Does JOLLY TIME Pop Corn Contain Diacetyl?

December 13, 2025 •

3 min read

Following public health concerns raised in the mid-2000s, JOLLY TIME, along with other major popcorn manufacturers, removed the flavoring chemical diacetyl from its recipes. This move came in response to studies linking diacetyl vapor inhalation to bronchiolitis obliterans, a severe and irreversible lung disease, especially among factory workers. Today, ingredient lists for JOLLY TIME products typically confirm they contain "no diacetyl added butter flavorings".

Quick Summary

Major popcorn brands, including JOLLY TIME, removed diacetyl, a buttery flavoring chemical, from their products following health concerns in the mid-2000s. Current ingredient lists confirm the change. However, consumer inhalation of heating agents and other chemicals can still pose risks, making it important to follow preparation instructions and consider healthier alternatives.

Key Points

Diacetyl is Removed: JOLLY TIME Pop Corn no longer contains diacetyl, the buttery chemical linked to 'popcorn lung' in factory workers.
Change Happened Long Ago: The company removed diacetyl from its product formulations following public health concerns and industry shifts in 2007.
Check the Label: Modern JOLLY TIME products typically feature an ingredient statement confirming "no diacetyl added butter flavorings".
Beware of PFAS in Bags: While diacetyl is gone, some microwave popcorn bags, including certain JOLLY TIME varieties, may still contain PFAS 'forever chemicals'.
Consider Stovetop or Air-Popping: For maximum control over ingredients and to avoid potential PFAS exposure, air-popping or stovetop preparation with natural oil and kernels is the safest method.
Focus on Healthy Toppings: Instead of artificial flavors, enhance homemade popcorn with natural, healthy seasonings like herbs, spices, and nutritional yeast.

The Controversy Surrounding Diacetyl

Diacetyl is a chemical compound responsible for giving butter and other foods their rich, buttery flavor. While considered generally safe for consumption, concerns arose in the early 2000s regarding the health risks associated with inhaling its vapor. Factory workers at microwave popcorn plants developed a severe and irreversible lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans, which was directly linked to the inhalation of concentrated diacetyl fumes. This condition, colloquially dubbed "popcorn lung," highlighted the danger of the chemical when airborne.

The Industry's Response and JOLLY TIME's Stance

In the wake of these revelations and subsequent lawsuits, there was significant public pressure on food manufacturers to address the issue. Most major American popcorn companies, including JOLLY TIME, announced that they would be phasing diacetyl out of their products. A spokeswoman for American Pop Corn Company (JOLLY TIME) confirmed in December 2007 that they had been working on a new recipe without diacetyl and that nearly all of their products were converted by that time, with the final one changed by January 1, 2008.

Official Confirmation: Product listings for many JOLLY TIME microwave popcorn varieties now explicitly state "No diacetyl added butter flavorings".
Ingredient Lists: A review of current ingredient lists for products like JOLLY TIME Blast O Butter and Xtra Butter confirms the absence of diacetyl, relying instead on natural flavors.
Timeline: The change happened over 15 years ago, meaning modern JOLLY TIME products purchased in the US are reliably diacetyl-free.

Understanding the Ingredients in Your Popcorn

While diacetyl is no longer a concern in JOLLY TIME products, it's still worth understanding what gives microwave popcorn its flavor. Natural flavors are often a mix of different ingredients that work together to replicate the buttery taste. For example, some recipes for JOLLY TIME popcorn include clarified butter and dry buttermilk, providing a natural buttery taste. This shift reflects a broader industry trend toward cleaner, more transparent labeling in response to consumer demand for healthier options.

Comparison Table: Microwave vs. Stovetop Popcorn


Feature	Microwave Popcorn (Commercial)	Stovetop Popcorn (at home)
Diacetyl	Not used in modern JOLLY TIME versions.	Completely avoidable by controlling ingredients.
Convenience	Very high; quick and easy preparation.	Moderate; requires a pot, oil, and more hands-on attention.
Ingredient Control	Limited; rely on manufacturer's recipe.	Complete; you choose the kernels, oil, and seasonings.
Oil Type	Typically palm oil or other vegetable oils.	Your choice (e.g., coconut, avocado, or olive oil).
Packaging Chemicals	May still be a concern with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).	No bag-related chemical exposure.
Freshness & Flavor	Pre-packaged flavors may taste artificial.	Can customize with fresh, natural toppings for superior flavor.

Beyond Diacetyl: Other Popcorn Considerations

While the diacetyl issue has been largely resolved for JOLLY TIME, there are other factors to consider for optimal health and safety when enjoying popcorn.

PFAS in Packaging

In recent years, studies have raised concerns about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or "forever chemicals," used in some microwave popcorn bags to prevent grease from leaking. These chemicals can migrate into the food and have been linked to potential health risks with long-term exposure. A 2023 report identified PFAS in some JOLLY TIME products, though the company's current position is unclear. The safest approach to avoid PFAS is to opt for stovetop preparation or use a microwave-safe bowl with kernels instead of the pre-packaged bags.

Healthy Preparation Methods

The way you prepare your popcorn significantly impacts its nutritional value.

Air-Popping: An air-popped popcorn machine is the most healthful method, as it uses no oil.
Stovetop with Healthy Oils: Using an oil like coconut or avocado oil gives you better control over the fat content.
Mindful Toppings: Add flavor with natural seasonings like nutritional yeast, herbs, and spices rather than excessive salt or butter.

Conclusion

For consumers asking, "Does JOLLY TIME Pop Corn contain diacetyl?" the answer is a reassuring no. The company, like its competitors, phased out the chemical years ago due to public health concerns. However, a thorough approach to safe and healthy popcorn consumption means being aware of other potential issues, such as PFAS in some packaging, and considering alternative, healthier preparation methods like air-popping or stovetop with natural ingredients. JOLLY TIME has taken important steps, but informed consumer choices can further enhance the safety and health benefits of this popular snack.

Outbound Link: Learn more about bronchiolitis obliterans from the Cleveland Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, JOLLY TIME has confirmed that they removed diacetyl from their products over a decade ago. It is generally considered safe for consumption, but some health concerns remain regarding potential chemicals in the microwaveable bags themselves.

Diacetyl is a chemical compound used for buttery flavoring. It was found to be harmful when its vapors were inhaled in large, concentrated amounts by factory workers, leading to a serious and irreversible lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans.

Most major brands, including JOLLY TIME, have removed diacetyl. For complete assurance, you can check the ingredient list for a "no diacetyl added" statement or opt for air-popping plain kernels at home.

Yes, several lawsuits were filed by factory workers who developed bronchiolitis obliterans after inhaling concentrated diacetyl fumes in microwave popcorn manufacturing plants.

Most major US popcorn manufacturers removed diacetyl from their products by 2008 in response to health concerns. It is always a good idea to check the ingredient label if you are unsure.

Popcorn lung is the nickname for bronchiolitis obliterans, a severe lung disease that scars the smallest airways in the lungs. It was first identified in workers at a microwave popcorn plant who inhaled diacetyl vapor.

Yes, some studies indicate potential health risks from PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), or "forever chemicals," used as grease-proofing in some microwave popcorn bags, including certain older JOLLY TIME products.