What Brand of Popcorn is Zero Points on Weight Watchers? The Ultimate Guide

December 26, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that plain, air-popped popcorn is a ZeroPoint food on Weight Watchers? The trick is understanding that it is the preparation method, not a specific brand, that determines its point value on the program.

Quick Summary

The key to zero-point popcorn is the preparation method, not a specific brand. Plain, unpopped kernels from any brand become a zero-point snack when prepared using an air popper or silicone microwave bowl without added oil.

Key Points

Preparation, Not Brand: The zero-point status of popcorn on Weight Watchers depends on how it's prepared, not the brand of kernels.
Air-Popped is Key: Popcorn must be air-popped using a special machine or microwave method (like a silicone bowl or paper bag) without any added oil or butter.
Any Brand of Kernels Works: You can use any brand of plain, unpopped popcorn kernels, including Orville Redenbacher's, Jolly Time, or store brands.
Pre-Packaged Popcorn Has Points: Bagged or pre-made microwave popcorn typically contains added oils, butter, and seasonings, giving it a point value.
Seasonings Can Be Zero: Add flavor with zero-point seasonings like certain flavored powders, salt, or zero-calorie butter spray after popping.
Low Cost, High Control: Making your own air-popped popcorn is an affordable way to enjoy a guilt-free snack with full control over ingredients and portion sizes.

Understanding the Weight Watchers Zero-Point Rule for Popcorn

For Weight Watchers members, ZeroPoint foods are an essential part of the program, allowing for satisfying snacks without using up a daily points budget. Plain, air-popped popcorn, a whole grain rich in fiber, has long been a part of this list. The crucial detail that trips many people up is that the unpopped kernels themselves are not what is zero points, but rather the air-popped corn with no oil or butter added during the popping process. This means you aren't limited to a single brand. You can use any brand of plain popcorn kernels, such as Orville Redenbacher's Original, Jolly Time, or store-brand options, as long as you prepare it correctly.

Why Brand-Name Pre-Packaged Popcorn Isn't Zero Points

Many popular brand-name popcorn products, including pre-packaged microwave bags and already-popped bags like SkinnyPop or Smartfood, are not zero points because they contain added oil, butter, and seasonings. Even versions advertised as 'light' still have points, though often fewer than their full-fat counterparts. These additions, while flavorful, contain fat and other ingredients that are factored into the WW points system. A pre-bagged snack, for instance, might be 2-3 points per serving, completely different from a batch of plain, homemade air-popped popcorn.

Three Zero-Point Popcorn Preparation Methods

Achieving zero-point status is all about how you cook it. Here are three simple methods to try:

1. The Air-Popper Method

This is the most straightforward method. An electric air-popper uses nothing but hot air to pop the kernels, resulting in a completely oil-free snack. Simply measure your kernels, pour them into the machine, and turn it on. In minutes, you'll have a fluffy, fresh batch of zero-point popcorn. This method is great for consistent, large batches and very easy cleanup.

2. The Microwave Silicone Bowl Method

Silicone microwave popcorn bowls are a popular, eco-friendly alternative to pre-packaged bags. You place a small amount of kernels (usually 1/4 cup) in the bottom, fold the top over, and microwave for a couple of minutes. No oil or butter is needed. Many WW members report excellent results with this method.

3. The Brown Paper Bag Method

For a no-fuss, no-equipment option, the brown paper bag trick is a lifesaver. Simply put 1/4 cup of kernels in a standard brown paper lunch bag, fold the top over a few times to seal it, and microwave until the popping slows. It works remarkably well and is completely zero points if you don't add anything else.

Zero-Point Seasoning and Toppings

Plain popcorn can be a bit boring. Fortunately, there are many zero-point and low-point ways to season it. Zero-point options include various kernel seasoning flavors, like cheese or butter spray from brands such as Kernel Season's or Winona Pure. You can also use powdered sugar and cinnamon for a kettle-corn effect, or simple table salt. Be mindful of flavored seasonings, as some may contain ingredients that add points. Always check the label or the WW app to be sure.

Comparison: Homemade Zero-Point vs. Store-Bought Popcorn


Feature	Homemade Air-Popped Popcorn	Store-Bought Bagged Popcorn (e.g., SkinnyPop)	Store-Bought Microwave Popcorn
Points	0 points (when plain)	2-3 points per serving (approx.)	Varies, typically 2+ points per serving
Key Ingredient	Plain popcorn kernels (any brand)	Already-popped, often with oil and seasonings	Unpopped kernels with oil, salt, and butter flavorings
Preparation	Requires an air popper, microwave bowl, or paper bag.	None; ready to eat.	Place bag in microwave; requires popping.
Control	Full control over ingredients, portion size, and seasonings.	Limited control; fixed ingredients and serving size.	Limited control; fixed ingredients.
Cost	Very inexpensive per serving.	More expensive than plain kernels.	More expensive than plain kernels.
Best For	Daily, guilt-free snacking on a budget.	Convenient, portion-controlled snack (if willing to spend points).	Quick, easy popcorn with points factored in.

The Final Conclusion

There is no single brand of popcorn that is zero points on Weight Watchers. Instead, the zero-point status is earned through the preparation method: using any brand of plain, unpopped kernels and popping them at home with an air popper, silicone microwave bowl, or paper bag, without adding oil or butter. This approach offers complete control over your ingredients and points, making it a truly versatile and healthy snack option. With a little preparation, you can enjoy a satisfying, high-fiber treat while staying perfectly on track with your Weight Watchers plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, SkinnyPop is not zero points on Weight Watchers. It is a pre-packaged snack that contains oil and other ingredients, giving it a point value, typically around 3 points per serving.

Orville Redenbacher's plain kernels can be zero points if you air-pop them yourself without any oil or butter. However, their microwave popcorn bags are not zero points because they contain added fats and flavorings.

You can make zero-point popcorn in the microwave by placing 1/4 cup of plain kernels in a silicone microwave popper or a brown paper bag. Do not add oil. Cook until popping slows, then season with zero-point toppings.

Adding regular melted butter to your popcorn will add points. To keep it zero, use a zero-point butter-flavored spray or other zero-point seasonings instead.

The point value of store-bought popcorn varies by brand and flavor. It is not zero points because it contains oil and other additives. You must check the nutritional information or scan the barcode with the WW app for an accurate point value.

No, using any oil to pop the kernels adds points to your snack. Only plain, air-popped popcorn is considered a zero-point food.

Popcorn has been a staple on the ZeroPoint list for years, including recent plan updates in 2024-2025. However, those on a specialized diabetic plan may have a different ZeroPoint list. Always confirm with your personalized plan in the WW app.

You can use regular salt, powdered sugar, certain spice blends, or zero-calorie butter sprays like those from Kernel Season's or Winona Pure to flavor your zero-point popcorn.