Watching your favorite movies and TV series would not be complete without a bowl of popcorn. Popcorn is the perfect snack for movie nights as they are light, tasty, and quick and easy to prepare. Aside from that, it also comes in many different flavors, so you'll have many options to choose from, depending on your preferences.
To help you find the perfect popcorn, we have provided a buying guide, fact-checked and reviewed by registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales, and listed down the things to consider when purchasing this classic snack. Aside from that, we also came up with a top 10 list of the best popcorns available online, plus a comparison table to help you weigh your options.
Quick List - Top Popcorns
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Popcorns come in many different flavors. You can choose between sweet, salty, or plain variants. To know more about these flavors, feel free to read further down below.
If you like salty popcorn, then definitely go for those with savory flavors. It can be as plain as salted popcorn, or it can have more complex flavors such as barbeque or cheese. You can find plenty of salty and savory popcorn in the market, which caters to different tastes.
The most common savory popcorn flavor is butter, but there are also other flavors such as cheddar, parmesan, and salt and pepper. These popcorn flavors are quite addicting, plus they are a great snack to munch on while watching TV.
Sugar-based popcorns are popcorns coated with sweet ingredients such as chocolate and caramel. These flavors often use mushroom popcorns, which is a type of popcorn that is firmer and rounder compared to butterfly popcorn which is lighter and softer.
The most common flavor for sweet popcorn is caramel, but there are also ones that are coated in chocolate and caster sugar. Since they are mouth-watering and deliciously sweet, chocolate and caramel popcorns are perfect for kids and for everyone who has a sweet tooth.
Plain popcorns are great if you're not a fan of flavored popcorn. They are neither sweet nor salty since they contain little to no sodium or extra flavoring. Plain popcorns are also perfect for those who are health-conscious but still want a fun and light snack to eat.
Aside from that, plain or unflavored popcorns are a great choice if you want to add the flavor yourself. To do this, simply buy unflavored ones or cook kernels at home. Then, add your preferred flavor and adjust according to your preferences.
Sometimes, you might have extra time to prepare freshly popped popcorn, but there are also times when you just want to get right into your movie with a pre-made one. Read more to know about the different ways you can have your popcorn, whether by cooking the kernels on a stove, microwaving it from a bag, or buying a pre-packaged one from the store.
Popcorn kernels are unpopped corn seeds meant to be cooked on a stovetop. They are a lot crunchier and more cost-efficient compared to microwavable and pre-made popcorns. When buying popcorn kernels, a tip is to pick the more rounded ones, as they are more likely to pop bigger than elongated ones.
The only disadvantage of buying popcorn kernels is that you'll need to cook them on a stovetop which requires a bit more effort and time. Also, when cooking popcorn kernels, it is important to pay close attention as they can easily get burnt under high heat. Despite this, however, they are still a great choice if you want something fresh and homemade.
If you want something that is easy to prepare, then definitely consider pre-made popcorns. Pre-made popcorns are a convenient choice as they can be eaten right away without any extra preparation required. Also, they are super accessible as you can easily spot pre-made popcorn in most supermarkets and convenience stores.
Kettle Korn is one of the most popular pre-made popcorn brands in the Philippines. A bag of this popcorn comes in many different flavors, such as butter, cheese, salted caramel, and sweet and salty. Aside from movie nights, pre-made popcorns are a perfect snack to bring on picnics and road trips as they can be eaten straight out of the bag.
Lastly, microwavable popcorns are a great option if you want your popcorn freshly popped and served right away. They only require a functioning microwave and a few steps to follow, allowing you to dive right into your movie with a bowl of hot popcorn.
The disadvantage of microwavable popcorns is that they have lesser yield, and they are also more expensive compared to pre-made popcorns and popcorn kernels. Still, they are great if you want fresh popcorn in minutes, minus the hassle of cooking them on your stovetop.
While popcorn is a great snack to eat at any time of the day, it can also contain a large amount of sodium and artificial flavoring, which may be bad for your health. Before buying popcorn, make sure to check its nutritional information first and see the recommended serving size of each bag.
For reference, consider your daily recommended sugar intake (no more than 30g) and salt intake (less than 2,300mg) when reading the nutrition facts. If you're choosing among flavored ones, especially buttered popcorns, try to look for those which are low on calories, sodium, and fat content.
Aside from its nutritional value, another thing to consider is the amount of popcorn that you'll need. Before cooking a big batch of popcorn or purchasing an extra-large bag, make sure that you have people to share it with or at least a resealable container for easy storage.
Since popcorns are meant to be eaten as soon as they're opened, you'll find many popcorns in small or individual packaging, perfect for immediate consumption. However, if you plan to share them with your friends and family, you can go for larger popcorn bags, which are ideal for sharing.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Act II Butter Lovers Popcorn | ![]() | A Classic Snack That’s a Hit for All Ages | |
2 | Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn | ![]() | Have Light, Flavored Popcorn on the Go | |
3 | Kettle Korn Whole Grain Glazed Popcorn|Sweet N’ Salty | ![]() | Taste Delicious Flavors in Every Bite | |
4 | Taters Superpop Ziploc Bags|Sour Cream | ![]() | Perfect for Sharing or Solo Snacking | |
5 | Oishi Popcorn Caramel | ![]() | Affordable Sweet and Salty Snack for Movie Nights or Merienda | |
6 | Easypop Gourmet Popcorn | ![]() | Serve Hot, Freshly Popped Popcorn at Home | |
7 | Jolly Time The Big Cheez Microwavable Popcorn | ![]() | Cheesy Microwavable Popcorn for Movie Marathons | |
8 | Nature's Crush Original Blend Microwave Popcorn | ![]() | Savory Popcorn Seasoned With Herbs and Spices | |
9 | Lifestyle Gourmet Pop Maister Vegan Popcorn|Chocolate Caramel | ![]() | Organic Popcorn That’s Also Vegan-Friendly | |
10 | Bob’s Red Mill Yellow Popcorn | ![]() | Lets You Make Popcorn On the Stove, Air Popper, or Microwave |
Nothing beats a good movie experience than having a light and fun snack to munch on while you're watching. And what says classic more than a bowl of hot, butter popcorn during movie night?
Act II Butter Popcorn contains a whopping 32 bags of popcorn coated with a generous amount of butter and a pinch of salt, which makes it a light yet delectable snack for all ages. Since it's microwavable, you can effortlessly pop one bag while you're setting up your movie.
In case you run out in the middle of the movie, you can easily make more in a matter of minutes, so it's actually convenient and hassle-free. Overall, Act II Butter Popcorn is a sure blockbuster hit for movie lovers and popcorn lovers alike.
From Smartfood, this popcorn is perfect for snacking on the go. It is made from 100% whole grain and gluten-free popcorn kernels without any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Plus, its white cheddar flavor is great for those who are looking to try a popcorn variety with a lighter flavor.
Since it has no artificial flavors, it is guaranteed that this popcorn is made with natural cheese. Whether you're going on a road trip, planning a picnic, or even enjoying a night in, this popcorn is sure to be a great snack to munch on. Each bag contains 155.9g of popcorn, perfect for sharing with friends or family.
From Kettle Korn, these pre-made popcorns are probably the best and most affordable ones you can find in most markets and convenience stores. Kettle Korn Popcorn uses whole-grain mushroom popcorn glazed with different flavors ranging from sweet to savory.
Its main ingredients are imported corn, vegetable oil, and iodized salt. It also comes in three other flavors: Cheese, Butterlicious, and Salted Caramel. By purchasing a bag of this popcorn, you can guarantee crunchy popcorn and deliciously addicting flavors in every bite.
If you miss chowing down on Taters’ popcorn whenever you watch a movie, don’t fret, as you can now have their popcorn delivered right to your doorstep. They offer 140g bags, dubbed the family size, which is perfect for sharing whether it is with the family, your barkada, or even for solo snacking!
Now you’re all set up for weekend movie nights or your nightly K-drama series binge. Moreover, you can choose from their other flavors like plain, barbecue, or cheese as well as their other snacks like Taters chips and popcorn chicken. Can’t wait to get your hands on that popcorn? You’ll be happy to know that they also offer same-day delivery!
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, then Oishi’s caramel popcorn ought to satisfy your cravings. It consists of mushroom popcorn, which has a rounder shape and firmer texture that allows it to absorb the caramel glaze better. With this, you can really savor the caramel’s sweetness.
You also get to feast on interesting textures, such as the crispy popcorn and the sticky caramel. Its combination is also ideal for those who want something sweet with the right hint of saltiness. This makes a great snack not just for movie nights but for merienda as well. In addition, it doesn’t have artificial coloring and is halal!
Do you like your popcorn natural and not pre-made? If yes, then go for a bag of these popcorn kernels from Easy Pop! An advantage of getting this product is that you can have your popcorn fresh and hot off the stove. Aside from that, it allows you to add the flavors of your choice, whether it's cheese, butter, salt, or other spices.
On the other hand, one disadvantage of this product is that it requires extra time and attention to prepare. Still, this is a great popcorn product if you're willing to put in the extra effort. After all, who doesn't want their popcorn homemade, hot, and fresh?
If you're thinking about how you can make your movie nights more special, we've got the perfect snack for you! Simply grab one of these microwavable popcorns, which are great partners for long movie marathons with your loved ones.
Since it's microwavable, it's super easy to prepare; simply place it inside your microwave and get hot and fresh popcorn in just a few minutes! Plus, it has an addicting cheddar flavor that's perfect for cheese-lovers.
This popcorn uses non-GMO kernels, and a pack contains three individual bags of microwavable cheese popcorn. Plus, it is made with natural ingredients and has 0 cholesterol content. Aside from that, it is also gluten-free and high in fiber. However, it has a relatively high sodium level, so remember to consume it in moderation.
This next popcorn contains a blend of 23 different spices that gives it a deep and savory taste, unlike other popcorn flavors. The original flavor, Blend 23, has notes of Rosemary and Cayenne Pepper and is influenced by the recipe of the founder's Italian grandmother.
Another thing to note about this popcorn is that it is 100% vegan and contains no artificial ingredients or colors. It's also gluten-free and uses non-GMO ingredients, making it a healthier option compared to other variants.
It's large enough for sharing and is microwavable, too, saving you precious time and effort without compromising its taste and quality. Overall, this popcorn is perfect if you want an easy-to-prepare snack with a deep, unique flavor.
Local brands like Lifestyle Gourmet proves you can have popcorn with minimal ingredients. Their popcorn only consists of all-natural ingredients such as popcorn, organic coconut nectar, and organic coconut sugar. Moreover, this popcorn is vegan-friendly!
This makes it the perfect option for those looking for a little pick-me-up. It consists of a fusion of chocolate and caramel, guaranteed to satisfy any sweet cravings. Most importantly, it has just the right amount of flavor to leave your taste buds hungry for more!
It is always a fun experience to see freshly made popcorn at the movie theater. With Bob’s Red Mill’s Yellow Popcorn, you can now recreate that experience at home. Each bag consists of 100% whole grain yellow corn with no added salt or oil, making this ideal for those who are watchful of added preservatives.
That way, you know the ingredients you’re putting in. It also gives you free rein to customize the flavor according to your liking, whether you want your popcorn plain or seasoned with numerous spices. Making this popcorn is also very convenient as you can prepare it on the stove, air popper, or even microwave!
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by mybest team.
Your pet dog or cat can eat the occasional popcorn provided it is air-popped and devoid of any seasonings, even salt. This is because we tend to like our popcorn flavored, meaning it is likely swimming in salt, butter, or other flavors. These added flavorings could upset their stomach and cause digestive stress. So, think of popcorn as an occasional treat for your pets and not a substitute for a healthy snack.
The debate on whether popcorn is healthy also opens the door to other questions like “is popcorn good for diet” and “can popcorn make you fat.” It may surprise you, but popcorn is actually a whole grain. It contains zinc, magnesium, and it is high in fiber, containing about 3g of fiber per cup.
Plus, popcorn contains fewer calories, so you can eat as much as 3 cups, and it would only amount to 90 calories. But, this only applies to plain, air-popped popcorn as it doesn’t contain added ingredients or flavorings. Microwaveable and pre-made ones don’t count as they often contain saturated fat, high sodium content, and preservatives.
Those of you following the keto diet may wonder if popcorn is low carb; in other words, is popcorn keto? The answer? Popcorn can be low carb, as long as you consume it in moderation. A cup of popcorn would only yield about 5g of net carbs. But again, this pertains to air-popped popcorn. That said, adding butter or oil wouldn’t hurt if you’re on a keto diet but do try to stay away from sugary flavors.
Looking for more snacks to serve during movie night? Feel free to click on the links and read our articles about the different snack options available in online stores such as Shopee and Lazada.
10 Best Potato Chips in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian
10 Best Cheese Snacks in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian
10 Best Chocolate Chip Cookies in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian
10 Best Healthy Snacks in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian
Author: Katrina Balingit
Re-editor: J. Cuizon
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Act II|Butter Lovers Popcorn
No. 2: Smartfood |White Cheddar Popcorn
No. 3: Kettle Korn|Whole Grain Glazed Popcorn|Sweet N’ Salty
No. 4: Taters|Superpop Ziploc Bags|Sour Cream
No. 5: Oishi|Popcorn Caramel
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Beauty
Health
Household goods
PCs and laptops
Home appliances and electronics
Cameras
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Mom and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, and DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Home improvement and tools
Smartphones and tablets
Banking and finance
Insurance
Audio
Smartphone applications
Others