Popcorn is a whole grain that’s a good source of fiber. In addition, it contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating popcorn is a staple of going to the cinema, attending a carnival, or spending a day at the state fair. In addition, there are many popcorn fundraiser ideas that companies and schools use to collect donations.
However, people often add butter and salt to popcorn to enhance flavoring. Buttered popcorn might be tasty, but it’s also high in calories. As a result, buttered popcorn’s high caloric content can raise the risk of heart disease.
Luckily, there are healthy alternatives to buttered popcorn available — many of them at your local grocery store. In addition, you won’t have to sacrifice flavor — many butter substitutes for popcorn retain that classic taste. So you can still enjoy movie night while eating in a heart-healthy manner.
Butter Substitutes for Popcorn
So, what are healthy alternatives to buttered popcorn? Here’s a list of excellent butter substitutes for popcorn for your next batch.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a healthy and tasty alternative to butter. There are several kinds of olive oil, but you want to choose one with a mild flavor for your popcorn. A good quality olive oil has a rich flavor and provides heart-healthy fats. A teaspoon of olive oil contains 3.2 grams of monounsaturated fat, which can improve blood cholesterol levels.
Trail Mix
Adding trail mix to your popcorn can introduce a variety of flavors while also providing a healthy alternative to butter. Peanuts, almonds, and dried unsweetened fruit are good options. However, use trail mix carefully when adding it to popcorn, as too much can increase your caloric intake.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an excellent healthy alternative to butter because it contains lauric acid. This type of medium-chain fatty acid has cardio-protective qualities. Pour coconut oil over your popcorn as a topping substitute for butter. Or, you can use coconut oil for popping the popcorn if you like crispy popcorn kernels.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil has a similar nutritional offering to olive oil. Avocado fruit is a good source of vitamins and minerals that offer potential health benefits.
You can use avocado oil as a butter substitute when popping corn on the stove. It won’t easily burn because it has a high smoke point. The particular property, combined with a mild flavor, makes it one of the best healthy alternatives to buttered popcorn.
Ghee
Ghee, also known as clarified butter, is one of the most popular healthy alternatives to buttered popcorn. You can prepare it by heating butter or cream. It has a high smoke point with a nutty flavor- similar to what you might get from the trail mix. It also prevents popcorn from burning, so you should use this if you don’t like overcooked kernels.
Canola Oil
Canola oil is a good option if you’re looking for an inexpensive substitute for butter. It’s a heart-healthy oil with a low level of saturated fats. As a result, canola oil helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins. In addition, it has a moderate flavor that won’t overpower your popcorn.
Healthier Popcorn Can Still Taste Great!
You can choose one of these healthy alternatives to buttered popcorn without sacrificing taste. So whether you add olive oil or trail mix, you can enjoy popcorn as a healthy snack.
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We sell everything from gourmet popcorn and caramel corn tins to corporate popcorn gifts. Contact Best Darn Kettlecorn today to learn more about our wide selection of flavors!