Comparison: Best Microwave Popcorn (Updated | Dec 8th)
Let’s be honest—when the snack craving hits, nothing beats the buttery, salty magic of microwave popcorn. But with so many brands promising the crunchiest, cheesiest, or healthiest kernels, how do you know which one’s truly worth your time? We’ve popped our way through the top contenders, from theater-style classics to organic upstarts, to bring you the real winners. Whether you’re a flavor fanatic or a texture purist, we’ve got the inside scoop on which bags deliver every time—no duds, just deliciousness.
- Best for ultimate butter bulk: Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn Value Size
- Best for cinema butter bulk: Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn
- Best for shareable theater butter: Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn
- Best for xtreme butter value: Act II Xtreme Butter Microwave Popcorn
- Best for snack-size theater: Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn
- Best for double butter delight: Pop Secret Double Butter Microwave Popcorn 12ct (3.2oz Bags)
- Best for sweet-salty kettle: Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn
- Best for old-fashioned ladyfinger: Amish Country Popcorn | Old Fashioned Microwave Popcorn | 10 Bags Ladyfinger Butter | Non-GMO
- Best for classic white pop: Amish Country Popcorn | Old Fashioned Microwave Popcorn | Medium White 10 Pack Butter | Non-GMO
- Best for real butter classic: Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn
Product Comparison: Best Microwave Popcorn
Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn Value Size, Ultimate Butter Flavor, 3g Fiber Per Serving, Movie Night Supplies, 3.29 oz., 12-Count
- 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
Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn, Movie Theater Butter Flavor, 3g Fiber Per Serving, Movie Night Supplies, 3.29 oz., 24-Count
- Contains (24) 3.29 oz. classic bags of Orville Redenbacher’s Movie Theater Butter Popcorn, offering a bulk supply of popcorn
Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn, Movie Theater Butter Flavor, 3 Oz Sharing Bags, 30 Ct
- 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
Act II Xtreme Butter Microwave Popcorn, Movie Night Supplies, 2.75 oz., 12-Count Bags
- 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
Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn, Movie Theater Butter Flavor, 1.75 Oz Snack Bags, (Pack of 12)
- 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
Pop Secret Double Butter Microwave Popcorn 12ct (3.2oz Bags), 38.4oz Box (Pack of 1) – Microwave Popcorn, Non-GMO Popcorn, Double Butter Blast
- CLEAN, NON-GMO GOODNESS — Popped from non-GMO whole-grain corn with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, delivering feel-good popcorn that satisfies big cravings while aligning with modern clean-label snacking.
- LIGHT, AIRY CRUNCH — Each kernel pops up fluffy with an irresistible buttery aroma, turning any couch into a cinema seat and balancing indulgent flavor with satisfying texture.
- MICROWAVE CONVENIENCE — Every bag pops hot, fresh popcorn in about 3–4 minutes, giving you an effortless, shareable snack for movie night, game day, lunch boxes, or whenever cravings strike.
- DOUBLE BUTTERY GOODNESS — Two waves of buttery-tasting flavor coat each kernel, amping up indulgence for snackers who know more butter is always better—still made with clean, non-GMO ingredients.
- PANTRY-FRIENDLY 12-CT — A dozen 3.2 oz bags per box keep Pop Secret butter goodness at the ready for parties, unexpected guests, or everyday treats—no last-minute snack runs needed.
Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn, Kettle Corn, 3g Fiber Per Serving, Movie Night Supplies, 3.3 oz., 6-Count
- 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
Amish Country Popcorn | Old Fashioned Microwave Popcorn | 10 Bags Ladyfinger Butter | Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Microwaveable and Kosher (10 Bags)
- OLD FASHIONED MICROWAVE POPCORN – Right when the mail man drops this off, you can take it out, throw it in the microwave, and you’ll be eating popcorn within minutes!
- NON-GMO & GLUTEN FREE – With our products being Non-GMO and Gluten Free, you can eat this popcorn with peace of mind!
- LOW CALORIE – Not only is our Popcorn low calorie, but it is delicious and healthy as well!
- TREE NUT & PEANUT FREE – You don’t have to worry about nut allergies with Amish Country Popcorn products. You can grab a bag, pop it, and you’re ready to enjoy the deliciousness.
Amish Country Popcorn | Old Fashioned Microwave Popcorn | Medium White 10 Pack Butter | Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Microwaveable and Kosher
- OLD FASHIONED MICROWAVE POPCORN – Right when the mail man drops this off, you can take it out, throw it in the microwave, and you’ll be eating popcorn within minutes!
- NON-GMO & GLUTEN FREE – With our products being Non-GMO and Gluten Free, you can eat this popcorn with peace of mind!
- LOW CALORIE – Not only is our Popcorn low calorie, but it is delicious and healthy as well!
- TREE NUT & PEANUT FREE – You don’t have to worry about nut allergies with Amish Country Popcorn products. You can grab a bag, pop it, and you’re ready to enjoy the deliciousness.
Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn, Movie Theater Butter Flavor, 3g Fiber Per Serving, Movie Night Supplies, 3 oz., 6-Count
- 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
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
FAQs
What should I consider when choosing a microwave popcorn brand?
Look at the flavor profile you prefer—classic butter, extra butter, or a sweet‑salty kettle corn. Check the ingredient list for real butter, non‑GMO corn, and any allergens like gluten or trans fats. Also compare bag sizes and fiber content to see which option fits your snack frequency and dietary goals.
How does Orville Redenbacher’s Ultimate Butter compare to Pop Secret Double Butter?
Orville’s Ultimate Butter offers a traditional buttery taste with 0 g trans fat and is gluten‑free, while Pop Secret Double Butter emphasizes a richer, two‑layer butter flavor and highlights its clean‑label, non‑GMO corn. Both come in 12‑bag packs, but Pop Secret’s bags are slightly larger at 3.2 oz each, giving a bit more popcorn per bag.
Is buying a bulk pack more cost‑effective than single‑serve bags?
Bulk packs like Orville Redenbacher’s 24‑bag Movie Theater Butter or Pop Secret’s 30‑bag sharing box lower the per‑bag cost and reduce packaging waste. Single‑serve options, such as Pop Secret’s 12‑bag snack packs, are convenient for on‑the‑go snacking but generally cost more per ounce. Choose bulk if you snack frequently or host gatherings.
Which popcorn options are best for a high‑fiber diet?
Both Orville Redenbacher’s Movie Theater Butter and Act II Xtreme Butter list 3 g of fiber per serving, making them solid choices for a fiber boost. The Kettle Corn variety from Orville also provides 3 g of fiber while adding a sweet‑salty flavor, which can be a nice change if you want variety.
Are there any popcorn brands that avoid artificial additives?
Yes, several brands emphasize clean ingredients: Pop Secret’s Movie Theater Butter bags contain non‑GMO corn and no artificial preservatives, flavors, or trans fats. Amish Country Popcorn also markets a non‑GMO, gluten‑free product free from artificial additives and nut allergens, ideal for sensitive eaters.
What’s the difference between “classic” and “extreme” butter flavors?
Classic butter, found in most Orville and Pop Secret varieties, delivers a balanced buttery taste that mimics theater popcorn. “Extreme” or “double” butter, like Act II Xtreme Butter and Pop Secret Double Butter, intensifies the buttery coating for a richer mouthfeel, which some snackers prefer for an indulgent experience.
How important is gluten‑free labeling for microwave popcorn?
Gluten‑free labeling matters if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity; many popular brands—Orville Redenbacher’s Ultimate Butter, Act II Xtreme Butter, and Amish Country Popcorn—specifically note they are gluten‑free. Even if you’re not gluten‑restricted, choosing gluten‑free products can reduce the chance of cross‑contamination.
Which popcorn provides the best overall value for movie nights?
Act II Xtreme Butter offers a large 12‑bag pack at a low price point and highlights “the best value in popcorn,” making it budget‑friendly. For a balance of flavor and quantity, Pop Secret’s 30‑bag Movie Theater Butter box supplies ample shareable bags with clean ingredients, while Orville’s 24‑bag Movie Theater Butter gives a classic taste with real butter and high fiber.