Popcorn may conjure memories of indulgent movie treats, but in its natural state, the snack can actually be quite healthy. Popcorn is an unprocessed, unrefined whole grain that’s a good source of filling fiber. It’s also high in polyphenols, which may neutralize free radicals and protect against heart disease. Plus, it’s super-simple to make your own.

Stock your pantry with a bag of organic, non-GMO  kernels like Arrowhead Mills Organic Popcorn or Tiny But Mighty’s Ancient Heirloom Corn and try out our recipe below for making supercharged popcorn on the stove.

How to Make Supercharged Popcorn

The secret to supercharged popcorn is adding ingredients that are both delicious and nutritious. This recipe calls for four superhero ingredients: nutritional yeast, hemp hearts, spirulina, and cayenne pepper. Let’s take a look at each:

1. Nutritional yeast, aka “nooch,” has a cheesy, nutty taste, without the dairy. It’s also packed with fiber, B vitamins, and trace minerals such as zinc, selenium, manganese and molybdenum, which help regulate gut health and immunity. And it’s a complete protein, too.
2. Hemp seeds are another complete source of plant-based protein. They’re loaded with omega-3s and chlorophyll, which can bind to heavy metals and toxins to help remove them from your body. And they taste good — like a sunflower seed crossed with a pine nut.
3. Spirulina is a blue-green algae that has been linked to all sorts of health benefits; what we know is that it’s anti-inflammatory, rich in antioxidants, and high in protein. It tastes sort of briny and sea-like, which some people enjoy. If you don’t, don’t worry, the other flavors significantly mask the spirulina.
4. Cayenne pepper is here mostly to add a bit of heat, but it may boost metabolism and circulation, and it’s a good source of vitamin C and carotenoids.

Feel free to skip an ingredient if you don’t have it, or just don’t like it. And we also love using ghee instead of coconut oil. Happy snacking!