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

Let’s be honest—nobody has time to stand over a stovetop just to satisfy a popcorn craving. That’s where the best microwave popcorn makers come in, turning kernels into a fluffy, buttery snack in minutes. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one actually delivers? We’ve tested the top contenders to find the models that pop evenly, clean up easily, and fit seamlessly into your kitchen—and your life. Ready to upgrade your movie night? Let’s dive into the best microwave popcorn picks that are worth every kernel.

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Product Comparison: Popcorn Best Microwave

Ultimate Butter Value

Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn Value Size, Ultimate Butter Flavor, 3g Fiber Per Serving, Movie Night Supplies, 3.29 oz., 12-Count

Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn Value Size, Ultimate Butter Flavor, 3g Fiber Per Serving, Movie Night Supplies, 3.29 oz., 12-Count

Orville Redenbacher’s
  • Contains twelve (12) Classic Bags of Orville Redenbacher’s Ultimate Butter Microwave Popcorn
  • Microwave popcorn packed with delicious flavor and loads of real butter
  • Made from 100% whole grains and is a good source of fiber
  • Ultimate Butter Popcorn is a gluten-free snack
  • 0 g trans fat per serving

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Movie Theater Butter

Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn, Movie Theater Butter Flavor, 3 Oz Sharing Bags, 30 Ct

Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn, Movie Theater Butter Flavor, 3 Oz Sharing Bags, 30 Ct

Pop Secret
  • Movie theater taste: bring the movie theater home with this classically rich buttery flavor and airy popcorn crunch
  • Delicious any time: a delicious snack for movie night, TV watching, family game time, or any time!
  • Warm popcorn: delicious hot popcorn with an irresistible aroma and flavor, ready in minutes
  • Ingredients to feel good about: non-GMO corn and no artificial preservatives, flavors, fructose corn syrup or trans fats
  • 30 shareable bags: box of 30 shareable Pop Secret microwaveable popcorn bags

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Bulk Butter Packs

Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn, Movie Theater Butter Flavor, 3g Fiber Per Serving, Movie Night Supplies, 3.29 oz., 24-Count

Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn, Movie Theater Butter Flavor, 3g Fiber Per Serving, Movie Night Supplies, 3.29 oz., 24-Count

Orville Redenbacher’s
  • Contains (24) 3.29 oz. classic bags of Orville Redenbacher’s Movie Theater Butter Popcorn, offering a bulk supply of popcorn

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Sweet Salty Kettle

Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn, Kettle Corn, 3g Fiber Per Serving, Movie Night Supplies, 3.3 oz., 6-Count

Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn, Kettle Corn, 3g Fiber Per Serving, Movie Night Supplies, 3.3 oz., 6-Count

Orville Redenbacher’s
  • Contains (6) 3.28 oz. classic bags of Orville Redenbacher’s Kettle Corn Microwave Popcorn
  • Grab your favorite popcorn bucket, and enjoy the salty and sweet snack that tastes like the state fair in popcorn form
  • Orville Redenbacher’s is the only leading brand of microwave popcorn with no artificial preservatives, flavors, or dyes in all of our products
  • In 1952, Orville Redenbacher hand selected a small group of farmers to grow his exclusive kernel, and our family farmers still grow our special kernels today
  • Add these microwaveable, gluten-free popcorn packs to your pantry for a flavorful twist on your family’s favorite snack

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Xtreme Butter Boost

Act II Xtreme Butter Microwave Popcorn, Movie Night Supplies, 2.75 oz., 12-Count Bags

Act II Xtreme Butter Microwave Popcorn, Movie Night Supplies, 2.75 oz., 12-Count Bags

ACT II
  • Contains twelve (12) 33.01-ounce bags ACT II Xtreme Butter Microwave Popcorn
  • Microwave popcorn with high-impact flavor
  • The best value in popcorn
  • Gluten free
  • 0 grams trans fat per serving

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Snack-Size Butter

Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn, Movie Theater Butter Flavor, 1.75 Oz Snack Bags, (Pack of 12)

Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn, Movie Theater Butter Flavor, 1.75 Oz Snack Bags, (Pack of 12)

Pop Secret
  • Movie theater taste: bring the movie theater home with this classically rich buttery flavor and airy popcorn crunch
  • Delicious any time: a delicious snack for movie night, TV watching, family game time, or any time!
  • Warm popcorn: delicious hot popcorn with n irresistible aroma and flavor, ready in minutes
  • Ingredients to feel good about: non-GMO corn and no artificial preservatives, flavors, fructose corn syrup or trans fats
  • 12 single-serve snack bags: box of 12 means there are plenty of microwave popcorn bags to go around

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Real Butter Classic

Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn, Movie Theater Butter Flavor, 3g Fiber Per Serving, Movie Night Supplies, 3 oz., 6-Count

Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn, Movie Theater Butter Flavor, 3g Fiber Per Serving, Movie Night Supplies, 3 oz., 6-Count

Orville Redenbacher’s
  • Contains (6) 3.29 oz. classic bags of Orville Redenbacher’s Movie Theater Butter Popcorn
  • Orville Redenbacher’s is the only leading popcorn brand that uses real butter (Select products contain real butter. See package ingredients for details.)
  • Orville Redenbacher’s is also the only leading brand of microwave popcorn with no artificial preservatives, flavors, or dyes in all of our products—so grab your favorite popcorn bowl, pop it up in a jiffy, and have a jolly time pretending like you’re at the movies
  • In 1952, Orville Redenbacher hand selected a small group of farmers to grow his exclusive kernel, and our family farmers still grow our special kernels today
  • Serve our buttery popcorn packs alongside your favorite sweet snacks to add a pop of fun (and flavor) to every occasion

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Mini Butter Bags

Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn Mini Bags, Movie Theater Butter Flavor, 3g Fiber Per Serving, Movie Night Supplies, 1.5 oz., 12-Count

Orville Redenbacher's Microwave Popcorn Mini Bags, Movie Theater Butter Flavor, 3g Fiber Per Serving, Movie Night Supplies, 1.5 oz., 12-Count

Orville Redenbacher’s
  • Product Type:Grocery
  • Item Package Dimension:21.59 cm L X16.51 cm W X8.128 cm H X
  • Item Package Weight:1.35 lbs
  • Country Of Origin: United States

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Simply Salted Light

Orville Redenbacher’s Naturals Simply Salted Microwave Popcorn, 3.3 oz., 6-Count

Orville Redenbacher’s Naturals Simply Salted Microwave Popcorn, 3.3 oz., 6-Count

Orville Redenbacher’s
  • Six 6 count boxes of Orville Redenbacher’s Naturals Simply Salted Microwave Popcorn
  • Premium salted popcorn alternative to regular butter popcorn for a sensible popcorn experience in the comfort of your home
  • This microwave popcorn has a lighter touch of oil and salt, a light and fluffy texture and a satisfying crunch
  • Classic sized popcorn bags ensure you get enough in each bag to share with friends and family
  • Made with no artificial preservatives, flavors or dyes and made with 100% whole grain popcorn for gluten free snacks you can feel good about

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SmartPop Butter Lite

Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn SmartPop! Value Size, Butter Flavor, 4g Fiber Per Serving, Movie Night Supplies, 2.69 oz., 12-Count

Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn SmartPop! Value Size, Butter Flavor, 4g Fiber Per Serving, Movie Night Supplies, 2.69 oz., 12-Count

Orville Redenbacher’s
  • Contains (12) 2.69 oz. classic bags of Orville Redenbacher’s SmartPop! Butter Popcorn
  • These popcorn packs are 94% fat free and made with 0 g trans fat per serving so you can enjoy alongside your favorite sensible sweet snacks for a pop of fun (and flavor)
  • Orville Redenbacher’s is the only leading popcorn brand that uses real butter (Select products contain real butter. See package ingredients for details.)
  • Orville Redenbacher’s is the only leading brand of microwave popcorn with no artificial preservatives, flavors, or dyes in all of our products-so grab your favorite popcorn bowl or bucket, and enjoy this gluten-free snack
  • In 1952, Orville Redenbacher hand selected a small group of farmers to grow his exclusive kernel, and our family farmers still grow our special kernels today

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Buying Guide

Buying Guide: Popcorn Best Microwave

Flavor & Butter Content

  • Look for real butter or butter‑flavored varieties for authentic movie‑theater taste
  • Consider whether you prefer classic butter, kettle corn, or lightly salted options
  • Check if the product emphasizes a rich, buttery aroma that pops quickly

Nutritional Profile

  • Review fiber content per serving, especially if you want a healthier snack
  • Choose options with 0 g trans fat and low overall fat for a lighter treat
  • Compare calorie counts if you are monitoring intake

Portion Size & Bag Count

  • Determine the bag size (e.g., 2.7 oz, 3.3 oz) that fits your typical serving needs
  • Check bulk quantities – value packs often include 12‑30 bags for families or gatherings
  • Consider single‑serve snack bags for on‑the‑go convenience

Ingredient Quality & Dietary Restrictions

  • Select non‑GMO corn and products without artificial preservatives, flavors, or dyes
  • Look for gluten‑free labeling if you have gluten sensitivities
  • Verify if the popcorn is made from whole‑grain kernels for added nutrition

Brand Reputation & Value

  • Choose established brands known for consistent quality, such as Orville Redenbacher’s or Pop Secret
  • Assess overall value by comparing price per ounce with the number of bags provided
  • Read reviews for pop‑up performance and flavor consistency

FAQs

How do I decide between a bulk value pack and a single‑serve snack bag?

Bulk packs like the 12‑bag Orville Redenbacher’s Ultimate Butter or Pop Secret’s 30‑bag box give you the lowest cost per ounce and are ideal for frequent movie nights or families. Single‑serve bags, such as Pop Secret’s 1.75 oz snack packs, are convenient for on‑the‑go snacking or portion control. Consider how often you pop popcorn and whether you need easy storage or portability.

Which butter‑flavored popcorn offers the most authentic movie‑theater taste?

Both Orville Redenbacher’s Movie Theater Butter and Pop Secret’s Movie Theater Butter aim for that classic cinema flavor, but Pop Secret emphasizes non‑GMO corn and no artificial preservatives, while Orville Redenbacher’s highlights real butter and a gluten‑free claim. Taste preferences vary, so you might try a smaller pack of each to see which buttery richness you prefer.

Is there a healthier option among these popcorn brands?

Orville Redenbacher’s SmartPop! Butter and Act II Xtreme Butter both boast 0 g trans fat per serving and are gluten‑free, with SmartPop! also being 94 % fat‑free. The Naturals Simply Salted variety offers a lighter oil and salt profile without butter, making it lower in calories. Look for fiber content (3 g per serving) and the absence of artificial additives when choosing a healthier snack.

What should I look for regarding ingredient quality and allergens?

Check the product details for real butter, non‑GMO corn, and the lack of artificial preservatives, flavors, or dyes—features highlighted by Orville Redenbacher’s and Pop Secret. Gluten‑free labeling is important for those with sensitivities; most of the listed items carry this claim. Also verify trans‑fat content, as many brands explicitly state 0 g per serving.

How do the prices compare when factoring in bag size and quantity?

While exact prices aren’t listed, larger value packs (e.g., 12‑bag Ultimate Butter or 30‑bag Pop Secret) typically reduce the cost per ounce compared with 1.75‑oz snack bags. Smaller packs like the 3‑bag Kettle Corn or 6‑bag Movie Theater Butter provide a middle ground for occasional popcorn eaters. Calculate the total ounces in each package to determine the best value for your budget.

Is there a noticeable taste difference between butter and kettle corn varieties?

Butter‑flavored popcorn delivers a rich, creamy flavor that mimics theater popcorn, whereas kettle corn offers a sweet‑and‑salty profile reminiscent of fair‑ground treats. Orville Redenbacher’s Kettle Corn emphasizes a balanced sweet‑salty taste without artificial additives, making it a distinct alternative for those seeking variety.

Do any of these brands offer a high‑fiber option?

Several Orville Redenbacher’s products, including the Ultimate Butter and SmartPop! lines, list 3 g of fiber per serving, which contributes to a more filling snack. Higher fiber content can help with satiety and digestive health, making these choices suitable for a more nutritious popcorn experience.

What are the key factors for long‑term storage of microwave popcorn?

Choose airtight packaging and store bags in a cool, dry place to preserve freshness; bulk packs often have resealable tops or sturdy boxes that protect against moisture. Brands like Orville Redenbacher’s and Pop Secret use packaging designed for extended shelf life, but always check the “best‑by” date on the box before purchasing.

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