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If you’re a fan of microwave popcorn, you know the dilemma: is it worth spending the extra money on the brand that supposedly tastes the most like movie theater popcorn? It can be challenging to find one that matches the flavor of popcorn at the movies.
Microwave popcorn is a beloved snack for many, especially with an enhanced butter flavor. But, which brand tastes the most like movie theater popcorn? In this comparison, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular brands of microwave popcorn that taste similar to the kind you get at the movie theatre.
You might not be able to match the movie theater experience completely. However, finding a good bag of microwave popcorn and an excellent movie can get you pretty darn close.
What Is Movie Theater Popcorn?
Movie theater popcorn is a type of popcorn that is sold at movie theaters. It is made with a higher butter to corn ratio than regular popcorn, and sometimes it is mixed with salt or other seasonings.
Movie theatre popcorn is a popular snack because it is tasty and convenient. At your local grocery store’s shelves, you can find an array of popular popcorn makers that have produced movie theater style popcorn.
Why Is Movie Theater Popcorn Hard To Replicate?
It’s undeniable that it’s hard to compete with the flavor and texture of movie theater popcorn. However, with so many popcorn brands out there, trying to find the one that tastes as closely to the real thing isn’t an easy task.
Luckily, we’ll help make your decision a little easier. We’ve considered the most important factors for popcorn lovers, including taste, texture, price, and availability.
Which Microwave Popcorn Tastes Most Like Movie Theater Popcorn?
Since so many companies produce microwave popcorn, it’s nearly impossible to limit your choice to a single one. Below are five popular microwave popcorn companies that have movie theater popcorn as a flavor.
Next, we’ll go into detail about what we like and what can be improved. Finally, we’ll give it an overall letter grade it receives for how close it tastes to the one you’ll find in the movies.
Pop-Secret Movie Theater Butter- Pop-Secret is one of the leading microwave popcorn makers in the country. But how does their movie theater butter flavor turn out?
One of the most common discoveries of people who eat this particular kind often is the need to pop the bag for additional time to get all the delicious kernels popped. Additionally, it doesn’t have a strange butter aftertaste that is often found with other butter-flavored microwaved popcorn.
If there was a small complaint about Pop-Secret’s Movie Theater Butter, it would be slightly too salty. However, it won’t leave your hand in a pool of grease after you’re done eating. So we’ll give this one a B-plus.
Orville Redenbacher Movie Theater Butter- When it comes to recognizable names in the world of microwave popcorn, Orville Redenbacher certainly takes the cake. This one comes about as close to movie theater popcorn as you can quickly, for a much more affordable price!
It’s not as heavy on the salt taste as Pop-Secret, and you can feel free to jazz it up with some garlic or onion powder without compromising taste. This one deserves an A-plus.
Kirkland’s Movie Theatre Butter Popcorn- This is another popular microwave popcorn that’s available at Costco. It will satisfy anyone’s cravings whenever it comes time for family movie night.
Since everything at Costco is sold in bulk, you’ll also enjoy the lower price tag and still get that amazing taste you love. What makes Kirkland’s version different is you won’t notice an “extreme” butter taste, but rather, kernels with just the right amount of butter flavor.
Once you pop the popcorn, you’ll also notice the texture is a little crunchier compared to others. We give this one a B.
Jolly Time Ultimate Theater Style- Jolly Time Popcorn definitely deserves its buttery name. If you’re a butter lover, you’ll fall in love with this one. It probably has the lightest texture out of the brands we’ll list here.
The only downfall here would be the possibly over-bearing butter taste, but you know what you’re getting into when it says “Blast O’ Butter” on the box. This one gets an A-minus.
Act II Movie Theater Butter- Last, but certainly not least, is Act II Movie Theater Butter. It’s a great one to have for your next date night because the oil won’t run out of the side of the bag.
When compared to the other brands listed here, Act II has an excellent combination of salt and butter, not going too extreme in either direction. It does tend to have more of a chewier texture. This one gets an A.
Can I Make Movie Theater Popcorn At Home?
Making your own movie theater popcorn at home is easy and only requires a few ingredients. All you need is popcorn kernels, oil, salt, and butter. Start by heating oil in a large pot over medium heat to make your popcorn.
Once the oil is hot, add in the popcorn kernels and stir to coat. Then, cover the pot with a lid and allow the kernels to pop. Once the popping has slowed down, remove the lid and transfer the popcorn to a large bowl.
Popcorn is a great snack, and it’s even better when you can make it at home in your microwave. There are many brands of popcorn that have microwave bags that taste close to the movie theater popcorn.
These were just five, but probably the most popular. Give all of them a try to see which one you like best. Then, once you find your favorite, stock up on the supplies to always have some ready to go when the mood strikes you.
