9 best popcorn kernals

Popcorn kernels are the essential ingredients for making popcorn, a popular and widely enjoyed snack food. These kernels are dried seeds of a specific type of corn, known as "popcorn maize" or "zea mays everta." What makes popcorn kernels unique is their ability to pop and expand when exposed to heat, turning into the fluffy, edible treat we commonly associate with movie nights and snacking.

Here are some key points about popcorn kernels:

  1. Varieties: Popcorn kernels come in various varieties, each with its own size, shape, and flavor profile. Some common types include yellow, white, and mushroom popcorn. The choice of kernel can affect the taste and texture of the popped popcorn.

  2. Hull: Popcorn kernels have a hard, moisture-resistant hull or outer shell. This hull is what allows them to build up pressure as they heat up, eventually causing them to pop. The popped kernels shed this hull, resulting in the familiar fluffy popcorn.

  3. Popping Process: When popcorn kernels are heated, the moisture inside them turns into steam, creating pressure.As the pressure builds, it eventually overcomes the hull's resistance, causing the kernel to explode and pop. The result is the expansion of the kernel into a light, airy piece of popcorn.

  4. Cooking Methods: Popcorn kernels can be popped using various methods, including stovetop popping in a pot with oil, microwave popping using microwave-safe bags, or air-popping using specialized popcorn machines. The choice of method can influence the flavor and texture of the popcorn.

  5. Flavorings: Popcorn kernels can be enjoyed in their natural state or flavored with various seasonings and toppings. Common popcorn seasonings include butter, salt, cheese, caramel, and various herbs and spices.

  6. Nutrition: Popcorn is often considered a relatively healthy snack when prepared without excessive butter or oil. It is a whole grain and a good source of fiber. However, the nutritional content can vary depending on preparation methods and seasonings.

  7. Popcorn Uses: Besides being a popular snack, popcorn kernels are sometimes used in culinary creations such as popcorn balls and trail mixes. They can also serve as a base for gourmet popcorn with unique and inventive flavors.

In summary, popcorn kernels are the raw material for one of the world's favorite snacks. Their ability to pop into fluffy, edible bites when exposed to heat has made them a versatile and beloved treat for people of all ages. Whether enjoyed plain or with a variety of seasonings, popcorn kernels are a staple in the world of snack foods.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best popcorn kernals on the market
  

Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet Popcorn Kernels, Original Yellow, 8 Lb

Orville Redenbacher's

Based on 35 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Orville Redenbacher's original gourmet popping corn; 8 lb. Container

  • Contains pounds of Orville Redenbacher's original Yellow Gourmet Popcorn Kernels
  • Orville Redenbacher's Original Yellow Gourmet Popping Corn Kernels are premium popping at its finest, giving you delicious popcorn with a crispy outside and a tender inside
  • Use Orville Redenbacher's original yellow gourmet popcorn kernels to make a simple, wholesome popcorn snack on your stovetop, air popper, or electric popper
  • 100 percent natural, non-GMO project verified
  • 100 percent whole grain, gluten free popcorn

User questions & answers

Question: What the expiration for recently purchased containers? Thank you
Answer: says, "packaged by 'Farmer Jon's Popcorn company', Breda, IA 51436" I guess you could go look up the company online? see where they get their popcorn from? www.farmerjonspopcorn.com That's off the container.
Question: If I want to use this for hot air popper do I need anything else rather then the popper maker? Like butter or salt
Answer: This was a large family size bag. It did not come with individual bags inside.
Question: How Are the popcorn container sealed
Answer: One number is for poped and other for unpoped
Question: Is Orville Redembachers popcorn GMO
Answer: Hello! total carbohydrate 8g, 3%

Product features

Popping Corn

Enjoy the taste of fresh-popped popcorn! Orville Redenbacher’s Popcorn Kernels are 100% natural and gluten free. Make this delicious snack on the stovetop, in the microwave, or using an electric popper or air popper.

Popping & Topping Oil

Orville Redenbacher’s Popcorn Popping Oil can also be used for topping. Use as you would melted butter. Simply shake to evenly coat freshly popped popcorn with a rich, buttery taste.

Popcorn Kits

Take the guess-work out of making delicious popcorn. Orville Redenbacher’s All-in-One Popcorn Kits come with premeasured packets of popcorn kernels, salt, and sunflower or coconut oil.

Concession Stands

Serve fresh-popped popcorn at the game. Use Orville Redenbacher’s Popcorn Kernels for a delicious snack that’s ready in a pop, then top with butter-flavored popcorn oil.

Movie Theater

It wouldn’t be the movies without warm, buttery popcorn. Pop Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels using flavorful movie theater popcorn oil for a tasty movie snack.

At Home

On the stovetop, in the microwave or using an electric popper or air popper, Orville Redenbacher’s Kernels and Popcorn Oil make it easy to enjoy the great taste of butter popcorn at home.

365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Popcorn Kernels, Yellow, 28 Ounce

365 by WFM

Based on 339 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Our standards are what set us apart, and our quality is what keeps us stocking pantries, fridges and freezers with the best natural and organic 365 Everyday Value products every day. We get excited about things like whole grain flours, shade-grown coffee, organic milk and frozen veggies because we know that you care about cooking with the very best ingredients — without compromising on the ingredients you don’t want. (All 365 Everyday Value products meet Whole Foods Market quality standards.)

  • Brought to you by Whole Foods Market.  The packaging for this product has a fresh new look. During this transition, you may get the original packaging or the new packaging in your order, but the product and quality is staying exactly the same. Enjoy!
  • Popcorn is a naturally low fat and sodium free food.
  • USA grown corn.
  • 100% Whole Grain. 30g or more per serving.
  • Certified USDA Organic. Certified Kosher. Vegan.

Amish Country Popcorn | 10 - 4 oz Bags | Popcorn Kernel Variety Pack | 10 Pack Assorted Varieties | Old Fashioned, Non GMO, Gluten Free, Microwaveable and Kosher with Recipe Guide (10 - 4 oz Bags)

Amish Country Popcorn

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price
  • 10 PACK SAMPLER - A mix of Amish Country Popcorn's Best Flavors; Including baby white, red, extra large caramel, purple, and mushroom popping corn (four ounces each flavor)
  • 15 AMAZING POPCORN RECIPES - Your purchase comes with our Fantastic Recipe Guide eBook. You don't even have to search for recipes, we've done the legwork.
  • 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.

Product features

1 - Choose Your Kernels

Amish Country Popcorn produces over 13 varieties of kernels. We offer something for everyone in the family.

2 - Choose Your Favorite Seasoning or Topping

We offer a wide variety of toppings to satisfy your popcorn craving. From the classic taste of BallPark Butter Salt to Caramel Glaze, Amish Country Popcorn has a flavor for everyone!

3 - Become the Star of Your Party

No matter what type of kernels or topping you choose, you are sure to be a hit with popcorn from Amish Country Popcorn

About Amish Country Popcorn

In 1965 in the "Amish Country" community of Berne, Indiana, Roy Lehman planted a small plot of popcorn for his six year old son, Brian.

Brian then began supplying his family with popcorn. He remembers carrying popcorn to school, and his sixth grade teacher was one of his most loyal customers.

When he finished high school, he wanted to stay on the family farm and continue to grow and sell popcorn.

Fifty years later, Brian is still in the popcorn business. The people who know Brian would tell you that he is known for the following two things: serving the Lord and selling popcorn.

Orville Redenbacher’s Original Gourmet White Popcorn Kernels, 30 Ounce, Pack of 6

Orville Redenbacher's

Based on 35 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Contains 30-ounce containers of Orville Redenbacher's White Gourmet Popping Corn Kernels; Orville Redenbacher's White Gourmet Popping Corn Kernels are premium popping at its finest, giving you beautifully white popcorn with a crispy outside and a tender inside; Use Orville's White Gourmet Popping Corn for a simple, wholesome snack that will have friends and family asking for more; 100% natural, Non-GMO project verified; Gluten free and made with 100% whole grain popcorn

  • Contains 30 ounce; Containers of Orville Redenbacher’s Original White Gourmet Unpopped Popcorn Kernels
  • Use these gourmet Orville Redenbacher’s popping kernels with butter flavored popcorn oil to make popcorn with your hot air popper or stovetop popcorn popper
  • Made with 100 percentage whole grain, these unpopped popcorn kernels pop up light and fluffy—and in a jiffy—for a gourmet popcorn snack
  • 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
  • These 100 percentage natural, non-GMO popcorn kernels pop for a delicious treat or gluten free snack after school

User questions & answers

Question: What the expiration for recently purchased containers? Thank you
Answer: I had a large container that I opened and then forgot about, and was purchased/expired in 2015. Tried it recently and since the lid was on tight and in the back of the cupboard, it STILL popped really well in my hot air popper! Keep it sealed in the container or air tight jar, and I don't know if it ever goes bad.
Question: If I want to use this for hot air popper do I need anything else rather then the popper maker? Like butter or salt
Answer: I use a hot air popper and except for a few kernels that fly out in the very beginning they all pop. I used the 5# bottle and kept the lid screwed on tight between uses as the company recomends.
Question: How Are the popcorn container sealed
Answer: There's a seal under the lid. I can't comment on remarks made by others, but I've purchased 6 of the 8 lb containers of this popcorn. Nothing has been damaged. Seals are intact. It arrives in a box. I eat a lot of popcorn and my last order was for 3, 8 lb containers because buying 2 was going to be almost as expensive as buying 3. Sometimes these are out of stock so i try to watch for it before I run out of my current batch.
Question: Is Orville Redembachers popcorn GMO
Answer: "Almost 90% of the corn grown and eaten in this country is GMO corn, popcorn comes from a different seed and has not been genetically modified."http://elizabethyarnell.com/effortlesseating/2012/06/popcorn-is-never-a-gmo/

Product features

Popping Corn

Enjoy the taste of fresh-popped popcorn! Orville Redenbacher’s Popcorn Kernels are 100% natural and gluten free. Make this delicious snack on the stovetop, in the microwave, or using an electric popper or air popper.

Popping & Topping Oil

Orville Redenbacher’s Popcorn Popping Oil can also be used for topping. Use as you would melted butter. Simply shake to evenly coat freshly popped popcorn with a rich, buttery taste.

Popcorn Kits

Take the guess-work out of making delicious popcorn. Orville Redenbacher’s All-in-One Popcorn Kits come with premeasured packets of popcorn kernels, salt, and sunflower or coconut oil.

Concession Stands

Serve fresh-popped popcorn at the game. Use Orville Redenbacher’s Popcorn Kernels for a delicious snack that’s ready in a pop, then top with butter-flavored popcorn oil.

Movie Theater

It wouldn’t be the movies without warm, buttery popcorn. Pop Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels using flavorful movie theater popcorn oil for a tasty movie snack.

At Home

On the stovetop, in the microwave or using an electric popper or air popper, Orville Redenbacher’s Kernels and Popcorn Oil make it easy to enjoy the great taste of butter popcorn at home.

Franklin’s Gourmet Popcorn Certified USDA Organic Popping Kernels - 28oz. Tub - Top Rated, Delicious Old Fashioned Unpopped Kernels, All Natural - Best Movie Theater Taste – Made in USA

Franklin's Gourmet Popcorn

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • DELICIOUS MOVIE THEATER TASTE- This is the original popcorn taste you have been waiting for. Enjoy that mouthwatering classic movie theater taste at home and discover why so many people love Franklin’s Gourmet Popcorn Organic Popping Kernels.
  • EASY TO MAKE/POP IT YOUR WAY- Use Franklin’s Organic Kernels to make popcorn in whatever way you choose! Our organic popping kernels make for the perfect homemade popcorn experience, whether it be on the stove, a saucepan, the microwave, or even on your countertop or free standing popcorn machine.
  • STRAIGHT FROM THE FARM TO YOUR TABLE - At Franklin’s, we believe in bringing the highest quality kernels directly to our customer. We source from local family owned farms in Iowa to bring top quality certified organic popping corn kernels. Our popping corn is non GMO, gluten free, and high in natural fiber.
  • FRESHEST & BEST TASTING ORGANIC POPCORN- Get the most delicious organic popping corn on the market. Discover the difference that a quality kernel can make in popping movie theater quality popcorn at home.
  • FRANKLIN’S MONEY BACK GUARANTEE– We are so confident that you will love our Organic Popping Corn, that we will give your hard-earned money back if you’re not 100% satisfied with your purchase. Simply contact Franklin’s Gourmet Popcorn DIRECTLY for a refund. No tricks, we just believe in our product that much.

User questions & answers

Question: Can this item be shipped to Japan
Answer: Unfortunately we do not ship to Japan at this time.
Question: How does this do in an air popper
Answer: Pops fine. Tastes great. Satisfied with the popper.
Question: is the popcorn the same in the 28 oz vs the 7 lbs ? I noticed the green organic lable on 28 oz and black one on 7 lbs
Answer: Hi there, it is the same popcorn in both options. The only difference is the size and amount of corn in each one.
Question: Are the kernels big and or good for Carmel corn
Answer: I've never made Carmel corn. However, I see no reason why Franklin's popcorn wouldn't be perfect for it. The kernels are good sized and delicious 😀

Product features

Small changes in product size & weight lead to lower carbon emissions.

We created Compact by Design to identify products that, while they may not always look very different, have a more efficient design. With the removal of excess air and water, products require less packaging and become more efficient to ship. At scale, these small differences in product size and weight lead to significant carbon emission reductions.

365 by Whole Foods Market, Popcorn Kernels, Heirloom, 20 Ounce

365 by WFM

Based on 660 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Our standards are what set us apart, and our quality is what keeps us stocking pantries, fridges and freezers with the best natural and organic 365 Everyday Value products every day. We get excited about things like whole grain flours, shade-grown coffee, organic milk and frozen veggies because we know that you care about cooking with the very best ingredients — without compromising on the ingredients you don’t want. All 365 Everyday Value products meet Whole Foods Market quality standards.

  • Brought to you by Whole Foods Market.  The packaging for this product has a fresh new look. During this transition, you may get the original packaging or the new packaging in your order, but the product and quality is staying exactly the same. Enjoy!
  • 36g whole grain per serving.
  • Low fat.
  • Sodium free.
  • Certified Gluten Free, Certified GMO-Free, Certified Kosher, Vegan.

ORGANIC, White Virtually Hulless Popcorn Kernels -2lbs. NON-GMO, KOSHER

International Popcorn Co.

Based on 25 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Note: The HULL of popcorn is the SEED COAT, ALL popcorn has one. The popcorn we consider hulless, or virtually hull-free, are the varieties that are very small in size, tiny. Once the popcorn pops, most of the hull disintegrates, leaving a small tender kernel. WHITE "VIRTUALLY" HULLESS SEEDS ALL POP WHITE - The golden kernels explode into a bountiful puff of white, delicious popcorn. - HIGH FIBER, LOW CALORIE SNACK - Many of our favorite treats can harm our health. But, popcorn is an amazing exception to the rule. This fun food can be good for you because it's high in fiber and low in calories especially when it's made in an air popper. - MADE IN THE USA - This white hulless popcorn is grown organically in small quantities to preserve the integrity and taste. - RAW, ORGANIC, NON-GMO, & GLUTEN FREE - Our white hulless popcorn is 100% natural and minimally processed. We don't add anything else to it so you don't have to worry about artificial additives. - ALL NATURAL , WHOLE GRAIN - Popcorn is a whole grain. This means each kernel contains the bran, germ and endosperm. So, eating popcorn can boost your intake of whole grains.

  • Hulless MEANS LESS HULLS, Hulless popcorn is not recommended for air poppers, RAW, ORGANIC, NON-GMO, & GLUTEN FREE - Our White Virtually Hulless popcorn kernels is 100% natural!
  • WHITE KERNELS/SEEDS ALL POP WHITE - The golden kernels explode into a bountiful puff of white, delicious popcorn.
  • HIGH FIBER, LOW CALORIE SNACK - Many of our favorite treats can harm our health. But, popcorn is an amazing exception to the rule. This fun food can be good for you because it's high in fiber and low in calories especially when it's made in an air popper.
  • MAKES 112 CUPS OF POPCORN - Our White Hulless popcorn kernels are 100% natural and minimally processed. We don't add anything else to it so you don't have to worry about artificial additives.
  • Note:The hull of popcorn is the seed coat, all popcorn has one. The popcorn we consider hulless, or virtually hull-free, are the varieties that are very small in size, tiny. Once the popcorn pops, most of the hull disintegrates, leaving a small tender kernel.

Hoosier Hill Farm Gourmet Mushroom NON-GMO Popcorn Lovers, 4 Pound

Hoosier Hill Farm LLC

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Popcorn lovers who want to shove handfuls into their mouth will want this lightly sweet tasting popcorn. After popping it holds more anthocyanin & cyanidin than yellow popcorn. These components are know to have high antioxidant activity. So it is healthier! The white fluffy popcorn will still leave your mouth watering and wanting more. Hoosier Hill Farm offers the best, most unique blends of gourmet popcorn available. You're getting true gourmet popcorn from the popcorn experts. Grown, packaged and shipped from Northeast Indiana, you're guaranteed outstanding taste, texture, and quality. If it doesn't meet our high standards, we don't sell it. We take great pride in our gourmet popcorn which makes us stand out from all the others. Choose from our many specialty varieties of mouthwatering gourmet popcorn. Once you discover Hoosier Hill Farm's gourmet popcorn you'll never buy commercial popcorn again. This product is 100% Made in America! Hoosier Hill Farm is located in America's heartland of northeast Indiana. Our products and ingredients are guaranteed fresh and we are proud of our heritage and good, old-fashioned values!

  • Pops in a ball, Amazingly huge, fluffy, crunchy and scrumptious popcorn! This is the popcorn desired by gourmet caramel corn and candy companies.
  • The white fluffy popcorn will still leave your mouth watering and wanting more.
  • Hoosier Hill Farm offers the best, most unique blends of gourmet popcorn available. You're getting true gourmet popcorn from the popcorn experts. Grown, packaged and shipped from Northeast Indiana, you're guaranteed outstanding taste, texture, and quality.
  • We take great pride in our gourmet popcorn which makes us stand out from all the others. Once you discover Hoosier Hill Farm's gourmet popcorn you'll never buy commercial popcorn again.
  • Huge 4 Pound Jar. High in fiber and antioxidants

User questions & answers

Question: Has anyone tried this in a microwave popper
Answer: I have not tried it in the microwave. I have a 6 oz popcorn popper that I use them in.
Question: is your popcorn non-GMO
Answer: Yes, All of our popcorn is NON-GMO, thanks! Hoosier Hill Farm
Question: Is this popcorn organic
Answer: I don't know if this is organic or anything else. The label says Mushroom and Mushroom it is. I have a whirley pop and I toss in a tbsp and 1/2 of canola in it, throw in a\ 1/2 cup popcorn. get it hot,I turn the crank, and out comes about a gallon of the biggest, best tasting popcorn, I have ever eaten... It melts in your mouth. It pops all but about 8,10 grains of popcorn...That is my experience with this popcorn...
Question: Can this be popped in an air popper
Answer: That's how I pop it without any problems.

Product features

Small changes in product size & weight lead to lower carbon emissions.

We created Compact by Design to identify products that, while they may not always look very different, have a more efficient design. With the removal of excess air and water, products require less packaging and become more efficient to ship. At scale, these small differences in product size and weight lead to significant carbon emission reductions.

4067 Great Northern Popcorn 1 Case (12) of 6 Ounce Popcorn Portion Packs Kit Cinema

Great Northern Popcorn Company

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

How easy is open, pour & pop? As easy as it sounds. Don't worry about how the popcorn will taste--we guarantee it will be great. No matter who is popping, every batch is sensational popcorn. If you just purchased one our new popcorn machines or are looking for that great theater taste in your existing machine, stop looking! This is great tasting, high-volume popcorn that pops up fluffy time and time again. We truly believe it is the best popcorn in the USA.

  • Easy storage-keep pouches under your popper or in the store room and bring out enough pouches for the day
  • No measuring-we pre-measure each pouch for ideal results. No measuring cups, just everything in a user-friendly pouch. Save time and money. Open, pour and pop
  • No mess-no loose ingredients to spill and no dirty measuring cups to clean
  • Consistency and quality-our pre-measured pouch assures the same delicious, mouth-watering popcorn each and every time
  • No waste-eliminate waste from spills, over portioning, or diminished quality and freshness. Gluten free

Product features

Great Northern Popcorn Portion Packs

How easy is open, pour & pop? As easy as it sounds. Don't worry about how the popcorn will taste--we guarantee it will be great. No matter who is popping, every batch is sensational popcorn. If you just purchased one our new popcorn machines or are looking for that great theater taste in your existing machine, stop looking! This is great tasting, high-volume popcorn that pops up fluffy time and time again. We truly believe it is the best popcorn in the USA.

The Great Northern Popcorn Company has a reputation for quality. These convenient portion packs let you have fresh, hot, tasty popcorn while watching movies, at parties, or at social events in your home, office, church, or business.

2.5 Ounce Portion Packs

2.5 Ounce Portion Pack: Makes about 3 quarts per cycle. Serves 1-3 people.

4 Ounce Portion Packs

4 Ounce Portion Pack: Makes about 5 quarts per cycle. Serves 2-4 people.

6 Ounce Portion Packs

6 Ounce Portion Pack: Makes about 7.5 quarts per cycle. Serves 4-8 people.

8 Ounce Portion Packs

8 Ounce Portion Pack: Makes about 10 quarts per cycle. Serves 5-10 people.

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