Buyer's Guide: Best Low Sodium Popped Popcorn
What is low sodium popped popcorn?
Popcorn is a type of corn that pops when heated. It is a popular snack that is often enjoyed at movie theaters, sporting events, and at home. Low sodium popped popcorn is popcorn that has had its sodium content reduced.
Why choose low sodium popped popcorn?
Eating a diet that is low in sodium is important for maintaining good health. Consuming too much sodium can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. By choosing low sodium popped popcorn, you can enjoy this tasty snack without worrying about consuming too much sodium.
How to choose low sodium popped popcorn?
When shopping for low sodium popped popcorn, it is important to read the label on the package. The label will typically indicate the amount of sodium per serving. Look for a product that has less than 140 milligrams of sodium per serving. This is the daily recommended limit for adults, as established by the American Heart Association.
You should also consider the ingredients used in the popcorn. Some brands add extra salt or other ingredients that can increase the sodium content. Look for a product that uses minimal ingredients and has no added salt.
Tips for making your own low sodium popped popcorn at home
If you want to make your own low sodium popped popcorn at home, there are a few things you can do to reduce the sodium content. First, use plain popcorn kernels and pop them in an air popper or on the stove using a little bit of oil. Avoid using microwave popcorn, as it often contains added salt and other ingredients.
Once the popcorn is popped, season it with herbs and spices instead of salt. There are many delicious and creative ways to season popcorn, such as using garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme. You can also try sprinkling a little bit of grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
In conclusion, choosing low sodium popped popcorn can be a tasty and healthy snack option. By reading labels, looking for products with minimal ingredients, and seasoning popcorn with herbs and spices instead of salt, you can enjoy this popular snack without consuming too much sodium.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you have popcorn on a low sodium diet?
Yes, popcorn is a low-calorie snack and naturally sodium-free. It can be enjoyed as part of a low sodium diet, providing a satisfying crunch without adding extra sodium to your meals.
2. What can I use on popcorn instead of salt?
There are several options to flavor popcorn without using salt. Some alternatives include sriracha, soy sauce, nutritional or brewer's yeast, truffle oil and Parmesan cheese, cinnamon, garlic powder or garlic salt, and ground coffee beans or cocoa powder with sugar or cinnamon.
3. Is unsalted popcorn bad for high blood pressure?
No, unsalted popcorn is not bad for high blood pressure. In fact, eating popcorn without a lot of added salt or butter may help lower blood pressure or reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure. It is a healthier snack option for those with hypertension.
4. What foods have 0 to none sodium?
Several fruits and vegetables are naturally low in sodium. Examples include asparagus, green beans, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, and squash. These foods can be incorporated into a low-sodium diet to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
5. Is bagged popcorn healthier than microwave popcorn?
Pre-popped popcorn is generally healthier than microwave popcorn. It contains less salt, sugar, grease, and calories compared to bagged popcorn. Additionally, microwavable popcorn has been linked to harmful chemicals in the past, such as diacetyl.
6. How do you reduce salt in popcorn?
To reduce saltiness in popcorn, you can add more unsalted popcorn to dilute the salt content. Another option is to add something sweet like chocolate and let it melt to counter the saltiness. Alternatively, adding more melted butter can also help balance the saltiness.
7. What can I add to popcorn instead of butter and salt?
Instead of butter and salt, there are several alternatives to add flavor to popcorn. Some options include olive oil, trail mix, coconut oil, avocado oil, ghee, and canola oil. These alternatives provide taste and variety while avoiding the use of butter and salt.
Editor's Notes
During our low sodium popped popcorn research, we found 24 low sodium popped popcorn products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 656,011 customer reviews through our big data system to write the low sodium popped popcorn list. We found that most customers choose low sodium popped popcorn with an average price of $10.80.
The low sodium popped popcorn are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of low sodium popped popcorn, including SkinnyPop, Crunch 'n Munch, Smartfood, Lesserevil, BOOMCHICKAPOP. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!