Comparison: Best Microwave For Popcorn (Updated | Dec 8th)

Look at flavor preference, ingredient quality, and nutritional profile such as fiber and trans‑fat content. Check the size of the bag and whether the product is gluten‑free or non‑GMO if those matters are important to you. Finally, compare price per ounce to gauge overall value.

Orville Redenbacher’s Ultimate Butter and Movie Theater Butter both use real butter and are gluten‑free, while Pop Secret’s Movie Theater Butter emphasizes a theater‑style taste with non‑GMO corn and no trans fats. The Orville varieties often come in larger bulk packs (12‑24 bags), whereas Pop Secret offers smaller 1.75‑oz snack packs and 3‑oz sharing bags. Flavor intensity is similar, but Orville’s butter tends to be richer due to the higher butter content listed on the label.

SmartPop! Butter packs are marketed as 94% fat‑free with 0 g trans fat, making them a lighter option than the standard butter varieties. The Naturals line, such as Simply Salted, focuses on whole‑grain nutrition, lower oil, and a subtle salt finish rather than buttery richness. Both lines avoid artificial preservatives, flavors, and dyes, but the taste profile shifts toward a cleaner, less buttery experience.

Orville Redenbacher’s Movie Theater Butter (24‑bag bulk) and the Value Size Ultimate Butter (12‑bag) provide the lowest cost per ounce because of their large pack counts. Pop Secret’s 30‑bag sharing box also offers good value for families who prefer smaller 3‑oz bags. If you prioritize price over specialty flavors, the bulk Orville options generally win on a per‑bag basis.

All Orville Redenbacher’s microwave popcorn varieties, including Butter, SmartPop!, and Naturals, are labeled gluten‑free. Pop Secret also states its popcorn is gluten‑free and non‑GMO. Amish Country Popcorn highlights being nut‑free, tree‑nut‑free, and gluten‑free, making it a safe pick for those with multiple allergies.

Kettle corn, like Orville Redenbacher’s Kettle Corn, blends sweet and salty flavors, offering a distinct taste compared with the pure buttery richness of standard butter popcorn. Nutritionally, kettle corn typically contains a similar fiber amount (about 3 g per serving) but may have slightly more sugar due to the sweet coating. It still avoids artificial preservatives, making it a wholesome alternative for those who enjoy a sweet‑savory balance.

Yes, Orville Redenbacher’s offers bulk options such as a 24‑bag Movie Theater Butter pack and a 12‑bag Ultimate Butter Value Size. Pop Secret also sells a 30‑bag sharing box, which is convenient for families or frequent snackers. These larger packs reduce the cost per serving and limit the need for frequent re‑ordering.

Check the nutrition label for “0 g trans fat” – most of the listed products, including all Orville Redenbacher’s lines and Pop Secret, meet this criterion. Additionally, look for statements that the product contains no artificial preservatives, flavors, or dyes; this is true for every brand in the list. Choosing items with whole‑grain, non‑GMO corn further ensures a cleaner ingredient profile.