Comparison: Best Microwave Snacks (Updated | Dec 8th)
We’ve all been there—starving, short on time, and staring into the glowing abyss of the microwave, hoping for a quick fix. But not all microwave snacks are created equal. From gooey mac and cheese to crispy popcorn and surprisingly delicious frozen treats, we’ve tested the top contenders so you don’t have to. Whether you’re a student, busy parent, or late-night snacker, we’ll break down the tastiest, easiest, and most satisfying options that go from freezer to feast in minutes. Let’s find your next microwave obsession.
- Best for college care bundle: My College Crate Microwave Snack Care Package – 50 Piece Bulk Variety Pack Box for Adults and Kids with Ramen Mix
- Best for movie-theater butter: Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn
- Best for low-carb pork rinds: Lowrey’s Bacon Curls Microwave Pork Rinds (Chicharrones)
- Best for high-protein crunch: The Only Bean Crunchy Dry Roasted Edamame Snacks (Sea Salt)
- Best for spicy low-carb rinds: Lowrey’s Bacon Curls Microwave Pork Rinds (Chicharrones)
- Best for extreme heat popcorn: ASS KICKIN’ Carolina Reaper Pepper Microwave Popcorn – Spicy Snacks – Pack of 3 – Ultimate Spicy Gourmet Gift Popcorn – Makes a Great Movie Theater Popcorn or Snack Food – Try if you dare!
- Best for hull-free heritage: Black Jewell Gourmet Microwave Popcorn
- Best for mug cake mastery: The Absolute Best Mug Cakes Cookbook: 100 Family-Friendly Microwave Cakes
- Best for mug meal magic: 250 Best Meals in a Mug: Delicious Homemade Microwave Meals in Minutes
- Best for pollinator friendly pop: Black Jewell Gourmet Microwave Popcorn
Product Comparison: Best Microwave Snacks
My College Crate Microwave Snack Care Package – 50 Piece Bulk Variety Pack Box for Adults and Kids with Ramen Mix, Popcorn, Mac n Cheese, Assorted Chips, Granola Bars and Candy
- 🎓 NAME BRAND SNACKS & GIFTS: An assortment of all your favorite snack brands in a single mega snack bundle. Send all their favorite brands from home. This variety snack bundle is perfect fort a college student on a budget!
- 📚 A PRESENT FOR EVERYONE: Send a variety of individually wrapped snacks to anyone – it will bring a smile to their face! For college students, boys, girls,, men, women, or any other loved ones of all ages across the country!
- 📖 PERFECT FOR ANY OCCASION: college acceptance, freshman orientation, birthdays, college congratulations, holidays. Send the gift snacking with this variety pack food box. It will bring happiness and unity to your college student!
- 🎁 BEAUTIFUL FLIP-TOP BOX: Our snack box is packaged with our signature flip-top box which makes it easy to reseal. Inside you’ll find your favorite snacks neatly organized, face up, on high quality wrapping paper – it’s simple and convenient!
- 📬 DON’T LOVE IT? LET US KNOW: We truly believe you’ll love your name brand snack box care package! We make every effort to ensure each care package receives the highest-quality snack or gift box items.
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
Lowrey’s Bacon Curls Microwave Pork Rinds (Chicharrones), Original, 1.75 Ounce (Pack of 6)
- Pack of 6, 1.75-ounce bags of original microwave pork rinds (10.5 total ounces)
- Less than 1g total carbs per serving; 6g protein per serving
- Hot & crispy pork rinds made right in the microwave
- Only 6g of total fat per serving, less fat than traditional pork rinds
- Eat them right from the bag or with your favorite sauce
The Only Bean Crunchy Dry Roasted Edamame Snacks (Sea Salt), Healthy High Protein(11g) Keto Food, Low Carb Gluten Free Office Vegan Food 100 Calorie Snack Pack, 0.9oz 10 Pack
- HIGH PROTEIN SUPER-SNACK: Packed with 11 grams of complete plant based protein in a convenient individual wrapped 100 calorie snack pack perfect for the gym, as office snacks, or even a school lunch snack for kids!
- LOW-CARB & KETO FRIENDLY: Enjoy a small handful or the whole snack bag at once! With only 2 grams of net carbs per serving, our edamame are dry roasted, are a guilt-free keto food, and a great protien packed chip-alternative!
- BETTER FOR YOU: A healthy, low carb snack for every lifestyle and diet. Crunchy Roasted Edamame Beans are keto friendly, gluten-free, grain-free, kosher, high protein snack product that’s also a perfect vegetarian / vegan snack with low sugar, no cholesterol, high fiber and low-GI (for a great diabetic snack), and dairy free. It’s the ideal healthy keto snack for your goals! A perfect diet snack food to keep in the pantry.
- CRUNCHY, DELICIOUS, and FUN: Our beans are dry roasted, never-fried, and seasoned to perfection for a satisfying, savory, CRUNCH on every bite! Enjoy it straight from the bag, as a salad topper for extra crunch, or on top of your meal for added fuel!
- SNACKING ON THE GO: Fight hunger and stay fueled with energy on the go. Keep snack sized packs in your backpack, car, gym bag – wherever adventure takes you. It’s a great trail mix alternative for hiking and is better for you than pistachios, peanuts, other nuts, and even roasted chickpeas!
- GREAT FOR DIETS: With just 2 WW points, this is the perfect salty snack for Weight Watchers!
Lowrey’s Bacon Curls Microwave Pork Rinds (Chicharrones), Hot and Spicy, 1.75 Ounce (Pack of 6) (Packaging May Vary)
- Pack of 6, 1.75-ounce bags of hot & spicy microwave pork rinds (10.5 total ounces)
- Less than 1g total carbs per serving; 6g protein per serving
- Hot & crispy pork rinds made right in the microwave
- Only 6g of total fat per serving, less fat than traditional pork rinds
- Eat them right from the bag or with your favorite sauce
ASS KICKIN’ Carolina Reaper Pepper Microwave Popcorn – Spicy Snacks – Pack of 3 – Ultimate Spicy Gourmet Gift Popcorn – Makes a Great Movie Theater Popcorn or Snack Food – Try if you dare!
- SPICY GOURMET GIFT: Just for the person you want to torture with a bag of this spicy microwave popcorn! For the pepper heads in your life that you love as much as they are crazy. The Carolina reaper pepper is widely considered the hottest pepper on the planet.
- QUALITY: This is the only superior quality gourmet Carolina Reaper popcorn on the market today and probably the last spicy popcorn you will need to ever try! This incredible hot popcorn will have you addicted and make your mouth water.
- INGREDIENTS: Made with real Carolina Reaper Pepper & Garlic. Don’t say we didn’t warn you…. This popcorn has so much spicy flavor it hurts, literally. In 2013, Guinness World Records declared it the hottest chili pepper in the world.
- KICKIN’: Carolina Reaper Microwave Popcorn has just the right amount of kick without burning out your taste buds. Challenge and see who is left standing.
- The Carolina Reaper pepper 2018 record now stands at an average of 1,641,000 Scoville Heat Units, a measure of spiciness, 71,000 SHU higher than it’s 2013 previous record, making it that much harder to beat.
Black Jewell Gourmet Microwave Popcorn, Healthy Popcorn Snack, No Salt No Oil, 8.7 Ounces (Pack of 1)
- Black kernels that pop white – Black Jewell microwaveable black kernels pop into bright white, fresh, crispy popcorn that has a richer taste than regular popcorn. This is a unique heritage popcorn that pops smaller and tastier than typical kernels. This flavor variety offers a great taste with a touch of butter
- Hulless popcorn – Black Jewell microwave popcorn has no hulls because of the smaller kernels, making it more tender and better to snack on. No pesky popcorn hulls get stuck in your teeth. It’s easier to digest and tastes delicious. It’s the more pleasant popcorn snacking experience
- 100% natural better for you snack – Our whole grain kernels provide protective antioxidants. Our popcorn is also non-GMO verified, low fat, gluten-free, Vegan, and Kosher
- Chemical free bags – We use unbleached, chemical free microwave bags that are PFOA and PFAS free. Our kernels are grown on Family Farms in fertile USA Midwestern soil with fresh air and pure water
- Doing our part – Black Jewell supports pollinator protection, sustainable farming, responsible use of palm oil by buying RSPO certified mass-balanced palm oil and we grow our popcorn on family-owned farms
The Absolute Best Mug Cakes Cookbook: 100 Family-Friendly Microwave Cakes
250 Best Meals in a Mug: Delicious Homemade Microwave Meals in Minutes
Black Jewell Gourmet Microwave Popcorn, Healthy Popcorn Snack, No Salt No Oil, 8.7 Ounces (Pack of 3)
- POLLINATOR FRIENDLY: We support native pollinators which supports food sustainability; No neonicotinoid insecticides in our seed treatments; We grow pollinator flower plots on our farms and support pollinator advocacy groups
- VIRTUALLY HULLESS POPCORN: Our heritage kernels are tender with virtually no pesky popcorn hulls!
- THE BETTER POPCORN: Better Taste! Better for You!
- BETTER TASTE: Heritage Black Corn; Pops Bright White; Fresh Crispy Crunch; Smaller kernels with richer popcorn taste
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 factors should I consider when choosing a microwave snack for a quick bite?
Look at the snack’s flavor profile, nutritional content, and portion size to match your cravings and dietary goals. Convenience matters, so check if the product comes in single‑serve microwave‑ready bags or a resealable box. Also consider any special needs, such as gluten‑free, keto‑friendly, or high‑protein options.
How do popcorn options compare to pork‑rind snacks in terms of health benefits?
Popcorn like Pop Secret or Black Jewell provides whole‑grain fiber and is low in fat, especially the no‑oil varieties, while pork rinds offer high protein with less than 1 g of carbs per serving. However, pork rinds contain more saturated fat than most popcorn, even the low‑fat versions. Choose popcorn for a lighter, fiber‑rich snack, or pork rinds if you need a protein boost with minimal carbs.
Which snack is best for a keto or low‑carb diet?
Low‑carb choices include Lowrey’s Bacon Curls (original or hot & spicy) and the dry‑roasted edamame, both delivering under 1 g of carbs per serving and a solid protein punch. The edamame also adds fiber and essential micronutrients, making it a well‑rounded keto snack. Popcorn generally has more carbs, so it’s less optimal for strict keto plans.
Is the college snack care package a good value compared to individual snack bags?
The My College Crate bundle offers 50 individually wrapped items in a flip‑top box, providing variety and a gift‑ready presentation, which can be cost‑effective for bulk gifting. Individual bags like Pop Secret popcorn or Lowrey’s pork rinds are cheaper per unit but lack the assortment. If you want a one‑stop, diverse snack gift, the care package delivers better perceived value.
What should I know about flavor intensity when picking a spicy snack?
For extreme heat, the ASS KICKIN’ Carolina Reaper Pepper Microwave Popcorn tops the scale with over 1.6 million Scoville units, suitable only for seasoned spice lovers. The Hot & Spicy Bacon Curls offer a milder kick, balancing heat with the familiar pork‑rind crunch. Choose based on your tolerance: moderate spice for everyday snacking, or the Reaper for a challenge.
How do the packaging and convenience differ among these microwave snacks?
Popcorn and pork‑rind products come in single‑serve microwave bags that pop directly in the microwave, making them quick and mess‑free. The edamame and care package are pre‑wrapped, ready‑to‑eat without heating, ideal for on‑the‑go snacking. Consider whether you prefer a hot, freshly popped snack or a ready‑to‑eat, shelf‑stable option.
Are any of these snacks suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
The dry‑roasted edamame is fully plant‑based, vegan, and gluten‑free, offering a high‑protein alternative. Black Jewell popcorn is also vegan, non‑GMO, and free from animal ingredients. Pork‑rind options, being meat‑based, are not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Which snack provides the best protein per serving for post‑workout fuel?
Lowrey’s Bacon Curls deliver about 6 g of protein per 1.75‑oz bag, making them a solid post‑exercise snack with minimal carbs. The edamame packs 11 g of complete plant protein per 100‑calorie serving, which is even higher and includes additional fiber. Choose edamame for a plant‑based protein boost, or pork rinds for a quick animal‑protein snack.