Is popcorn bad for you? If it’s the kind that comes in the microwavable bag, then it is definitely not good for you. Find out 5 reasons why you should avoid microwave popcorn for your health.
Most people enjoy a nice bowl of popcorn when sitting down for a movie, but if you really know what’s in microwave or movie theater popcorn, you might think twice about eating it. Don’t worry though, there are healthier ways to enjoy popcorn!
5 Reasons Why Microwave Popcorn is Bad for You:
1. GMOs
Contrary to popular belief, the actual popcorn is not a GMO. It is a different strain of corn that has not been genetically modified. However, the ingredients included in the microwavable bag of popcorn is often GMO-derived. Most brands of microwave popcorn contain corn oil, soy oil, or soy lecithin, all common GMO ingredients.
2. Toxic Artificial Butter Flavoring (Diacetyl)
Most popcorn brands use artificial butter flavoring in their microwave popcorn. This chemical is called diacetyl and has caused respiratory and lung problems and may even cause damage to the brain (source).
3. Popcorn Lung (bronchiolitis obliterans)
The lung problems associated with the artificial butter flavoring (diacetyl) has afflicted enough people to even garner it’s own disease name– it’s called “popcorn lung” or bronchiolitis obliterans.
Unfortunately, this disease is irreversible and can cause lung inflammation, scarring and even restricted airflow resulting in breathing trouble. In extreme cases it can become life-threatening.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, at least 8 factory workers in Missouri, who worked in popcorn factories developed “popcorn lung” (Source). Reports of popcorn lung from additional factories were revealed later.
But, factory workers are not the only ones at risk for bronchiolitis obliterans. When a bag of microwave popcorn is heated, this causes the chemical diacetyl to vaporize, thus allowing consumers to breath in the chemical.
In 2012, Wayne Watson won a lawsuit against 3 microwave popcorn companies for damages caused by bronchiolitis obliterans contracted from consuming microwave popcorn.
4. Perfluorooctanoic Acid in The Bag
One of the worst things about microwave popcorn is the chemicals in the bag that it comes in.
Perfluorooctanoic Acid is a known carcinogen and has been shown to cause developmental and other adverse effects in lab rats (source).
5. Preservatives
Many brands of microwave popcorn use preservatives that are toxic and can cause health problems.
For example, some brands contain proply gallate, a preservative that has caused tumors in lab rats. Because of the adverse effects of proply gallate, it is being phased out of food products in many other countries, unfortunately though, the US has yet to come around on this one (source 1, source 2).
So what should you do it you still want to enjoy some popcorn?
Make your own!
Fortunately, the issue with microwave popcorn is not the actual popcorn! The issue is mostly with the added chemicals and preservatives in the microwave bag.
It’s easy to make your own stovetop popcorn with all-natural ingredients! You can use a stainless steel popcorn popper like this one or even just a regular pot with a lid. Then put in 1-2 tbsp coconut oil or avocado oil and organic popcorn according to the package directions.
Once it’s done popping, drizzle it with real grassfed butter or ghee (have I mentioned that butter is good for you?) and sprinkle it with sea salt for savory or coconut sugar and cinnamon for sweet! Then you have healthier homemade popcorn to enjoy!
This article was originally posted in December of 2013, but has been republished in February of 2019 to include updated sources and images.
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Ludicrous Mama says
December 5, 2013 at 12:34 amDon’t forget the artificial colors! Many have FD&C dyes to make them look more “buttery.” These dyes have been linked to organ failure, damage to stomach lining, and neurological effects in kids (hyperactivity, insomnia, night terrors, screaming fits, and ADD-type behaviors.)
Jim says
February 5, 2019 at 2:09 pmWater has been linked to all of the same illnesses, so guess I’m going dry as well! Ridiculous!
Irene says
March 5, 2019 at 5:10 pmThanks for the heads-up on that Jim! Can you offer some links to research findings please
Tonya says
December 6, 2013 at 10:16 pmWhat kind of oil should you pop popcorn in?
Healy Real Food Vegetarian says
December 6, 2013 at 11:33 pmCoconut oil is a great choice.
Donna says
December 14, 2013 at 11:58 amGet a Presto Poplite Hot Air Popper. It doesn’t use oil!
heidi says
December 14, 2013 at 6:24 pmUse virgin cold pressed coconut oil. Oooh gives a good flavor but not coconutty. But good. {Orgainc only}
Michael says
December 14, 2013 at 7:41 pmI use Coconut oil cold pressed makes popcorn taste very good. I even pop my own and take it into the movies with me because the theater I go to uses Canola oil to pop there’s in and most all canola oil is GMO.
Carrie says
January 18, 2014 at 5:18 pmI pop mine in bacon fat & butter. No extra butter or salt needed.
Happyandsimple says
December 7, 2013 at 7:09 amMicrowaving popcorn doesn’t have to be totally out – I have a glass popper (use your own corn and butter gets placed on a silicone lid with holes), designed for the microwave!
Healy Real Food Vegetarian says
December 7, 2013 at 8:27 amMicrowaves emit radiation and reduce the nutrient content in the food that you cook, so in my opinion, it’s best to use the stove for making popcorn.
Roxanne Rieske says
December 11, 2013 at 9:47 amThere is NO scientific evidence that microwaves are unsafe to use for food. Modern microwaves (made within the last 10 years) are especially efficient at cooking and reheating food and actually PRESERVE more nutrients in food than other methods of cooking. Modern microwaves do not produce radiation, and they do no irradiate food in any way. Facts people; let’s stick with them. I’d be more concerned with the containers you are using to cook/reheat food in the microwave rather than the microwave itself. I only use microwave safe glass and ceramic containers. ALL cooking methods destroy nutrients. What makes the difference is the cooking time and the efficiency of the energy being used. It’s simple physics.
Healy Real Food Vegetarian says
December 11, 2013 at 11:56 amMicrowaves do emit radiation. Anything producing electromagnetic waves emit radiation….cell phones, radio towers, antennas, etc. Even the FDA says so, which is why they recommend that you don’t stand near the microwave when you’re using it: http://www.fda.gov/radiation-emittingproducts/resourcesforyouradiationemittingproducts/ucm252762.htm
There is not much research on the safety of food cooked in microwaves, but it is fact the microwaves produce a small amount of electromagnetic radiation, which is why I’d rather not use it if it’s not necessary. It’s very easy for me to cook all types of foods without a microwave.
Roxanne Rieske says
December 11, 2013 at 1:17 pmSorry, I should clarify. The type of microwave produced by microwave ovens does produce a very small amount of radiation. HOWEVER, modern production methods for microwaves keeps the radiation contained to the point that actual emittance of radiation by microwave ovens is pretty much zilch. The risk of radiation exposure by microwaves is so low that it’s not a health concern that anyone needs to worry about. Also, certain consumer groups recommend not using microwaves manufactured before 2000, and replacing your microwave every 10 years or when it first shows signs of wear (like door hinges not operating correctly). It is not correct at all to say that microwaves are unsafe to use.
Roxanne Rieske says
December 11, 2013 at 1:27 pmAlso, the FDA does not say not to stand near a microwave while it is running. It says not to LEAN against it for long periods of time while it’s running. And honestly, who would do that? 🙂
It’s a personal choice to use a microwave or not, but don’t make false claims about their use. They are perfectly fine to use if they are in good working order. I use my microwave a lot, and it’s a blessing when I’ve got all of 10 minutes to cook a meal or reheat leftovers. It’s great for steaming veggies and fish, which I do often. With my intense work schedule, I would not be able to eat as much fresh, whole food that I do now without my microwave! And steamed veggies always turn out better for me in the microwave than they do on the stove.
Claude Armstrong says
February 12, 2019 at 7:54 amIf only people will stick to honest information! No kitchen microwave is capable of altering the atomic structure of foods. Therefore kitchen microwave energy is the same energy that radiates from burning wood, oil, resistance electric heat elements, induction elements – any of the domestic ways to heat.
Please, unfounded hype about tools we use leads to harmful ends. Research the factors of technology from the underlying physics. This eliminates wild speculation used as scare scams to profit from less than well-informed people.
Hannah Healy says
February 26, 2019 at 3:14 pmClaude, it seems as though you may not have read the article. As I stated, the reason why microwave popcorn is bad for you has nothing to do with the actual microwave itself, it’s the additives that come in the prepackaged microwave popcorn bag…it’s all listed in the article. If you make your own popcorn from kernels (not the popcorn that comes pre-packed in microwavable bags) you’ll be fine!
Kathy says
December 14, 2013 at 12:57 pmI recommend reading this excellent argument, why it is time to throw out your microwave .Buy a convection oven if you need quick heating of food. Why would you want to take the risk of harming your family or diminishing the quality of the food you serve.
http://foodbabe.com/2012/07/30/why-its-time-to-throw-out-your-microwave/?sb
Claude Armstrong says
February 12, 2019 at 8:00 amSorry. Food babe has very little solid credibility behind numerous claims. I have her book, went over her site and checked her detractors. Her lack of solid foundation gives her a mediocre “C” rating.
No kitchen microwave can induce enough power in anything to alter atomic change. Everything stays just what it is, with added heat.
maureen says
December 15, 2013 at 4:41 ampop regular popcorn in a brown lunchbag in the microwave. eat plain or add a little salt.
quick , inexpensive and much healthier
Suzanne Singer says
February 18, 2014 at 9:32 pmThis is what we do! So easy, delicious and better for you!
nathalie says
December 21, 2013 at 7:56 pmI prefer stove top popcorn, but I am wondering there is an oil other than coconut oil to pop in. I have never tried coconut oil for fear my popcorn will end up sweet coconut flavored. I guess I will have to buck up and try it, but just in case, any other suggestions?
April says
December 29, 2013 at 4:23 pmGhee works great too
Ellen says
January 18, 2014 at 10:04 amTry expelled pressed coconut oil. No flavor, still healthy! 🙂
Ellen says
January 18, 2014 at 10:06 amI meant Expellor Pressed. 🙂
Spencer says
December 30, 2013 at 2:45 pmMicrowaves almost never leak radiation. In order to leak you must have a gap where the wave can get through. A microwave is radio energy the higher the frequency the shorter the wavelength. You might notice the viewing glass has a shield with holes in it. The holes let you see through but are not large enough to allow the radio wave to pass through. Now you do have what is called harmonics. For instance a 2 Gig wave will have a harmonic at 4 gig, 8 Gig etc. However the harmonic is at such a reduced power compared to the original it poses no threat. Microwave cooking actually reduces nutritional loss because your applying heat for a shorter period of time. This is the same reason microwaves should never be used for home canning. Due to the shorter exposure time to heat the bacteria doesn’t get killed off.
Wendi says
January 18, 2014 at 8:42 amWould you say all of these toxins are in theatre popcorn, as well?
Healy Real Food Vegetarian says
January 18, 2014 at 9:12 amTheater popcorn is definitely loaded with toxins. It may not have any of the chemicals that are in the microwave bag, but the oil that they cook it in and the artificial butter that goes on top definitely has GMOs and unhealthy inflammatory vegetable and canola oils.
Wendi says
January 18, 2014 at 9:36 amI thought so – thank you!
James says
January 29, 2014 at 3:29 pmOur grocery store sells a store-brand microwave popcorn that is certified organic- and not just the corn.
linda spiker says
January 30, 2014 at 5:59 pmThis is a great post. Thanks. Sharing:)
Ann says
January 31, 2014 at 8:38 amIts absolutely unnecessary to go out and purchase that silly popcorn popper. Any medium to heavy bottomed large pot will do. Preheat on high with about 3 tablespoons of coconut oil (a very beneficial oil that will make your popcorn yummy), add about 3 tablespoons of kernels, cover, and shake back and forth on the burner until almost all the popping noise stops. Viola! Best and healthiest popcorn you’ll eat!
Beth says
February 15, 2014 at 2:19 pmYou can use a plain brown paper lunch sack, put 1/4 C popcorn kernals, fold over the top, microwave until the popping slows down. Add real butter or any additional flavoring like nutritional yeast, in the bowl AFTER the corn is has popped. I used to do this a lot. I no longer eat corn, because I believe the chances of getting pure Non-GMO corn in the US these days is very low due to cross contamination issues.
Tom says
February 16, 2014 at 4:51 pmWhat about all natural microwave popcorn?