8 Popcorn Recipes for Healthy, Crunchy Snacks

March 12, 2024

Courtesy of My Kids Lick The Bowl

Popcorn is one of those rare snacks that just about everyone can agree on. It’s crunchy, it’s salty – and it’s even a whole grain. With just a sprinkling of salt, it’s delicious and satisfying. But the thing is, tossing freshly popped kernels with just a few pantry spices makes it into something truly special. And it can be savory or sweet (or both!), depending on your mood. Try one of these creative and delicious healthy popcorn recipes on your next movie night, or whenever you’re craving a snack you can grab by the handful.

1. Cinnamon Popcorn

Cinnamon, maple syrup, peanut butter – this recipe infuses popcorn with several of our favorite healthy comfort ingredients. Not only does it add a cozy touch to your snack time, it’s also secretly good for you: Cinnamon is anti-inflammatory, boosts cardiovascular health, and may help balance blood sugar.

Try this recipe from My Kids Lick The Bowl

2. Chili and Lime Popcorn

Sweet and spicy is big on TikTok (“swicy,” anyone?), and we are all over it. In this recipe, toss popcorn with chili powder and the zest and juice of a lime, and you get a bowl of popcorn with a kick.

Try this recipe from Killing Thyme

3. Dark Chocolate Coconut-Covered Popcorn

We’re pretty much all for adding chocolate to just about everything – why not popcorn? If you love a sweet and salty combo, this is bound to become your go-to for movie nights.

Try this recipe from The Clean Eating Couple

4. Smoked Paprika Rosemary Olive Oil Corn

Here’s a sophisticated spin on popcorn, with smoky paprika and herby rosemary. Using olive oil instead of butter adds a savory edge, and makes your popcorn even more heart healthy.

Try this recipe from Cookin’ Canuck

5. Vegan Cheesy Popcorn

Now you can have your cheesy popcorn, no cheese required – just sprinkle on some nutritional yeast. This vegan fave ingredient is rich in B vitamins and adds a hearty, savory flavor.

Try this recipe from Gimme Some Oven

6. Homemade Ranch Corn

Ranch is so good, whether as a dip, a dressing, drizzled on pizza (trust us on this) – and it works in popcorn recipes, too. Packaged ranch seasoning is often full of fillers and preservatives, but in this recipe, you can DIY with just a few pantry herbs and spices.

Try this recipe from Fork in the Kitchen

7. Healthier Caramel Corn with Maple Syrup

Caramel corn gives off serious state fair or carnival vibes – and though we love that, we kinda want something healthier for movie night. Enter this tasty recipe, where you make a simple homemade caramel from butter and maple syrup, then toss it with the popcorn. Add the salted peanuts, too – they’re optional, but so good.

Try this recipe from Heartbeet Kitchen

8. Coconut Curry Popcorn

This is definitely popcorn for grownups, with shredded coconut and fragrant curry powder, plus ginger for a kick. Plus, curry powder is a blend of spices that are known for their health benefits: Anti-inflammatory, good for circulation and digestion, and more.

Try this recipe from Naturally Ella