This simple recipe for dairy free popcorn gets back to the basics. Just 2 ingredients, a microwave, and a paper lunch bag are needed to make a dairy free snack that everyone can enjoy!
You might be wondering if you really need a recipe for dairy free microwave popcorn, after all, you can just buy that at the store, right? Surprisingly, most of the microwave popcorn bags that you'll find on the grocery store shelves have butter flavoring (a source of dairy).
Sweet kettle corn is often dairy free but at times you may prefer salty/savory flavored popcorn over that sweet flavor. Making dairy free popcorn on the stovetop is also very easy to do...but it does require some cleanup. The convenience of popcorn in a bag really is hard to beat!
I first learned how to make dairy free microwave popcorn at an Early Childhood Family Education class I attended when my kids were toddlers. The teacher was going to offer popcorn as a snack and asked if my son could have it. I asked her how she makes it and what is in it (allergy moms - you know the drill!).
I was so surprised to learn how simple this method is! No need for fancy seal-able bags that come apart when you pull the opposite corners?! Or a special coating to make the popcorn magically pop?! It turns out, you can make this delicious, nutritious snack with as little as 2 ingredients and a paper bag!
Popcorn science
The truth is, all popcorn needs to pop is heat. Each little kernel has a drop of water surrounded by starch. When the kernels are surrounded by oil and heat, the water inside the kernel gets hot and softens the starch. When the water reaches its boiling point it becomes steam and the just-thin enough hull of the popcorn kernel gives way yielding a piece of popcorn. Ah, food science!
Ingredients
There's no need for fancy bags or special ingredients! You just need a brown paper lunch bag, popcorn seeds, a little oil (it coats the corn and helps it heat up), and some salt (if desired).
This do-it-yourself method is quick, easy to clean up and you can make it the way you want it. Add seasonings of your choice or even a little melted "safe" margarine after it's popped if you choose. Now, you're in control (which is just the way those of us who are eating with food allergies like it)!
📖 Recipe
Dairy Free Microwave Popcorn
Ingredients
- 1 small brown paper bag
- ¼ cup popping corn
- 1 teaspoons oil of your choice
- popcorn salt or other seasoning to taste
Instructions
- Pour the popping corn, oil and salt into the paper bag. Shake the bag to coat the popcorn with oil and salt. Fold the top of the bag over twice. Place the bag in the microwave and cook on high for about 2 minutes or until you don't hear popping for 3 seconds. Take the bag out of the microwave and pour into a bowl. If desired, add salt/seasoning of your choice to taste.
Notes
Nutrition
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More dairy free snacks
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- Cranberry Apple Sauce {Gluten Free, Top 9 Allergen Free} - November 9, 2024
- Chocolate Chip Cookies (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free) - February 17, 2024
Debbie says
Hi,
What microwave popcorn are truly dairy-free?
Kristi Winkels, RDN, LD says
Hi Debbie,
It can be difficult to find a dairy free microwave popcorn which is why I have shared this DIY dairy free popcorn option! This way, all you need are plain popcorn kernels (which are naturally dairy free) and a paper sack. I hope that helps!
Vera says
Could you follow this method but half the recipe ingredients for just one serving?
Kristi says
Hi Vera,
Yes, that will still work! Just stay close to the microwave and stop it when you don't hear popping any longer. Enjoy!