Does Skinny Popcorn contain diacetyl? A look at ingredients and safety

January 14, 2026 •

3 min read

Following a series of lawsuits and public health concerns in the mid-2000s, many major popcorn manufacturers, including SkinnyPop, voluntarily removed the chemical diacetyl from their products. This was in response to evidence linking the inhalation of high levels of diacetyl vapor to a severe and irreversible lung disease known as bronchiolitis obliterans.

Quick Summary

SkinnyPop popcorn does not contain diacetyl, a chemical previously used for buttery flavor in microwave popcorn. The brand uses simple, clean ingredients and no artificial flavors, confirming its commitment to producing diacetyl-free products. This decision aligns with broader food safety shifts that occurred following health concerns linked to diacetyl exposure in manufacturing facilities.

Key Points

Diacetyl-Free Confirmation: SkinnyPop explicitly states and proves through its simple ingredient list that it does not contain the artificial butter flavoring diacetyl.
Popcorn Lung Link: The chemical diacetyl was historically linked to bronchiolitis obliterans, an irreversible lung disease, especially when its vapors were inhaled by factory workers.
Industry Shift: Most major popcorn manufacturers voluntarily removed diacetyl from their products around 2007 following public health concerns and lawsuits related to its inhalation risks.
Simple Ingredients: SkinnyPop relies on a short, transparent ingredient list that includes real popcorn, sunflower oil, and natural flavorings, rather than synthetic additives.
Beyond Diacetyl: The brand also confirms its bags are chemical-free and lined without perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) or other potentially harmful materials.
Safe Ingestion vs. Inhalation: While diacetyl is generally considered safe for ingestion by the FDA, the primary risk was associated with inhaling its heated vapors, a hazard largely eliminated from most brands.

No, Skinny Popcorn Does Not Contain Diacetyl

Consumers can rest assured that SkinnyPop popcorn does not contain the controversial chemical diacetyl. The company has publicly stated its commitment to producing products free of this and other artificial ingredients. For example, the packaging for SkinnyPop's microwave butter popcorn explicitly mentions "no diacetyl" as one of its key features. The brand's focus on simple, clean ingredients sets it apart from older microwave popcorn products that frequently relied on artificial butter flavorings.

What Exactly Is Diacetyl?

Diacetyl, also known as 2,3-butanedione, is a naturally occurring organic compound found in many fermented products like beer, wine, and dairy items. However, it became widely known in the food industry as a synthetic additive used to create and enhance artificial butter flavors in products such as microwave popcorn. While deemed safe for consumption by the FDA in low quantities, its heated, concentrated vapor was proven to be highly toxic when inhaled.

The 'Popcorn Lung' Scare

In the early 2000s, health experts and the public became aware of a debilitating lung disease affecting factory workers who handled the chemical. The illness, bronchiolitis obliterans, became colloquially known as "popcorn lung" because it was first identified in workers at microwave popcorn manufacturing plants. This serious, irreversible lung disease is caused by inflammation and scarring of the lung's smallest airways, leading to a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

Following the discovery and resulting lawsuits, the popcorn industry underwent a significant shift. Major manufacturers like Orville Redenbacher, Act II, and Pop Secret removed diacetyl from their recipes by 2007. This voluntary change was a direct response to the documented health risks, especially from inhaling the chemical's vapors.

The SkinnyPop Difference: A Commitment to Simpler Ingredients

SkinnyPop distinguishes itself by using a minimal and recognizable list of ingredients. This transparency is a core part of its brand identity. Instead of artificial flavorings, SkinnyPop opts for natural alternatives. For instance, its Original flavor contains only popcorn, sunflower oil, and salt. For flavored varieties like White Cheddar, the brand utilizes natural, dairy-free flavors along with ingredients like rice flour, salt, and lactic acid. This approach avoids the need for synthetic additives like diacetyl and demonstrates a commitment to cleaner food production.

A Comparison: SkinnyPop vs. Older Microwave Popcorn


Feature	SkinnyPop	Older, Conventional Microwave Popcorn
Diacetyl	Not present; explicitly stated as absent on packaging.	Historically contained diacetyl for buttery flavor; most brands removed it after 2007.
Bag Lining	Chemical-free lined bags, free of PFOAs.	Historically used bags lined with PFCs, which have since been largely phased out.
Flavoring	Uses natural flavors, often with dairy-free options.	Primarily used artificial butter flavorings and other synthetic additives.
Ingredient List	Simple and minimal, with recognizable food items.	Often includes long lists of additives and preservatives.

The Rise of Healthier Snacking

The shift away from chemicals like diacetyl in popcorn reflects a broader trend in the food industry toward healthier, more transparent snacking options. Consumers are increasingly scrutinizing ingredient lists and favoring brands that use simple, whole-food ingredients. SkinnyPop's success is, in part, a result of tapping into this demand for products that are both delicious and free of questionable additives. The brand's use of real, simple ingredients, combined with its clear and accessible marketing, has established it as a trusted choice in the healthy snack aisle.

What About Other Brands?

While the diacetyl scare led to a major industry overhaul, it's still wise for consumers to check ingredient labels, especially for lesser-known brands or imports. The FDA considers diacetyl safe for ingestion, so it is not officially banned as a food additive, although its inhalation risk is well-documented. Some companies may still use related chemicals like 2,3-pentanedione, which are also under scrutiny. Therefore, opting for brands with simple ingredient lists and clear statements about avoiding artificial flavorings remains the safest bet.

Conclusion

In summary, SkinnyPop popcorn does not contain diacetyl and has never used it as a synthetic flavor additive. The brand's ingredient list is transparent and simple, relying on natural flavors and minimal processing. The public health controversy surrounding diacetyl led to significant and positive changes in the microwave popcorn industry, moving manufacturers toward safer flavoring methods. By choosing SkinnyPop, consumers can enjoy a popular and healthy snack without worrying about the presence of this controversial chemical.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Diacetyl is a chemical compound that provides a rich, buttery flavor and aroma. It was historically used as a synthetic additive in microwave popcorn and other products to enhance the butter flavoring.

Yes, 'popcorn lung' is the common name for bronchiolitis obliterans, a severe and irreversible lung disease. It was first linked to microwave popcorn factory workers who inhaled high levels of diacetyl vapor.

Many microwave popcorn brands did use diacetyl in the past. Following health concerns raised in the mid-2000s, most major American manufacturers voluntarily removed the chemical from their products.

The easiest way to confirm is to read the product’s ingredient list and packaging. Brands often advertise their commitment to being free of artificial flavors. If you see simple ingredients and no mentions of artificial buttery flavor, it is likely free of diacetyl.

SkinnyPop uses natural flavors and simple, high-quality ingredients. The Original flavor contains only popcorn, sunflower oil, and salt. For flavors like White Cheddar, natural non-dairy cheddar flavor is used along with other simple ingredients.

The primary health concern related to diacetyl is the inhalation of its heated vapor, not the consumption of the food itself. Factory workers were most at risk due to high, prolonged exposure. For consumers, the risk is minimal, but most brands have removed it anyway.

Some microwave popcorn bags once used chemicals known as PFCs in their lining, which are now also largely phased out. Additionally, some brands have used substitutes for diacetyl, like 2,3-pentanedione, which are also under scrutiny. Look for brands with simple ingredient lists and chemical-free bags.