The Historical Context: Diacetyl and "Popcorn Lung"
In the early 2000s, news broke of a serious and irreversible lung disease affecting workers in microwave popcorn factories. Nicknamed "popcorn lung," the condition, clinically known as bronchiolitis obliterans, was linked to the inhalation of concentrated diacetyl vapors. Diacetyl is a chemical compound naturally present in low levels in many foods, including butter, but it was also synthesized to create a powerful, artificial buttery flavor. Workers mixing large vats of this concentrated flavoring were exposed to high levels of the aerosolized chemical, leading to the devastating lung damage.
Unlike eating the final product, which the FDA considers generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for consumption in small quantities, inhaling the heated chemical caused inflammation and scarring in the smallest airways of the lungs (the bronchioles). The severe health risks to workers spurred intense public scrutiny and ultimately led to significant industry changes, despite the FDA's GRAS status for ingestion.
The Industry's Response: Removal of Added Diacetyl
Following the reports of factory worker illness, major popcorn companies took voluntary action to reformulate their products. In 2007, several leading manufacturers publicly announced they would be removing added diacetyl from their microwave popcorn recipes.
Key companies that made the change included:
- ConAgra Foods (which produces Orville Redenbacher's and Act II)
- General Mills (maker of Pop Secret)
- American Pop Corn Co. (Jolly Time)
- Weaver Popcorn Co.
Since these industry-wide changes occurred more than a decade ago, the question of "Which microwave popcorn has diacetyl?" has become largely moot. For modern, store-bought microwave popcorn, the answer is none of them contain added diacetyl in the synthetic form that caused the historical health issues.
Finding Diacetyl-Free Popcorn Today
While the industry has shifted away from synthetic diacetyl, consumer caution is still warranted. Some brands may use alternative buttery flavorings that are chemically similar to diacetyl, such as 2,3-pentanedione. Others avoid artificial butter flavors altogether. To make an informed choice, consumers can examine ingredient lists and opt for brands that explicitly state they are free of diacetyl and other artificial butter flavorings. Many brands now use simple, natural ingredients to achieve a buttery taste or focus on other flavor profiles entirely.
How to Verify Your Popcorn Is Diacetyl-Free:
- Read the label: Look for explicit "diacetyl-free" claims on the packaging. Brands proud of this feature will often advertise it prominently. For example, Act II 94% Fat Free Butter Microwave Popcorn states it contains no added diacetyl butter flavorings.
- Check the ingredients list: Look for natural butter or real ingredients. For instance, brands like SkinnyPop and Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP often focus on simpler, cleaner ingredient lists using real butter or healthy oils.
- Consider plain kernels: The safest and most controlled option is to buy unflavored, plain kernels and pop them yourself, adding your own seasonings.
Comparison of Diacetyl-Free Microwave Popcorn Brands
| Brand | Notable Flavors | Organic/Natural Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SkinnyPop | Original, Sea Salt, Butter | Yes | Uses a chemical-free pop-up box and is free of GMOs and added diacetyl. |
| Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP | Real Butter, Sea Salt, Kettle Corn | Yes | Uses real butter and natural ingredients, advertising as diacetyl-free. |
| Newman's Own Organics | Touch of Butter | Yes | An organic option for those seeking a light butter flavor without artificial additives. |
| Orville Redenbacher's | Simply Salted, Natural | Some | Offers a range of products, with simpler options like 'Simply Salted' focusing on minimal ingredients. |
| Jolly Time | Healthy Pop Butter, Natural | Some | The company removed diacetyl, with options like 'Healthy Pop' aimed at health-conscious consumers. |
| Act II | 94% Fat-free Butter, Light Butter | No | Specific versions, like the 94% fat-free, explicitly state no added diacetyl. |
Addressing Modern Consumer Concerns
While the synthetic additive diacetyl is no longer a concern, it is worth noting that trace amounts of the chemical can be naturally present in some butter flavorings. However, this is fundamentally different from the high-concentration industrial exposure that caused illness among factory workers. The risk was overwhelmingly linked to inhalation, not consumption, of the highly concentrated fumes. The health risks associated with the popcorn lung scare have not been replicated in consumer settings from eating or microwaving the product normally. Consumers should focus on ingredient transparency and overall health goals, rather than dwelling on the past issue of diacetyl in microwave popcorn. Choosing brands that use simple, wholesome ingredients is a proactive approach to maintaining a healthy diet.
Conclusion: A Clear Verdict on a Historical Issue
To the question "Which microwave popcorn has diacetyl?", the straightforward answer is that modern commercial products manufactured by major brands do not contain the added synthetic diacetyl that caused health issues in factory workers years ago. The industry responded effectively to safety concerns more than a decade ago by voluntarily removing the controversial additive. Consumers today have the option of choosing from a wide range of diacetyl-free microwave popcorn brands. For those who prioritize complete control over ingredients, opting for plain kernels and adding their own natural flavorings remains the safest and healthiest choice. Verywell Health's article on microwave popcorn and cancer provides additional perspective on the topic.
Keypoints
- Diacetyl Removed: Major microwave popcorn manufacturers voluntarily eliminated added synthetic diacetyl from their products around 2007.
- Popcorn Lung Cause: The lung disease known as 'popcorn lung' (bronchiolitis obliterans) was caused by factory workers inhaling high concentrations of diacetyl fumes, not from consumers eating the final product.
- Modern Brands are Safe: Today, commercially available microwave popcorn from mainstream brands is considered diacetyl-free.
- Check Labels for Alternatives: Some brands may use substitute chemicals like 2,3-pentanedione, so always read the ingredients list to be sure.
- Natural Alternatives Exist: Many brands like SkinnyPop and Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP use simple, natural ingredients and avoid artificial butter flavorings altogether.
- DIY Popcorn is Safest: For complete ingredient control, popping plain kernels at home and adding natural toppings is the best option.
- Focus on Inhalation vs. Ingestion: The primary risk from diacetyl was from inhalation in factory settings, not the small amounts consumed in finished food products.
