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Is Microwave Popcorn Bad for You?

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

The introduction of microwave popcorn during the 1980s seemed like a natural progression after the success of stovetop popcorn and air-popped popcorn. A consumer would place a folded bag containing oil, flavoring and popcorn kernels into a microwave oven for a few minutes. The results could be variable, from a half-popped bag to a smoking bag of carbon, but in general, microwave popcorn was similar to other forms of popcorn, and done in much less time.

Questions over the safety of microwave popcorn began to arise when a number of popcorn factory workers started reported severe respiratory problems while working with the chemicals used to process the popcorn. Specifically, a chemical known as diacetyl was the suspected irritant. Diacetyl is used to create a buttery flavor in various seasonings and processed foods, including the artificial butter flavor used for microwave popcorn. Small amounts of diacetyl are not considered toxic, but when heated on a factory scale the fumes can trigger a respiratory condition known as popcorn lung.

Salt, which is often used to top popcorn.
Salt, which is often used to top popcorn.

When word of the popcorn workers' exposure to diacetyl became public, many health professionals became concerned over the safety of microwave popcorn at the consumer level. The FDA and other agencies determined that the amount of diacetyl contained in an average bag did not reach toxic levels, although critics questioned the validity of these findings after discovering little to no testing had actually been conducted on a consumer level. Virtually all reported cases of popcorn lung occurred in popcorn factory workers, but one consumer who ate two bags of popcorn every day and habitually smelled the fumes did contract a milder form of the disease.

Breathing in the fumes when opening a bag of microwaved popcorn can expose lungs to diacetyl.
Breathing in the fumes when opening a bag of microwaved popcorn can expose lungs to diacetyl.

If there is any danger at all associated with microwave popcorn, it is most present when the bag is first opened and heated fumes escape. Breathing in these fumes will expose the consumer to the highest level of diacetyl possible at the consumer level. This may cause damage to the smallest air passages in the consumer's lungs or trigger a pre-existing asthma attack. Young children and those with compromised lung capacity may also have an adverse reaction after breathing in the first fumes of a hot bag of microwave popcorn.

The steam from opening a bag of microwave popcorn can cause burns.
The steam from opening a bag of microwave popcorn can cause burns.

Other ingredients contained in microwave popcorn are not considered toxic, although some health experts would warn against consuming high levels of sodium or partially hydrogenated oils. It generally uses healthier oils that certain movie-style popcorn served in theaters or concession stands. Avoiding the addition of artificial butter or extra salt is always a good idea for a healthier snack.

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular DelightedCooking contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular DelightedCooking contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon924144

Whole Foods Market carries microwave popcorn without diacetyl!

anon169076

Pop Weaver is the only brand that does not have diacetyl in it! Enjoy!

oasis11

Latte31-The microwave popcorn and diacetyl does make me be more careful when I open the bag. I open it slightly and leave it in microwave with the door closed to vent.

Sometimes I will open my kitchen window and place a bag on the window sill and let the air vent outside that way. I know that the regular popcorn that is not microwaveable is healthier but I am used to the taste of my microwave popcorn flavors and I prefer the microwave popcorn kernals to the regular popcorn kernels.

They are usually fuller.

latte31

I love microwave popcorn brands but my favorite is Orville microwave popcorn. I like the Kettle corn flavor the best. It has a nice salty and sweet taste to it that it wonderful.

They also make flavored microwave popcorn but I found that their cheddar microwave popcorn was too greasy and I did not like it.

I eat popcorn to control my weight and eating this cheddar popcorn defeated the purpose for me. The Kettle corn that I buy is 94% fat free and it has a light yet satisfying taste.

This kettle microwave popcorn is best in the middle of the afternoon when you are feeling a little hungry. It really fills you up and tastes great. A mini bag has like 100 calories but about 9 grams of fiber or more and only 6% fat.

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    • Salt, which is often used to top popcorn.
      By: ivantsov
      Salt, which is often used to top popcorn.
    • Breathing in the fumes when opening a bag of microwaved popcorn can expose lungs to diacetyl.
      By: HandmadePictures
      Breathing in the fumes when opening a bag of microwaved popcorn can expose lungs to diacetyl.
    • The steam from opening a bag of microwave popcorn can cause burns.
      By: ksena32
      The steam from opening a bag of microwave popcorn can cause burns.
    • Small amounts of diacetyl are not considered toxic.
      By: vvoe
      Small amounts of diacetyl are not considered toxic.
    • Using a rotating microwave turntable will help food products such as popcorn cook evenly and thoroughly.
      By: Winai Tepsuttinun
      Using a rotating microwave turntable will help food products such as popcorn cook evenly and thoroughly.
    • Microwave popcorn uses healthier oils than certain movie-style popcorns served in theaters.
      By: gstockstudio
      Microwave popcorn uses healthier oils than certain movie-style popcorns served in theaters.
    • Breathing in the fumes from a hot bag of microwave popcorn may trigger an asthma attack in those with the condition.
      By: smikeymikey1
      Breathing in the fumes from a hot bag of microwave popcorn may trigger an asthma attack in those with the condition.