Can I Make Popcorn With Coconut Oil?

Popcorn is an all-time favorite snack. It is enjoyed popped with air, in oil, microwaved, and even over an open flame. One of the latest oils that have taken popcorn and health enthusiasts by storm is coconut oil.

You can cook popcorn with coconut oil.  Coconut oil has a higher smoke point so the chances of it burning are much lower.  Refined coconut oil is the best choice out of the coconut oils. 

Before you try out this new trend, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using coconut oil to make popcorn.

What is Coconut Oil? 

Coconut oil is 100% fat that is made by taking fresh coconut and pressing the meat and milk from the fruit. Coconut oil has a high smoke point, making it a preferred oil to make popcorn.

Are There Different Types of Coconut Oil?

There are four different types of coconut oil including virgin, organic, refined, and unrefined. You can also find red coconut oil and white coconut oil. Your taste preference for popcorn will help determine what type to use. To get the best results, use a higher quality coconut oil to pop popcorn.

Is Refined Coconut Oil the Best Type to Pop Popcorn?

Refined coconut oil gives the popcorn a lighter crisper, fresh flavor. Unlike other types, refined coconut oil has no coconut smell.

If you are looking for ways to flavor your popcorn, check out the article 11 Simple Ways to Flavor Your Popcorn

Does Coconut Oil Reach the Appropriate Heat Levels To Pop Popcorn? 

Coconut oil is a perfect oil for popping popcorn because it has the proper smoke point used when popping. Unlike other oils like olive oil, it can withstand the high temperatures needed for popping popcorn. 

Since coconut oil has a high heat tolerance, it not only adds flavor but also prevents the popcorn kernels from burning while they pop, resulting in a perfect outcome.

Is Coconut Oil a Healthier Oil to Make Popcorn?

Coconut oil provides good fats that are essential for good health. Essential fatty acids reduce hunger, provide energy, help the body absorb nutrients, and fight bacteria and viruses. Other oils, like canola and vegetable, do not offer nutritional value or health benefits.

Does Popping Popcorn With Coconut Oil Add Flavor?

Using coconut oil with popcorn adds a slight dimension to the flavor of popcorn making it so delicious, other flavors are not needed.  Different brands on the market offer different flavors. Experiment with different brands and oils to find the perfect flavor combination.

What Happens When You Pop Popcorn With Coconut Oil?

Using coconut oil to pop popcorn will result in a delicious, non-greasy, fluffy, smooth texture with a slight crunch. The color and appearance are light and appealing.

Do You Need to Add Melted Butter Over Popcorn Made with Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil adds a slightly rich and creamy flavor to popcorn, so adding melted butter is not necessary. Using coconut oil creates a healthier, lower-calorie snack.

How Do You Make Healthy Popcorn at Home With Coconut Oil?

Popping popcorn on the stove using coconut oil is easy. You will need 1/3 cup of popcorn kernels and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Use a deep saucepan that you can shake.

Heat coconut oil over medium heat. Drop two or three kernels of popcorn into the oil and once they pop, the temperature should be perfect for the rest of the popcorn. Add the popcorn, cover with a lid, and shake the saucepan back and forth so all the popcorn is moving around.

When all the kernels are popped, after about four minutes, remove from heat, pour into a bowl, and enjoy.

Oh No! My popcorn is too salty, how do I fix it? Read the article here

How Many Calories Does Coconut Oil Add to Popcorn?

A teaspoon of coconut oil has 39 calories so depending on the recipe or batch of popcorn you make, the calculations will vary. A teaspoon of canola oil has 40 calories and is less nutritious than coconut oil.

How Many Calories and Fat are in Popcorn Made With Coconut Oil?

There are 136 calories and four grams of fat in two and a half cups of popcorn popped in coconut oil. 

Can You Eat Popcorn Made from Coconut Oil Every Day?

There are many health advantages of eating popcorn made with coconut oil. The combination offers fiber, essential fatty acids, and a variety of other health benefits. Always consult a doctor or nutritionist to see what is right your you.

Can You Gain Weight if You Eat Popcorn Made with Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil, like all oils, is high in calories and fats. Popcorn made with coconut oil can cause weight gain if consumed in large amounts. 

What are Some Ways to Enjoy Popcorn Made with Coconut Oil?

Popcorn made with coconut oil is delicious alone, but some added flavorings can make it pop. Try parmesan cheese, cocoa and coconut, garlic chili lime, peanut butter and honey, everything bagel seasoning, caramel honey, and buffalo ranch.  

Also, drizzling melted coconut oil over popped popcorn made with coconut oil is a delicious and healthy addition to the snack. It will also help other flavorings adhere better to the popcorn.

Can Popcorn Made With Coconut Oil be Added to Recipes?

Popcorn made with coconut oil is a nutritional and delicious ingredient when added to recipes including granola bars, trail mix, chocolate chip brownies, and oatmeal cookies. Popcorn makes delicious croutons for soup and salad and works well as a cereal topping.