Popcorn is a snacking marvel. It is little until you microwave it for 2-3 minutes, at which point it increases to 40 times its original size.

Butter and salt are used in the classic popcorn preparation. However, you may always experiment and replace the butter with something different, such as coconut oil, nut butter, avocado, olive oil, and many more.

Healthiest Popcorn Butter Alternatives

• Olive oil
• Avocado oil
• Coconut oil
• Sesame oil
• Ghee
• Grapeseed oil
• Canola oil
• Sunflower oil

1. Replace Butter with Olive oil

Let’s begin with olive oil, the healthiest and most delicious alternative to butter. There are numerous types of olive oil, each with a unique flavor profile for popcorn; choose one with a mild flavor.

Warm 2 or 3 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cover the pot with a lid and heat until the popcorn pops. Transfer the popcorn to a new container and top with extra olive oil and salt.

2. Use Avocado Oil Instead of Butter in Popcorn

Avocado oil is well-known for its deep, nutty flavor. Because it is lighter and more buttery than most other oils, it is an ideal option for making popcorn.

It’s also significantly more nutritious than butter. Although butter is tasty, excessive intake may be harmful to your health. If you consume popcorn on a regular basis, switching to avocado oil is preferable.

Use modest quantities of avocado oil to keep the popcorn from getting excessively greasy. A little of this tasty and healthful oil goes a long way. 2 tbsp will cover 1 cup of popcorn.

3. Use Coconut oil

Coconut oil is high in healthy fats and enhances the flavor of popcorn.

Despite the fact that it may not be the first choice that comes to mind, these two are a fantastic combination. The delicate coconut flavor pairs well with salt.

Pour the melted coconut oil over the popcorn kernels. Begin popping after completely coating. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, or any additional flavor you choose after it has been removed from the heat.

Do you want to purchase coconut oil? Find out where to get coconut oil at the grocery store.

4. Use Sesame oil Instead of Butter

If you’re seeking for a tasty and nutritious alternative to butter, sesame oil is the way to go.

Popcorn brings out the nutty taste of sesame oil, and since this oil has a high smoke point, your popcorn will not burn as soon. Sesame oil is also healthier than butter owing to its high vitamin and mineral content.

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons sesame oil on top of your fluffy snack once it’s been popped. To take your snack to the next level, season the popcorn and then top with parmesan cheese.

5. Use Ghee as Butter Alternative in Popcorn

Ghee is clarified butter that is used in Indian cooking. It keeps the popcorn from burning and gives it a buttery flavor.

In a large saucepan, heat one tablespoon of ghee. Then, pour in a cup of popcorn kernels and cover with a lid. Shake the pot occasionally to prevent the grains from burning. Remove the pot from the heat after the grains have finished popping and season with salt.

Can’t locate ghee in the supermarket? Look for Ghee under the baking section.

6. Grapeseed oil

Grapeseed oil is a kind of vegetable oil derived from grape seeds. Because of its high smoke point and mild taste, it is an excellent butter alternative for popcorn.

Grapeseed oil has a bland, somewhat nutty flavor. It goes nicely with a variety of spices, including paprika and chili flakes.

A cup of kernels will need 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil to pop. Once completely popped, sprinkle some more on top to add taste and texture.

7. Canola oil

Canola oil is the least expensive substitute for butter in popcorn. It has a mild taste that does not overpower the popcorn and is an excellent source of heart-healthy unsaturated fats.

Warm a large pot or kettle in canola oil over medium-high heat. Close the top and add the kernels until they pop. Shake the skillet often to keep the kernels from burning. Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tasty Popcorn Combination Ideas

Now that you’ve learned about the finest butter substitutes for making tasty popcorn, it’s time to meet some popular toppings you may not have tried before.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon popcorn may be the best snack in the world. Cinnamon has a sweet and woody flavor that pairs well with the nutty flavor of popcorn.

To make this topping, combine half a spoonful of sugar and one tablespoon of cinnamon. Set aside while heating the vegetable oil in a small pan over medium heat. Pour the mixture in just as the kernels begin to pop.

Cocoa powder

Do you like to eat chocolate popcorn? Then prepare your cocoa powder! Cocoa powder, the finest form of chocolate, imparts a deep chocolate taste to the popcorn.

2 tablespoons sugar and 1 tablespoon cocoa powder are required. After the popcorn has finished popping, sprinkle the sweet mix on top and shake to distribute evenly.

Chili powder

Do you prefer your popcorn hot and spicy? Chili powder is your seasoning. If you want salty popcorn but don’t want to add salt, garlic powder is a perfect complement to chili.

There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to dose. The best method is to gently add it, taste it, and go from there. Keep in mind that chile and garlic powder are potent spices, so use caution if you don’t want overseasoned popcorn.

Nut Butter

Nut butter has more fat than conventional butter and is higher in protein and key minerals.

Not sure which nut butter to choose? Choose a nut butter that is smooth and creamy, such as unsweetened almond or peanut butter.

When your popcorn is finished and ready to serve, melt about 3 tablespoons of nut butter over medium heat. When the butter has melted, pour it over the popcorn and swirl to coat evenly. To make it genuinely unique, garnish the snack with chocolate flakes or sliced fruit.

Garlic powder

To produce a tasty coating, combine garlic powder and vegetable oil. Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a small saucepan over low heat and stir in the garlic powder.

You may alternatively reheat the oil in the microwave for approximately ten seconds after whisking in the garlic powder.

If you don’t have powdered garlic, granulated garlic should suffice.

Once again, the amount of garlic you use is entirely up to you. A teaspoon of garlic provides a lovely flavor, but a tablespoon may be too much unless you adore garlic.

Curry Powder

Curry powder is a great addition to your late-night movie snack.

4 tsp kosher salt.2 teaspoon curry powder, and 3 teaspoonsBut how do you include it in your snack? Easy. In a large pan over medium heat, heat 4 tbsp vegetable oil, then add 5 tsp sugar, 1

Remove from heat after 30 seconds of stirring. Sprinkle on the popcorn and taste it. Add extra if they’re lacking in flavor.

Trail mix

Trail mix is the ideal popcorn companion, whether you’re getting ready for a movie night or need a fast energy boost.

Granola, almonds, raisins, and even candies are all acceptable snacks. Sprinkle some trail mix on top of your popcorn for more flavor and crunch.

The extra nutrients in the nuts and dried fruit will boost your energy levels. Drizzle honey on top to add sweetness to your popcorn.

Citrus Juice & Lemon Zest

You might also try a lemon garnish. The delicate sweetness and zing of citrus complement the salty flavor of popcorn nicely.

While we’re on the subject of sweetness and zing, here’s another zesty alternative for popcorn lemon zest. These two ingredients will give your popcorn a zesty flavor.

All you have to do is squeeze your favorite citrus fruit, whether it’s lemon, orange, or grapefruit. Sprinkle 3-4 teaspoons of lemon zest over the popcorn and toss to combine.

Conclusion

Corn kernels have an exterior shell that is as hard as grit; no amount of force or pressure can alter them into something better; but, a mild flame will transform them into the ultimate snack food: popcorn.

The traditional recipe calls for butter and salt, but why not try something new? To create popcorn, you may use a variety of oils, ranging from coconut and olive oil to grapeseed and avocado oil.

Don’t forget the toppings; they make the snack much more delectable. Trail mix, cocoa powder, nut butter, and cinnamon, for example, make popcorn sweet and delightful. Chili powder popcorn will be hot and spicy.

Curry and garlic have powerful tastes that are great for fans of salty and spicy popcorn. If you like sour tastes, you might try a tangy experiment using lemon zest and citrus liquids.