Okay, so you’ve got your shiny new popcorn maker at home and are now wondering what the best popcorn kernels are. Yes? Then you’re certainly in the right place and you’ll need to keep on reading.
We’ve done the hard work for you (well not actually that hard!) and tried all the popcorn to find the ones that pop into nice, fluffy bowls of delicious. Make up a delicious batch for movie night, complete with butter, or other delicious popcorn seasonings. Bring the family together and enjoy this nice, frugal treat.
The best popcorn kernels are generally grown in the American mid-west, but it’s enjoyed throughout the world. However, it’s perhaps people in Canada and the USA that love it the most! Before we get into all the details, here’s a sneak peak at some of our top picks:
There are a number of ways to make your popcorn. Traditionally, it’s been made with some hot oil in a pot on the stove. However, these days it’s easier with something like the Whirley-Pop, hot air poppers, or even devices that allow you to make popcorn in the microwave.
Our reviews are designed to help you have the best experience possible, whether it’s for a party, movie night or children’s birthday part. We’ve chosen the top-quality kernels that pop well and don’t leave a ton of unpopped kernels in the bowl. Let’s get to our top picks!
Top 6 Choices for Gourmet Popping Corn
Are you ready to see some of the best unpopped popcorn kernels you can buy? Then let’s get to it!
#1: Amish Country Popcorn
- 6 LBS OF MEDIUM WHITE POPCORN KERNELS - This delicious, gourmet popcorn is made in the heart of...
- 15 AMAZING POPCORN RECIPES - Your purchase comes with our Fantastic Recipe Guide eBook. You don't...
- NON-GMO & GLUTEN FREE - With our products being Non-GMO and Gluten Free, you can eat this popcorn...
- 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...
When you think of gourmet kernel popcorn, you should certainly think of Amish Country. They have a nice range of choices from various colors and varieties of popcorn, to different size bags, oils and seasonings. Their gift sets make a fabulous option for the popcorn lover that you might know and love in your life. Find out why we like Amish Country Popcorn so much!
Features
- Non-GMO
- Gluten-free
- Includes a recipe guide
- Medium white popcorn (but various other kinds available too)
- 1 year freshness warranty
- Comes in a 6 pound bag (other sizes available from 1-50 pounds)
- Grown and packaged in the USA (Indiana)
- No preservatives or added ingredients
- Pops nearly 100% of the kernels every single time
- Fluffy and delicious
Gourmet Popping Corn
Customer Reviews
—>See More Reviews on Amazon<—
“Got this popcorn as a gift and have to say, it was the best tasting popcorn I’ve ever had. Plus, it popped 100% and the overall experience was just so good. I’ve bought a few more bags to give out as gifts this Christmas!”
“We are self-described popcorn experts at our house and have experimented and tried a bunch of different kernels. This brand ranks up there near the top of the list. Great flavour and pops well. Light and fluffy. What more could you want with a gourmet popcorn kernel? Just about the only complaint I have, and it’s a small one is the price. Kind of expensive, but you get what you pay for!”
Shop Now for the Best Popcorn Kernels
Does it sound like the right option for you? They are certainly one of the best tasting popcorn kernels around which is why we’ve placed it at the top of our list! Click the button below to learn more about Amish Country Popcorn on Amazon and don’t forget to check and see if this product is eligible for fast, free shipping with a Prime membership:
#2: Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels
When you think popcorn, you most certainly will think Orville Redenbacher. They are some of the best in the business and have a reputation for making great tasting popcorn that pops well. Plus, this option is slightly more affordable than some of the best rated gourmet popcorn on this list. Find out more about why we like it so much.
Key Features
- Available as white or yellow popcorn
- Variety of sizes (30 oz up to 8 pounds)
- Light and fluffy popcorn
- Almost no unpopped kernels in the bowl
- Very reasonably priced
- Excellent customer reviews
User Reviews
—>Check out More Reviews on Amazon.com<—
“I’m not one to right a lot of reviews for products, but this one is worth it. It’s hands down the best popcorn I’ve ever had in my life, including from the movie theatre. Yes, it’s that good. I’m a serious junkie and can’t get enough popcorn, eating it at least 3x a week, so I know my popcorn!”
“Good volume and flavour and pops very well. No complaints about it and I love the price compared to some of the other gourmet options out there.”
Get your Gourmet Popping Corn Today
Do you want to find out more about Orville Redenbacher’s gourmet popping corn? Click the button below to head over to Amazon to check for the lowest prices:
#3: Fireworks Popcorn Gourmet Kernel Popcorn
If you’re the type that likes to experiment with different variations until you find the exact right one for you, then you’ll want to consider Fireworks popcorn. They have a ton of different varieties from Orchard Blossom to Sunset Fire and Autumn Blaze. You’ll have such a fun time trying these 10 varieties of gourmet popping corn to find the right one for you.
Important Features
- Includes 10, 15 oz bottles of gourmet popcorn
- All natural with no dyes or artificial things (pop up white)
- Non-GMO
- Delicious tasting popcorn
- Fluffy
- Low amounts of unpopped kernels
- Makes an excellent gift
- Grown in Wisconsin
What do People Think About these Gourmet Popcorn Kernels?
“I bought this to use as a secret Santa gift at my office and WOW! Was it ever popular. My only small regret is not keeping this popcorn for myself. I asked the person who ended up taking it home how the popcorn was and she mentioned that it’s the best she’s ever had in her life and it’s super fine trying all the varieties.”
“Awesome treat for anyone who enjoys a big ol’ bowl of popcorn on the regular. Just about my only complaint is that you can’t pick the kinds that come in the box, but it depends on availability.”
Where Can I Buy this Gourmet Popping Corn?
Do you want to check out Fireworks popcorn for yourself on Amazon? Or, pick some up as a beautiful gift for that popcorn lover that you know? Click the button below to check for the best price and don’t forget to see if it’s eligible for free shipping:
#4: Bob’s Red Mill: The Best White Popcorn
- CLASSIC KERNEL: Bob's Red Mill Whole White Popcorn is the familiar standby for nutritious, whole...
- MAKE MEMORIES: Popcorn and a movie? That's fun; Pop it on the stovetop or in the air popper and make...
- DREAM BIGGER: Bring on the herbs and garlic, the smoked paprika and the parmesan; The possibilities...
- THIS IS POPCORN: Low calorie and high fiber; No chemicals or preservatives either; Just wonderful,...
- BOB'S RED MILL: Make folks a little happier; It's the idea that keeps our stone mills grinding to...
We are ALL about Bob’s Red Mill here at Kitchen Gadget Reviews. They are a company based in Oregon that has a reputation for producing and packaging some of the highest quality grains, nuts and seeds you can buy. Their white popcorn kernels are some of the best that we’ve had and we also love the very reasonable price tag that comes along with them!
Key Features
- Sold in a variety of sizes from 1 small package up to 25 pounds
- Classic popcorn variety with a white kernel
- Ideal for use in the microwave, with air poppers or on the stovetop
- No chemicals or preservatives
- Light and fluffy
Online Reviews for this Gourmet Unpopped Popcorn
—>See Some More Reviews on Amazon.com<—
“Seriously crunchy, yummy and delicious. I live in Portland so I regularly stop by their factory to pick up all the things I need and this is always on my list. My family goes through a bag in no time!”
“Like all Bob’s Red Mill, this stuff is non-GMO and it’s a top-quality product. It pops up super well, no matter what kind of popper you use and best of all, it’s straight up delicious. Would totally recommend and the price is quite reasonable too when compared to other similar products.”
Shop Now
Do you want to try some of the best white popcorn kernels you can buy? Then you’ll want to check out Bob’s Red Mill over on Amazon. Click the button below to see all the options:
#5: Wabash Valley Farms Gourmet Popcorn Kernels
- One of the smallest amd most tender kernels
- It resembles an old variety called the Japanese hulless
- Great tasting and tender
Last but not least is this top pick from Wabash Valley Farms. They make other delicious things too and have a great reputation for natural, quality foods. As far as this one goes, they make some of the best popcorn kernels around if you prefer smaller kernels of corn.
Features
- Comes in a variety of bag sizes
- Baby white variety
- Small and tender kernels
- Similar to the Japanese hulless variety
- Delicious and slightly chewier than the other options on this list
Customer Reviews
—>Check out More Reviews on Amazon<—
“Love the fact that there are no hulls on this variety. Yes! It’s amazing and makes the whole popcorn eating experience so much better. They’re quite small, but I don’t mind at all when I take the first thing I mentioned into account. This popcorn is delicious and easy to pop as well.”
“Awesome mini-popcorn kernels! They’re still really light, but they’re just not as big as some of the other ones. But, more butter per kernel, right? I love this variety and keep coming back for more when my bag runs out. I hope Wabash Valley never stops making them because that’d be a sad, sad day indeed!”
Where Can I Find these Gourmet Popcorn Kernels from Wabash Valley?
If Wabash Valley Popcorn is the right option for you, the good news is that you can easily find it online! Click the button below to see all the details right here:
#6: Country Harvest Gourmet Popcorn Kernels
- Country Harvest is proudly and exclusively grown, processed and packaged in Iowa, USA
- Classic traditional butterfly-style shape with excellent quality and flavor
- Non-GMO, Gluten free, non-trans fat, 100% whole grain; an excellent high-fiber, low-calorie snack...
- Ready to pop on your stovetop, air popper or electric popper with perfecct expansion ratio (43),...
- Packaged in airtight re-sealable FDA/USDA compliant kraft pouches with thick barrier material to...
If you’re looking for the best popcorn kernel brand, Country Harvest certainly makes a nice option. They really know what they’re doing when it comes to movie theatre style kernels but without the huge price-tag that comes along with what you but there! Read on for all the details about why you might want to consider this top option.
Important Features of this Gourmet Unpopped Popcorn
- Yellow popcorn
- Resealable bag
- 4 pounds
- Grown and packaged in Iowa
- Butterfly shaped popped corn
- Non-GMO
User Reviews
“This is the real deal if you like movie theatre style popcorn. The kernels are huge and almost 100% of them pop, every single time. Super happy with this purchase and would highly recommend it to any popcorn lover.”
“Can’t beat the value. It’s a big bag at a nice price and it makes fluffy, nutty flavoured popcorn. I’ve tried so many different brands now and honestly just keep coming back to this one. What can I say, we love movie nights at our house!”
Buy these Best Tasting Popcorn Kernels Today
Do you want to pick up some of the best popping corn available today? This gourmet option certainly makes a nice choice so head over to Amazon to find out all the details you need to know about it:
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a number of common questions that people have about this special treat. Here are the answers to some of the most popular ones.
What is a Popcorn Kernel?
Popcorn is a kind of corn that has a thick, tough shell on the kernel. After drying, you can heat them and the heart of the kernel will produce steam and cause it to pop into light fluffy popcorn that’s one of the world’s favourite snacks.
Can you Eat Popcorn Kernels?
For young children, unpopped popcorn kernels can be a choking hazard and should be avoided. For everyone else, while not entirely harmful, they can certainly damage the teeth so eat only the kernels that are popped.
Why is Popcorn Bad For You?
Popcorn alone isn’t that bad for your health. It’s relatively low in calories and has some fiber in it. However, it’s what you add to the popcorn (oil or butter and salt) that make it bad for your health.
Can Popcorn Kernels Pop in your Stomach?
It takes a tremendous amount of heat to pop popcorn kernels and your stomach certainly isn’t that high of a temperature. The other issue is the stomach fluid and acid which will hydrate the kernel, making it impossible for it to pop when inside of you.
How do you Make Healthy Popcorn?
There are a number of things you can to make healthy popcorn. Some of them include the following:
- Use an air popper (no added fat)
- Control portion sizes
- Avoid microwave popcorn
- Consider topping carefully and use things like butter sparingly
Is Popcorn Bad for your Colon?
According to the Mayo Clinic, there’s no evidence that popcorn is bad for your colon. In the past, people with small pouches in the colon lining were told to avoid nuts, seeds and popcorn because it was though that these things could cause inflammation. However, there’s no evidence of this happening.
What is Popcorn Made Out Of?
Popcorn is one of 6 types or corn and it originates from wild grass. It’s the only one that pops when heated. The scientific name is Zea mays everta. It consists of the endosperm, germ and pericarp.
Why Does Popcorn Leave Unpopped Kernels?
When a popcorn kernel heats up, steam forms inside it, and puts pressure on the kernel until it eventually explodes. According to one study by a Purdue University food scientist, it was found that popcorn which had a lower moisture content left more unpopped kernerls.
Can you Flavour Popcorn Before Popping?
With popcorn, you can always add flavour after popping. With certain kinds of popping methods like on the stovetop or in a movie theatre, it’s possible to add flavour before popping as well.
Is All Popcorn Gluten Free?
Because popcorn is made from corn, most popcorn is gluten-free and is recommended a good option for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. However, be sure to check the label carefully, particularly if you’re buying microwave popcorn, or popcorn that’s already been popped and has flavours added.
Is Popcorn Healthier than Chips?
A handful of popcorn is far healthier than a handful of chips and may leave you with the same feeling of fullness. However, be sure to consider toppings carefully and limit the amount of butter or oil with your popcorn.
Have your Say about the Best Popcorn Kernels
Do you have any top picks for gourmet popcorn kernels? Have you tried one of the options from this list, or do you have another brand that you’d like to recommend? Leave a comment below and let us know. We’d love to hear from you.
Also be sure to give this article a share on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. It’ll help other popcorn enthusiasts, like yourself find this useful resource.
Gourmet Popping Corn
Last update on 2021-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
