Is There Any Microwave Popcorn Without Oil?

October 4, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research, the microwave popcorn market continues to grow, valued at over $1.5 billion in 2024, showing its continued popularity. But for those looking to reduce fat intake, a crucial question arises: is there any microwave popcorn without oil? The good news is that yes, it is absolutely possible to enjoy delicious, oil-free microwave popcorn with both store-bought and homemade methods.

Quick Summary

This guide provides an overview of commercial brands that sell oil-free microwave popcorn and offers simple, step-by-step instructions for making a healthier, fat-free version at home using common kitchen items. Practical tips on seasoning and a comparison of popping methods are also included.

Key Points

Pre-packaged Brands: Commercial options like Black Jewell, 365, and PLANTSTRONG offer pre-packaged, oil-free microwave popcorn for convenience.
DIY Paper Bag Method: You can easily make oil-free popcorn at home by placing kernels in a brown paper bag and microwaving until the popping slows.
Reusable Silicone Poppers: For a durable and eco-friendly option, a silicone microwave popper is a great tool for making oil-free popcorn.
Listen for Timing: Regardless of the method, listen for the popping to slow to 2-3 seconds between pops to avoid burning your popcorn.
Seasoning Technique: To get seasonings to stick to oil-free popcorn, lightly spritz it with water or flavored vinegar before sprinkling your chosen toppings.
Healthier Snack: Oil-free microwave popcorn is a fat-free, whole-grain alternative to traditional varieties, allowing for greater control over sodium and flavor.

Brands Offering Oil-Free Microwave Popcorn

For those who prioritize convenience, several brands have developed pre-packaged microwave popcorn that is completely oil-free. These products rely on the moisture inside the kernel to pop, offering a simple and mess-free solution for a quick snack.

Black Jewell No Salt No Oil

Black Jewell is a prominent player in the no-oil popcorn space. Their 'No Salt No Oil' variety comes in a convenient microwave bag and is made from a heritage black corn kernel that pops bright white and crispy. This option is also 100% natural, non-GMO, and gluten-free, appealing to a wide range of dietary needs. The bags are also chemical-free, avoiding the PFOA and PFAS compounds found in some traditional microwave popcorn packaging.

365 by Whole Foods Market Organic No Oil or Salt

Whole Foods Market offers a house-brand option with its 365 Organic No Oil or Salt Microwave Popcorn. This product is certified organic and contains only one ingredient: organic popcorn. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a completely blank canvas to customize with their own healthy seasonings, ensuring full control over the ingredients.

PLANTSTRONG Organic Popcorn

Known for its plant-based products, PLANTSTRONG offers a microwave popcorn option that is unsalted and oil-free, with just one ingredient: organic yellow popcorn. It provides a whole-grain base that is ideal for healthy eaters who want to avoid any added fats or salts. The company emphasizes a clean, simple approach to snacking.

How to Make Your Own Oil-Free Popcorn

If you prefer a DIY approach or can't find suitable commercial options, making your own oil-free microwave popcorn from scratch is incredibly simple, cost-effective, and allows for maximum customization.

The Brown Paper Bag Method

This low-tech method is a fan-favorite for its simplicity and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients and Tools: 1/4 to 1/3 cup of popcorn kernels, 1 brown paper lunch bag.
Instructions:
1. Pour the kernels into the paper bag.
2. Fold the top of the bag over twice to seal it. Do not staple, tape, or add any other fasteners.
3. Place the bag in the microwave, folded side down.
4. Microwave on high for approximately 2 to 3 minutes. The exact time will vary based on your microwave's wattage.
5. Listen carefully. Once the popping slows to 2-3 seconds between pops, stop the microwave to prevent burning.
6. Carefully open the bag away from your face to release steam and pour the popped corn into a bowl.

The Silicone Microwave Popper

For a more durable and reusable option, a silicone popcorn popper is an excellent investment. These collapsible bowls are specifically designed for microwaving and often double as a serving bowl.

Popular Poppers: Brands include Salbree, Cuisinart, and W&P.
Instructions:
1. Add popcorn kernels to the bottom of the silicone popper, following the manufacturer's fill line.
2. Place the lid on top (some poppers have handles).
3. Microwave for 2 to 4 minutes, again listening for the popping to slow down.
4. Remove carefully, as the bowl will be hot, and enjoy directly from the popper.

Customizing Oil-Free Popcorn with Seasoning

One of the main challenges with oil-free popcorn is getting seasonings to stick. A common and effective trick is to lightly spritz the warm popcorn with water or a flavored vinegar before adding your chosen toppings.

A list of oil-free seasoning ideas:

Nutritional Yeast: Adds a savory, cheesy flavor without dairy.
Chili Powder and Lime Zest: For a spicy, tangy kick.
Cinnamon and a Pinch of Sugar: A classic, sweet option.
Herb and Spice Blends: Garlic powder, onion powder, or a blend of dried herbs.
Crushed Freeze-Dried Berries: For a unique, fruity flavor.

Comparison of Oil-Free Popcorn Methods


Feature	Commercial No-Oil Bags	DIY Brown Paper Bag	DIY Silicone Popper
Convenience	High (pre-measured)	High (minimal tools)	High (reusable)
Control	Low (pre-seasoned/unsalted)	High (fully customizable)	High (fully customizable)
Cost	Medium	Very Low	Low (initial investment)
Cleanup	Medium (disposable bag)	Very Low (disposable bag)	Low (dishwasher safe)
Waste	High (single-use packaging)	Low (recyclable bag)	Very Low (reusable)

Conclusion

For anyone looking for microwave popcorn without oil, there are several convenient and healthy options available. From reputable brands offering pre-packaged bags to simple DIY techniques using a paper bag or a reusable silicone popper, you can easily create a fat-free, whole-grain snack. The key difference lies in the balance between convenience and customization. For the lowest cost and complete control over ingredients, the DIY methods are unmatched. For a quick and easy solution, brands like Black Jewell, 365, and PLANTSTRONG offer excellent pre-packaged choices. By using creative, oil-free seasoning methods, you can ensure your healthy popcorn is never bland, providing a delicious and satisfying snack every time. The health benefits of opting for an oil-free approach, such as lower fat content and fewer additives, make it a smart choice for any snacker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can pop popcorn kernels in the microwave without any oil. You can use a brown paper bag or a reusable silicone popper, relying on the kernel's internal moisture to pop it using the microwave's heat.

The simplest DIY method is the brown paper bag technique. Just put 1/4 to 1/3 cup of kernels into a paper lunch bag, fold the top, and microwave for 2-3 minutes, listening for the popping to slow.

Yes, several brands offer oil-free microwave popcorn. Examples include Black Jewell 'No Salt No Oil,' 365 by Whole Foods Market 'Organic No Oil or Salt,' and PLANTSTRONG Organic Popcorn.

To get seasoning to stick, you can lightly mist the warm, popped corn with a little water or flavored vinegar using a spray bottle before adding your seasonings.

Oil-free popcorn can burn if microwaved for too long. To prevent this, listen carefully and stop the microwave when the popping slows to a few seconds between pops, rather than waiting for all kernels to pop.

Yes, silicone popcorn poppers are designed to be microwave-safe, reusable, and often dishwasher-safe. Brands like Salbree and Cuisinart offer reliable options.

Healthy oil-free toppings include nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, chili powder, cinnamon with a tiny bit of sugar, or various herb and spice blends.