Ever wonder why some popcorn is light and fluffy, while others are tough and chewy? The secret isn’t just in the butter! It’s in the kernels. Choosing the right popcorn kernels can be tricky. You might find yourself staring at rows of bags, unsure which to pick. Do you want the classic butterfly shape or a more round mushroom shape? Which brand pops up the best? And will it taste good?
Picking the best popcorn kernels shouldn’t be a guessing game. It’s frustrating when your popcorn is disappointing. You want a perfect bowl, every time! That’s why we’re diving into the world of popcorn kernels. We’ll explore what makes a great kernel and how to choose the best one for your needs.
In this post, we’ll share the results of America’s Test Kitchen’s popcorn kernel tests. You’ll discover the top-rated brands and learn which kernels pop best. We’ll also talk about why different types of popcorn exist. Get ready to say goodbye to sad, soggy popcorn and hello to the perfect movie night snack! Let’s get popping!
Our Top 5 Popcorn Kernels America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Premium America Popcorn Kit | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
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Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Case of 12 Popcorn Packs – All-In-One Kit with 6-Ounces of Pre-Measured Kernels | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Preferred Popcorn Non-GMO Popcorn | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Popcorn Kernels America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. Premium America Popcorn Kit
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready for a movie night upgrade with the Premium America Popcorn Kit! This kit is a popcorn lover’s dream. It comes with everything you need to make delicious, movie theater-style popcorn at home. This all-in-one kit includes perfectly measured kernels, oil, and seasoning. You can say goodbye to boring snacks and hello to a perfect batch of crispy, golden popcorn in just minutes. It’s the ideal snack for any occasion, and it also makes a great gift!
What We Like:
- It’s an all-in-one kit. You get everything you need.
- The popcorn tastes like movie theater popcorn.
- The packets are pre-measured. It’s super easy to use.
- It’s a great gift idea for friends and family.
- The kit uses high-quality kernels, oil, and seasoning.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some people might prefer different seasoning options.
- It only works for 4 oz popcorn poppers.
Overall, the Premium America Popcorn Kit is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, tasty popcorn at home. It’s a simple and fun way to make your movie nights even better!
2. Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready for movie night with Orville Redenbacher’s Original Gourmet Popping Corn Kernels! This 8 lb. jug is packed with delicious, high-quality kernels. They pop up into light and fluffy popcorn. The popcorn is made from 100% natural, gourmet kernels. It is also gluten-free and Non-GMO Project Verified. You can make a tasty snack for any occasion. Get ready to enjoy a classic snack!
What We Like:
- This popcorn is easy to make.
- The kernels pop up fluffy and light.
- It is made with natural ingredients.
- The popcorn is gluten-free and Non-GMO.
- You can add different toppings to make it even better.
- It is perfect for game nights, movie nights, or anytime you want a snack.
What Could Be Improved:
- An 8 lb. jug may be too much for some people.
Overall, Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn is a fantastic choice for popcorn lovers. It’s a classic snack that everyone can enjoy.
3. Case of 12 Popcorn Packs – All-In-One Kit with 6-Ounces of Pre-Measured Kernels
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready for movie night with the Case of 12 Popcorn Packs from Great Northern Popcorn! These convenient all-in-one kits make delicious popcorn easy. Each pack has everything you need: pre-measured kernels, oil, butter, and salt. You’ll make perfect popcorn every time with no measuring needed. These packs are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in. They fit easily in your popcorn machine and make about six quarts of popcorn.
What We Like:
- Each kit is pre-measured, so there’s no mess.
- The kits have all the ingredients: kernels, oil, butter, and salt.
- You can make about six quarts of popcorn per pack.
- They are made for 6oz popcorn machines.
- The popcorn is movie theater quality.
- No measuring cups needed.
- Diacetyl and Gluten Free.
What Could Be Improved:
- Only suitable for 6oz popcorn machines.
Overall, these popcorn kits are a simple and tasty solution for any popcorn lover. They are perfect for anyone who wants great popcorn without the hassle!
4. Preferred Popcorn Non-GMO Popcorn
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready for movie night with Preferred Popcorn Non-GMO Popcorn! This pack comes with four big 28-ounce bags of popcorn kernels. These kernels are grown in the USA by popcorn experts. They pop into big, fluffy pieces. Each bag makes a lot of popcorn. You can make up to 150 cups of popcorn from one bag! This is a healthy snack. It has fewer calories than you think and lots of good stuff like iron and fiber.
What We Like:
- The popcorn pops into huge, delicious flakes.
- It is Non-GMO, so it is better for you.
- You get a lot of popcorn for your money. Each cup costs very little!
- It is a healthy snack with fiber and iron.
- These kernels were made for movie theaters, so you know they are good.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need a way to pop the popcorn, like a machine or pot.
Overall, Preferred Popcorn is a great choice for popcorn lovers. It’s a tasty and healthy snack for your family to enjoy. You will love the big, fluffy popcorn!
5. Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready for movie night with Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels! This 30 oz. bag is full of delicious, unpopped white corn kernels. You can use these kernels to make tasty popcorn at home. They are perfect for a quick and easy snack. This popcorn is made with the original recipe, and it’s a classic for a reason. The kernels pop up light and fluffy. You’ll love the taste and how simple it is to make.
What We Like:
- The kernels are easy to pop.
- They make light and fluffy popcorn.
- The popcorn is made with whole grain.
- It’s a non-GMO snack.
- It’s a good gluten-free option.
- You can use it with a hot air popper or stovetop.
- This popcorn is made with kernels from family farms.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may prefer a different flavor profile.
Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn is a great choice for a quick and tasty snack. This popcorn is a good option for anyone who wants a delicious treat.
Popcorn Kernels: America’s Test Kitchen – Your Guide to Deliciousness!
Are you ready for movie night, a snack, or a party? Then you need great popcorn! America’s Test Kitchen has made popcorn kernels. This guide will help you decide if these kernels are right for you.
Key Features to Look For
When buying popcorn, you want kernels that will pop well. Here’s what to look for:
- High Popcorn Yield: You want a lot of popcorn from a small amount of kernels. Look for kernels known for popping a high percentage.
- Good Flavor: The popcorn should taste good! Look for kernels that are known for a good, natural flavor.
- Minimal Unpopped Kernels (Old Maids): Nobody likes biting into a hard kernel. Good kernels pop almost completely.
Important Materials
Popcorn is simple! It’s just a type of corn. Here’s what to keep in mind about the materials:
- Corn Type: America’s Test Kitchen kernels are likely a specific type of corn. This type is chosen for its popping ability and taste. The type of corn matters.
- Packaging: The packaging keeps the kernels fresh. Make sure it’s sealed well.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all popcorn is the same. Here’s what makes some popcorn better than others:
- Freshness: Fresh kernels pop better. Old kernels lose their moisture and won’t pop as well. Check the “best by” date.
- Storage: Store your kernels in a cool, dry place. This helps them stay fresh longer.
- Kernel Size: Bigger kernels sometimes make bigger popcorn. However, it’s more about the type of corn.
- The Popcorn Maker: Your popcorn maker makes a difference. Use a good quality popcorn maker or stovetop pot.
- Heating Method: The right heat matters. Too much heat can burn the popcorn. Not enough heat won’t pop the kernels.
User Experience and Use Cases
What will it be like to use these kernels?
- Easy to Use: Popcorn kernels are easy to use. You put them in a popcorn maker or pot with oil.
- Versatile: You can make popcorn on the stovetop, in a microwave, or in a popcorn machine.
- Great for Snacks: Popcorn is a healthy snack. You can add butter, salt, or other toppings.
- Perfect for Movies: Popcorn is a classic movie snack. It is easy to share!
- Party Food: Popcorn is great for parties. Make a big bowl and let everyone enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about popcorn kernels:
Q: What makes America’s Test Kitchen popcorn kernels special?
A: America’s Test Kitchen likely selected these kernels for their quality and taste. They want to give you the best popcorn experience!
Q: How do I store popcorn kernels?
A: Store them in a cool, dry place. A pantry or cupboard is a good choice.
Q: How long do popcorn kernels last?
A: They can last a long time. Check the “best by” date on the package.
Q: Can I use any type of oil to pop popcorn?
A: Yes, most oils work! Popular choices include canola oil, coconut oil, and olive oil. Experiment to find your favorite taste.
Q: How much popcorn will one bag of kernels make?
A: This depends on the size of the bag. Read the package for the yield information.
Q: What if my popcorn doesn’t pop well?
A: Make sure your kernels are fresh. Also, check your heating method. Adjust the heat if needed.
Q: Can I add seasonings before popping the kernels?
A: It’s best to add seasonings after popping. This helps the seasonings stick better.
Q: What are some good topping ideas for popcorn?
A: Butter, salt, nutritional yeast, caramel, and chocolate are all great options.
Q: Is popcorn a healthy snack?
A: Yes! Popcorn is a whole grain and can be a healthy snack. However, be careful about how much butter and salt you add.
Q: Where can I buy America’s Test Kitchen popcorn kernels?
A: You can usually find these kernels at your local grocery store or online.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.