Popcorn is a guilt-free, delicious snack because it’s low in calories and high in fiber. Also, using an air popper for cooking your popcorn is healthier since it doesn’t use oil or butter. However, it can be overwhelming to pick from the countless popcorn brands available. 

Here are 10 of the best popcorn kernels for your air popper:

  1. Trader Joe’s Organic Popping Corn
  2. Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels
  3. Snappy White Popcorn Kernel
  4. Jolly Time Select Premium Yellow Popping Corn
  5. Organic White Popcorn Dutch Butter Flavor
  6. Bob’s Red Mill Whole White Popcorn
  7. Amish Country Popcorn Rainbow Blend
  8. Great Northern Popcorn
  9. Dutchman’s White Popcorn
  10. Black Jewell Gourmet Popcorn Kernels

Of course, the “best” popcorn for you may not be the same as the best popcorn for your neighbor. You want to look at each popcorn brand’s selling point and pick those that suit you the most. Let’s look at what makes the above brands stand out from the competition.

What Are the Best Budget-Friendly Popcorn Kernels for Your Air Popper?

The best budget-friendly popcorn kernel is Trader Joe’s Organic Popping Corn. You can also substitute it with Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels. Not only are they easy on the wallet, but they also take the stress out of making popcorn.

Trader Joe’s Organic Popping Corn

Trader Joe’s Organic Popping Corn is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a cost-effective snack. It’s organic, and the kernels give you fresh, fluffy popcorn every time. Also, this snack has a low calorie and high fiber count. A single packet yields about 132 cups of popcorn, so it gives you your money’s worth. The aroma of this popcorn will leave you wanting more.

Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels

This butterfly popcorn is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. It comes in a massive jar with a handle, making it easy to pour the kernels into your air popper. The kernels are 100% whole grain and are grown in a pesticide-free environment. Despite its low price, the popcorn tastes gourmet, and you can add butter, salt, and seasoning to vary your snack options.

What Are the Best Low-Calorie Popcorn Kernels for Your Air Popper?

The best low-calorie popcorn kernels include Snappy White Popcorn Kernels. Alternatively, you can also buy Jolly Time Select Premium Yellow Popping Corn or Organic White Popcorn Dutch Butter Flavor. 

Snappy White Popcorn Kernels

Snappy White Popcorn kernels come in a 4-pound (1.81 kilograms) reusable jar that seals in freshness. These whole-grain kernels are high in dietary fiber, contain no GMOs, and are gluten-free. They’re also vegan and gluten-free and don’t contain any GMOs.

Jolly Time Select Premium Yellow Popping Corn

You can’t go wrong with a brand of popcorn that’s been around since 1914. And that’s what Jolly Time popcorn is — a brand that hasn’t changed its distinctive taste for five generations and somehow still innovates with flavors that stand the test of time.  

Grown and packaged in the US, Jolly Time kernels come in 6-pack, 30-ounce (850.48 grams) jars, so you’ll never run out of your favorite treat. The kernels pop fast, so there are fewer hulls and unpopped kernels. The popcorn is large, light, and fluffy. Best of all, there are only 20 calories per cup of popcorn.

Organic White Popcorn Dutch Butter Flavor

If you’re looking for vegan popcorn with a rich, buttery flavor, this brand won’t disappoint. It’s made from an heirloom variety of corn (Pennsylvania Dutch Butter Flavored popcorn) and is entirely vegan. The butter taste comes from the type of corn the kernels originate.

These kernels are the butterfly type, so you get large, fluffy popcorn when you cook it. It doesn’t contain any artificial flavorings and is gluten-free, so you get the delicious buttery flavor minus the calories that come with butter. Movie marathons don’t get better than this!

What Are the Best Gluten-Free Popcorn Kernels for Your Air Popper?

The best gluten-free popcorn kernels include Bob’s Red Mill Whole White Popcorn. If that’s not available, you can also go with Amish Country Popcorn Rainbow Blend and Great Northern Popcorn. No matter which you pick, it’s sure not to harm your gut.

Bob’s Red Mill Whole White Popcorn

Bob’s Red Mill Whole White Popcorn has four smaller portions of 27 oz (765.43 grams). Whenever you’re craving popcorn, all you have to do is grab one of the packages and munch to your heart’s desire. There’s no need to measure or worry that you accidentally poured too many kernels into your air popper. 

Since each bag comes with a seal, the kernels will remain fresh until you open them. This product is also organic, vegan, whole grain, gluten-free, and has no oil and salt. Best of all, the popcorn is fluffy, light, and crunchy, so it’s fun to eat for kids as well. 

Amish Country Popcorn Rainbow Blend

You don’t have to be part of the Amish community to appreciate this brand. Popcorn is the kind of food that people from most cultures can enjoy. That said, the Amish Country Popcorn Rainbow blend is grown, manufactured, and packed in the US, making it an all-American brand. 

One 2-pound (0.9 kilograms) bag has fun-colored popcorn kernels in red, yellow, blue, and white. These kernels are smaller and more tender, so you’re less likely to get pieces stuck in your teeth. They’re vegan and gluten-free and don’t contain any GMOs.

Great Northern Popcorn

Great Northern Popcorn guarantees gourmet-tasting, premium quality popcorn that’s super easy to make. The kernels come in pre-measured and pre-seasoned packs, so you don’t need to bother with measuring cups, butter, oil, and seasoning. The popcorn is fluffy, delicious, gluten-free, and smells fantastic.

What Are the Most Child-Friendly Popcorn Kernels for Your Air Popper?

The most child-friendly popcorn kernels include Dutchman’s White Popcorn. Your kids may also enjoy Black Jewell Gourmet Popcorn Kernels. Either way, you’re sure to pick something easy to digest and isn’t a choking hazard.

Dutchman’s White Popcorn

Dutchman’s White popcorn ticks all the boxes — naturally grown, vegan, keto, kosher-certified, and free from preservatives, gluten, and GMOs. This premium-grade snack is light, crispy, and pops into medium-sized popcorn. It doesn’t have a lot of hulls, so your kids won’t choke on it. 

Black Jewell Gourmet Popcorn Kernels

As their name suggests, these popcorn kernels are black. When popped, the black kernels turn into bright white, crispy popcorn with a nutty flavor you don’t often find in popcorns. Since the kernels are small and have fewer hulls, they are soft and easy to digest. These kernels are whole grain and free from cholesterol, GMOs, and gluten.

Final Thoughts

Air-popped popcorn isn’t just healthy: It’s also easy to make and convenient. When you grab a bag of popcorn that suits your preferences, that’s icing on the cake. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, a low-calorie choice, or a gluten-free variety, there’s a popcorn kernel brand for you.

Michelle Louise lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family including her 6-pound pooch and a pantry full of popcorn. Michelle enjoys trying out the latest popcorn recipes and visiting popcorn stores wherever she travels. You will see her on the lookout for popcorn at all the events she attends.

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