable, widely available, decent taste for the price
Cons: More artificial ingredients, slightly lower pop rate
Pros: Perfect sweet-salty balance, non-GMO, great for snacking
Cons: Sweet flavor isn't for everyone
What to Look For in Microwave Popcorn
Pop Percentage
The best brands pop 93%+ of kernels. More unpopped kernels means you're paying for corn you can't eat (and risk cracking a tooth).
Ingredient Quality
Look for popcorn with simple ingredients: popcorn, oil, salt. Avoid brands with long lists of artificial ingredients, TBHQ, or "natural flavors" if you're health-conscious.
Butter Distribution
Some brands concentrate butter on top, leaving the bottom dry. The best brands distribute butter throughout the bag.
Tips for Any Brand
- Don't rely on the popcorn button — It's almost always wrong
- Listen for the 2-3 second gap — That's when to stop, regardless of brand
- Shake the bag before opening — Distributes butter and seasoning
- Let it sit 30 seconds — Some kernels will pop from residual heat
Perfect Popcorn with Any Brand
Use Popcorn Detector to get the optimal timing automatically
Try It FreeConclusion
Orville Redenbacher's takes the top spot for overall quality, but ACT II offers incredible value for budget shoppers. For health-conscious snackers, SkinnyPop is worth the premium. Whichever brand you choose, the key to perfect popcorn is always stopping at the right time — and that's where Popcorn Detector helps!