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Good Housekeeping’s Nutrition Lab evaluated microwave popcorn brands through ingredient and nutrition reviews, repeated popping tests and staff and consumer tastings. Its six picks include Smash Kitchen, 365 by Whole Foods Market, Orville Redenbacher’s, Newman’s Own, Black Jewell and Skinnygirl, each noted for different qualities.
Good Housekeeping has named six microwave popcorn brands as standouts after testing flavor, texture, popping performance, ingredients and nutrition. Its picks—Smash Kitchen, 365 by Whole Foods Market, Orville Redenbacher’s, Newman’s Own, Black Jewell and Skinnygirl—offer different options, from plain kernels to lime-seasoned mini bags.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab reviewed ingredient lists and nutrition facts, then popped three bags of each brand to check consistency. Staffers and consumer taste testers rated flavor, aroma, crunch, texture and mouthfeel. The report says the team also counted unpopped and burnt kernels. Its screening priorities included short ingredient lists, less than 50 milligrams of sodium and less than 2 grams of fat per one-cup popped serving.
Smash Kitchen received praise for crisp, substantial kernels and a buttery-like taste from a short list of ingredients: popcorn, palm oil and sea salt. Good Housekeeping reports that it has 35 milligrams of sodium per popped cup. The plain 365 by Whole Foods Market option contains popcorn kernels only; testers liked its light, crisp texture and generous yield. The report also tried flavored 365 varieties, describing Buttery as more indulgent than Light Buttery, with additional calories and fat.
Other recommendations include Orville Redenbacher’s, which testers described as mildly salty with a lasting flavor, and Newman’s Own, praised for light seasoning, crunch and a sturdy bag. The report says Newman’s Own gives 100% of its profits to charity. Black Jewell’s heritage black corn was noted for small kernels and crunch; the report says its popcorn is grown on local family farms and packaged in unbleached, chemical-free bags. Skinnygirl’s smaller bags stood out for a crunchy lime flavor and single-portion size, though the report notes its sodium is somewhat higher per serving than the other picks.
How the Picks Fit Different Snackers
The list gives shoppers a comparison that goes beyond flavor, highlighting portion size, texture, ingredients and nutrition. People looking for plain popcorn can choose kernels with no added ingredients, while those who want a stronger flavor have options such as Black Jewell’s buttery-tasting black corn or Skinnygirl’s lime-seasoned mini bags.
The nutrition comparisons also offer a practical point of reference, but the report’s targets are not a guarantee that every choice suits every diet. Sodium and fat add up across servings, and a person’s actual intake depends on how much popcorn they eat and any toppings they add. Checking serving sizes and the package nutrition label remains relevant, particularly for flavored varieties.
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How Good Housekeeping Tested Popcorn
The recommendations come from a comparative taste test, not a claim that one brand is best for every shopper. Good Housekeeping says its registered dietitians evaluate food and snack products throughout the year. For this test, its team considered ingredient lists and nutrition information alongside cooking results and consumer preferences.
The report’s shopping guidance is to compare ingredients, sodium, fat and bag size. It suggests looking for less than 50 milligrams of sodium per cup of popped popcorn and comparing total and saturated fat. The source says microwave popcorn commonly takes about two to four minutes, but cooking time varies; the provided material cuts off before giving a complete timing recommendation.
““It’s got the perfect amount of flavor, and I just love how it’s crispy but also really melts in your mouth.””
— Good Housekeeping taste tester, quoted in the report on Smash Kitchen
What the Published Test Leaves Open
The source material does not provide a publication date, complete product list, sample sizes or full numerical scores for the brands. It also does not report the precise cooking instructions used for each bag, or publish detailed counts of unpopped and burnt kernels. The rankings therefore cannot be independently reconstructed from the information supplied.
Nutrition figures vary by product and serving definition. The report gives Smash Kitchen’s sodium per popped cup and describes Skinnygirl’s sodium comparatively, but the supplied text does not list exact nutrition values for every pick. Package labels may differ by flavor or product version, and the report’s taste-test findings are not a guarantee that every consumer will prefer the same popcorn.
Check Labels Before Choosing
Shoppers can compare the named products using the criteria in the report: ingredients, sodium, fat and servings per bag. They can also consider whether they want plain kernels, a buttery profile, a distinctive flavor or a smaller portion. The provided source does not announce a follow-up test or a next publication date.
For cooking, follow the specific package directions and stay nearby as the bag pops; microwave times vary by appliance and product. Stop when popping slows rather than relying on a fixed time alone, and use care when opening the hot bag because escaping steam can burn.
Key Questions
Which six brands did Good Housekeeping recommend?
The six picks were Smash Kitchen, 365 by Whole Foods Market, Orville Redenbacher’s, Newman’s Own, Black Jewell and Skinnygirl.
How did Good Housekeeping test the popcorn?
The Nutrition Lab reviewed ingredients and nutrition facts and popped three bags of each brand. Staffers and consumer testers assessed flavor, aroma, crunch, texture and mouthfeel, while the team counted unpopped and burnt kernels.
Which pick has the simplest ingredient list?
The report says the plain 365 by Whole Foods Market option contains only popcorn kernels. Smash Kitchen was also praised for a short list: popcorn, palm oil and sea salt.
Which pick comes in smaller bags?
Skinnygirl was recommended for its smaller bags, which testers considered a convenient portion for someone who does not want a full-size bag. The report also notes its sodium is somewhat higher per serving than the other picks.
What should shoppers compare on popcorn labels?
Good Housekeeping advises checking ingredients, sodium, total and saturated fat, bag size and servings. Its test prioritized less than 50 milligrams of sodium and less than 2 grams of fat per cup of popped popcorn.
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