Comparison: Best Microwave Time For Popcorn (Updated | Dec 8th)
Let’s be honest—nothing beats the smell of freshly popped popcorn, but getting it just right can feel like a kitchen gamble. Too short, and you’re crunching on kernels; too long, and it’s burnt. So, what’s the sweet spot for the perfect microwave time? We’ve tested popular brands, power levels, and bag sizes to find out which method delivers the most pops without the mess. If you’re tired of guessing, you’re in the right place—let’s crack the code on the **best microwave time for popcorn**.
- Best for mini butter burst: Jolly Time Blast O Butter
- Best for cinema butter classic: Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn
- Best for value butter pack: Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn Value Size
- Best for real butter tradition: Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn
- Best for family butter feast: Jolly Time Blast O Butter
- Best for sweet‑salty kettle: JOLLY TIME Microwave Kettle Corn Sweet & Salty Glazed Gourmet Popcorn (3-Count Box)
- Best for low‑cal healthy: Jolly Time Healthy Pop Microwave Popcorn
- Best for bulk butter supply: Orville Redenbacher’s Microwave Popcorn
- Best for xtreme butter value: Act II Xtreme Butter Microwave Popcorn
- Best for light salted delight: Jolly Time Simply Popped – Lightly Salted Microwave Popcorn
Product Comparison: Best Microwave Time For Popcorn
Jolly Time Blast O Butter, Ultimate Movie Theater Butter Microwave Popcorn, 1.5oz Personal Bag, 10 Bags Per Carton (Blast O Butter Minis, 1.5 Ounce (Pack of 10))
- PACK OF 1 BOX: Each box contains ten single serve (1.5 ounce) size individual mini bags, for a total of 10 microwave bags. Each bag contains one serving that yields 4.5 cups of popped popcorn making it a smart choice in snacks that pop!
- EXTREME HOT BUTTERY FLAVOR ON BIG MOVIE THEATRE STYLE KERNELS: Blast O Butter Minis are a must-try for real butter lovers. There’s no need to pour on salt seasoning, spray flavoring or oil topping because Blast O Butter popcorn tastes like it’s straight out of the movies popcorn maker or popper machine! The best part is, you can make it at home!
- NON-GMO KERNELS AND GLUTEN FREE: Blast O Butter Minis give you super butter impact in small packs perfect for a movie night at home or in the car on the go! These single serving packs promote better nutrition and a healthy diet and helps portion control for those watching their weight
- 100% WHOLE GRAIN AND HIGH IN FIBER: It’s no secret that this ultimate butter flavor is the best bang for your bowl in these microwaveable singles that fit right in your pantry. Not to mention that it has 0g of cholesterol and 3g of protein. With only 140 calories from fat Blast O Butter minis are a snack you can feel good about!
- MADE IN THE USA BY AMERICA’S FIRST BRAND OF POPCORN: Founded in 1914, JOLLY TIME is a 4th generation family-owned business, and is the longest continuous Good Housekeeping Seal holder
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
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 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
Jolly Time Blast O Butter, Ultimate Movie Theater Butter Microwave Popcorn, 3.2oz Sharing Bag, 3 Bags Per Carton (Blast O Butter, 3.2 Ounce (Pack of 12))
- PACK OF 4 BOXES | Each box contains three regular-sized (3.2 ounce) individual bags, for a total of 12 microwave bags. Each bag contains 3 servings that yield 9.5 cups of popped popcorn, making it the best butter flavored gourmet snack for the whole family!
- EXTRA BUTTER FLAVOR ON THEATRE STYLE KERNELS | Blast O Butter popcorn is a burst of extreme, giant, hot butter flavor that movie butter lovers will crave. There’s no need to pour on powder seasoning, spray flavoring or liquid oil topping because Blast O Butter popcorn tastes like its straight out of the movies popcorn maker or popper machine! The best part is, you can make it at home!
- NON-GMO KERNELS AND GLUTEN FREE | Blast O Butter gives you super butter impact in small packs perfect for a movie night at home or in the car on the go!
- 100% WHOLE GRAIN AND HIGH IN FIBER | Big flavor in a small, microwaveable popping bag; Blast O Butter takes pure double butter and salted flavors to another level. Not to mention that it has 0 cholesterol, and is even kosher!
- MADE IN THE USA BY AMERICA’S FIRST BRAND OF POPCORN | Founded in 1914, JOLLY TIME is a 4th generation family-owned business, and is the longest continuous Good Housekeeping Seal holder.
JOLLY TIME Microwave Kettle Corn Sweet & Salty Glazed Gourmet Popcorn (3-Count Box), 9 ounce
- Contains 3 packages of 3.2 oz Jolly Time KettleMania microwave bags.
- Jolly Time only uses the best ingredients. Non-GMO kernels, 100% whole grain, and no artificial preservatives or dyes.
- Jolly Time KettleMania popcorn is a burst of sweet and salty flavor that will have all popcorn lovers, hooked.
- Gluten-free and packed with flavor. The whole family will love not only the smell of Jolly Time KettleMania popping, but they will enjoy the flavor too!
- Ready in minutes and ready to enjoy on any game day or family movie night.
Jolly Time Healthy Pop Microwave Popcorn, 1.2oz Personal Bag, 10 Bags Per Carton (Healthy Pop 100’s – Butter & Sea Salt,1.2 Ounce (Pack of 30))
- PACK of 3 BOXES: Each box contains ten single serve (1.2 ounce) individual mini bags, for a total of 30 microwave bags. Each bag contains one serving that yields 5 cups of popped popcorn making it the smart choice of food that you can even take on the go
- HOT, FRESH BUTTER FLAVOR ON CRISPY KERNELS: Make it a point to eat healthier with Healthy Pop. Healthy Pop is satisfying and delicious as an afternoon snack at work, lunch or a filling dinner substitute, or mixed with dried fruit or nuts as a low carb movie time treat. Kids and adults will love the taste, plus you can eat the whole bag without feeling guilty!
- 100% WHOLE GRAIN AND ONLY 100 CALORIES PER BAG: The high fiber content promotes better nutrition and a healthy diet and helps portion control for those watching their weight. No need to add white cheddar seasoning packets, butter flavor spray or other toppings as Healthy Pop Butter is great plain!
- NON-GMO KERNELS AND GLUTEN FREE: Healthy Pop Butter is the natural alternative to high fat buttered popcorn with the perfect recipe of light butter, real salt and oil. It’s no secret that Healthy Pop gives you the best buy for your bowl with bulk packs of 10 count mini bags! This 0g trans-fat popcorn is even kosher and vegetarian!
- MADE IN THE USA BY AMERICA’S FIRST BRAND OF POPCORN: Founded in 1914, JOLLY TIME is a 4th generation family-owned business, and is the longest continuous Good Housekeeping Seal holder
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
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
Jolly Time Simply Popped – Lightly Salted Microwave Popcorn, 3oz Sharing Bag, 3 Bags Per Carton (Simply Popped Butter, 3 Ounce (Pack of 12))
- PACK OF 4 BOXES: Each box contains three regular-sized (3 ounce) individual bags, for a total of 12 microwave bags. Each bag contains 2.5 servings that yield 10 cups of popped popcorn, making it the perfect healthy snack.
- NON-GMO KERNELS AND GLUTEN FREE: Simply Popped is the smart choice for the whole family. Kids and adults will love the delicious, light butter flavor with a touch of sea salt
- NOTHING ARTIFICIAL 4 SIMPLE INGREDIENTS: Non-GMO popcorn kernels, palm oil, clarified butter and sea salt to season. This low-calorie, premium popcorn in our new bulk size is the best bang for your bowl!
- 100% WHOLE GRAIN, JUST 35 CALORIES PER CUP: The USDA recommends 3 servings of whole grain daily; 5 1/2 cups of Simply Popped equals one whole grain serving! And it contains 3g of protein with no sugar, while still tasting gourmet!
- MADE IN THE USA BY AMERICA’S FIRST BRAND OF POPCORN: Founded in 1914, JOLLY TIME is a 4th generation family-owned business, and is the longest continuous Good Housekeeping Seal holder
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 look for when choosing microwave popcorn?
Check the flavor intensity, portion size, and ingredient quality such as non‑GMO kernels and gluten‑free status. Look for nutritional details like calories, fiber, and trans‑fat content if health matters to you. Also consider brand reputation and any special claims, like real butter or low‑calorie options.
How do the butter‑flavored options compare across brands?
Jolly Time’s Blast O Butter and Pop Secret’s Movie Theater Butter both emphasize a rich, buttery taste, but Jolly Time highlights extreme butter impact with no added oils, while Pop Secret focuses on a classic theater flavor without artificial additives. Orville Redenbacher’s Ultimate Butter offers real butter and a higher fiber count, whereas Act II Xtreme Butter promises high‑impact flavor at a lower price point. Taste preferences and ingredient priorities will guide the best pick.
Which product gives the best value for large families or frequent snackers?
The bulk packs, such as Jolly Time’s 12‑bag box of 3.2‑oz bags and Orville Redenbacher’s 24‑bag 3.29‑oz bulk offering, provide the lowest cost per ounce and the most servings per purchase. Act II Xtreme Butter also offers a 12‑bag case at a competitive price. For families seeking both quantity and consistent butter flavor, the larger Jolly Time or Orville Redenbacher’s bulk options are ideal.
Are there healthier butter‑flavored popcorn choices?
Yes, Jolly Time’s Healthy Pop Butter contains only 100 calories per 1.2‑oz bag, 0 g trans‑fat, and 100 % whole grain, making it a lower‑calorie alternative. Orville Redenbacher’s Ultimate Butter also provides whole‑grain fiber and is gluten‑free, though it has slightly higher calories. Both avoid artificial preservatives and use non‑GMO kernels.
What microwave time should I use for optimal popping?
Start with the manufacturer’s recommended 2‑3 minutes on high power, listening for the pop to slow to 1‑2 seconds between pops. If you have a higher‑wattage microwave (1,200 W+), reduce the time by about 15‑20 seconds to avoid burning. Let the bag sit for a minute after microwaving to finish popping and cool slightly before opening.
Do any of these brands offer gluten‑free or allergen‑friendly options?
Jolly Time’s Blast O Butter, Pop Secret, Orville Redenbacher’s Ultimate Butter, and Act II Xtreme Butter are all labeled gluten‑free. Several products, including Jolly Time’s Healthy Pop, are also kosher and contain no artificial preservatives, making them suitable for a range of dietary restrictions. Always check the packaging for specific allergen statements.
How important is the “real butter” claim versus butter‑flavored oil?
Real butter provides a richer, more authentic taste and can appeal to those seeking a premium snack experience, as highlighted by Orville Redenbacher’s. Butter‑flavored oil, used by many other brands, still delivers strong flavor but may contain additional additives. If flavor authenticity is a priority, choose a product that lists real butter in its ingredients.