There’s nothing like the warm, buttery aroma of microwave popcorn to kick off a movie night — but not all microwave popcorn brands are created equal. Some are drenched in greasy artificial butter, while others let real ingredients shine. In a sea of options, finding the perfect balance of buttery goodness, natural flavor, and light, fluffy texture can feel like a challenge. That’s why we popped, tasted, and ranked 15 popular microwave butter popcorn brands — from the chemical-coated duds to the clean-label champions. Whether you’re all about big, bold butter flavor or you prefer real ingredients and subtle richness, this list has something for every popcorn lover.
15. Pop Weaver
If you’ve ever wondered what butter-flavored air tastes like, Pop Weaver has the answer. This budget popcorn brand is everywhere, but its butter flavor feels more like a science experiment than a rich, creamy treat. It’s oily without being buttery, and there’s often a weird synthetic aftertaste that lingers long after the bowl is empty. Texture-wise, it can be hit or miss, with some kernels popping up fluffy while others stay chewy or tough. It’s not the absolute worst snack in the world, but compared to cleaner, more natural brands, Pop Weaver’s reliance on artificial flavors and additives keeps it firmly at the bottom of the popcorn food chain.
14. Jolly Time (Blast O Butter)
If you believe more butter is always better, Jolly Time’s Blast O Butter is your neon yellow dream — but for most popcorn lovers, it’s a bit too much. This popcorn’s version of butter leans hard into the artificial movie theater territory, coating every kernel with an almost greasy slick of buttery flavoring.
Some love the indulgence, but others find the aftertaste cloying and chemically. On the upside, it’s affordable and widely available, making it a guilty pleasure for hardcore butter fans. Still, if you want butter that tastes like butter, you’ll need to look higher on the list.
13. Act II (Butter Lovers)
Act II’s Butter Lovers popcorn is what happens when salt and artificial butter flavor join forces to overwhelm your taste buds. It’s buttery, no doubt — but not in the creamy, rich, dairy kind of way. Instead, you get a salty, slightly plasticky coating that tastes more like what your local multiplex uses in its self-serve butter dispensers.
It’s a budget-friendly, convenient option, especially for kids who just want something fun to munch, but those looking for quality ingredients or authentic butter flavor will be left disappointed. It’s a popcorn you eat when you don’t want to think about what’s actually on your popcorn.
12. Pop Secret (Movie Theater Butter)
Pop Secret’s Movie Theater Butter knows exactly what it’s trying to be — a nostalgic throwback to over-buttered popcorn at the movies. It succeeds at that, delivering a heavy-handed, salty butter blast that’s comforting in a junk-food way. But the butter flavor isn’t particularly realistic, and the greasy mouthfeel can be overwhelming after just a few handfuls. While some love the indulgence, others find it borderline slick, leaving fingers, lips, and the microwave tray coated in oil. It’s great if you’re chasing that guilty pleasure flavor, but if you’re after cleaner, simpler butter goodness, better options await further up the list.
11. Market Pantry (Target’s Butter Popcorn)
Target’s Market Pantry microwave popcorn manages to land solidly in the middle — neither a disaster nor a standout. Its butter flavor is present but a little flat, lacking the depth that comes from real butter. The texture can also be inconsistent, with some bags popping up beautifully and others leaving too many tough kernels behind.
It’s affordable and convenient, and for casual snacking, it gets the job done. However, butter aficionados will find it lacking that rich, creamy indulgence that higher-quality brands manage to deliver. If you just need a quick popcorn fix, it works — but it’s not going to wow anyone.
10. Orville Redenbacher’s (Ultimate Butter)
When you see Orville Redenbacher’s, you expect a certain level of classic popcorn quality — and Ultimate Butter delivers, but with a caveat. The butter flavor is big, bold, and impossible to miss, but it sometimes veers into greasy territory, leaving your fingers and mouth coated in a slick film. While it’s a nostalgic favorite for many, the butter doesn’t always taste like real, creamy butter, instead leaning into artificial richness. The texture is a saving grace — it usually pops up fluffy and light. For butter lovers who want maximum flavor, it satisfies, but for purists, it falls just short of greatness.
9. Cousin Willie’s (Buttery Explosion)
If you’ve never heard of Cousin Willie’s, you’re not alone — but those who have know it’s a hidden gem in the microwave popcorn aisle. Known for its old-fashioned charm, this popcorn delivers a big burst of buttery flavor without feeling as greasy as some of the big-name competitors.
While the butter is still partly artificial, the balance is better, and the popcorn itself pops up with a nice crunch. It’s a comfort food favorite in the Midwest, with a loyal following that appreciates its throwback vibes. It’s not gourmet, but it’s a solid, nostalgic choice that deserves more attention.
8. Signature Select (Movie Theater Butter)
Signature Select’s Movie Theater Butter microwave popcorn is a pleasant surprise in the world of store-brand snacks. Sold under the Safeway and Albertsons family of stores, it offers a buttery flavor that’s richer than expected for a budget option. While the butter taste leans slightly artificial, it doesn’t overwhelm the popcorn’s natural flavor, and it avoids the oily slick that drags down lower-ranked brands. The texture is reliably fluffy and crisp, and the butter coverage is even, so you don’t end up with dry pockets. For a store-brand popcorn, it punches above its weight, delivering a comforting, familiar butter flavor that’s perfect for casual movie nights without breaking the bank.
7. Skinny Pop (Butter Microwave Popcorn)
Known for its clean, simpler ingredient approach, Skinny Pop’s Butter Microwave Popcorn brings that same philosophy to the microwave. It’s made with non-GMO popcorn and real butter, and skips the artificial flavors and preservatives found in many mainstream brands. The butter flavor is delicate and natural, complementing the popcorn’s natural sweetness instead of drowning it.
While butter die-hards might want a bit more intensity, it’s perfect for those who like a touch of butter without the greasy feel. The chemical-free microwave bag is a nice bonus, making Skinny Pop a great option for health-conscious snackers who still want some indulgence.
6. Microwave Popcorn by Kroger (Original Butter)
Store brands can be hit or miss, but Kroger’s Original Butter Microwave Popcorn holds its own surprisingly well. It delivers a comfortingly familiar butter flavor that’s not too overpowering, while still offering that nostalgic movie-night vibe. The butter taste leans more toward classic popcorn butter than real, creamy dairy butter, but it avoids the plasticky aftertaste of lower-ranked brands.
It also consistently pops evenly, with very few unpopped kernels, and the texture is pleasantly light and crisp. While it may not wow gourmet popcorn lovers, Kroger’s affordability and solid butter flavor make it a dependable mid-tier option, perfect for those who want butter without the fake overload.
5. 365 by Whole Foods (Organic Buttery Microwave Popcorn)
Whole Foods’ 365 brand proves you can have clean, organic popcorn without sacrificing flavor. Made with organic non-GMO popcorn and natural butter flavor, it offers a subtle, real butter taste that enhances the popcorn instead of drowning it. Unlike cheaper brands that coat each kernel in a slick butter-flavored film, 365’s butter tastes light, clean, and balanced, allowing the popcorn’s natural flavor to shine through. It’s not the greasiest or boldest, but it’s ideal for those who appreciate simple ingredients and gentle flavor. For anyone who craves better-for-you popcorn that still delivers classic buttery comfort, 365 is a smart and satisfying choice.
4. Quinn (Real Butter Microwave Popcorn)
With its innovative approach to real ingredients, Quinn redefined microwave popcorn. Instead of pre-coated kernels, each bag comes with a separate packet of melted butter and seasoning, letting you add as much or as little flavor as you like. The popcorn itself is organic and non-GMO, and the bag is free from chemical coatings, making it a standout for health-conscious snackers.
The butter tastes fresh and real, blending beautifully with the popcorn’s natural sweetness. The customizable aspect is a game-changer — whether you prefer light butter or fully drenched kernels, Quinn puts the power in your hands, and that’s why it ranks so high.
3. Newman’s Own (Butter Microwave Popcorn)
Newman’s Own brings its do-good ethos to microwave popcorn, but the real surprise is just how good it tastes. With organic popcorn and natural butter flavor, it strikes a balance between clean eating and indulgent snacking. The butter flavor is smooth and buttery without overpowering, giving the popcorn a rich but natural taste that’s perfect for both kids and adults. The texture is reliably light and fluffy, popping up with minimal unpopped kernels. Plus, knowing the profits support charitable causes makes every buttery handful taste even better. If you want a popcorn that’s both delicious and socially conscious, Newman’s Own hits the mark.
2. Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP (Real Butter Microwave Popcorn)
With a name like BOOMCHICKAPOP, you expect boldness — and that’s exactly what this popcorn delivers, but with a refreshingly simple twist. Made with real butter and non-GMO popcorn, it focuses on clean flavor over artificial intensity. The butter tastes natural and creamy, enhancing each kernel without leaving your fingers coated in oil. The texture is light and crisp, with enough crunch to keep you reaching for more. Whether you’re a casual snacker or a popcorn connoisseur, BOOMCHICKAPOP’s balance of real ingredients and rich, buttery flavor makes it a go-to option. It’s proof that you don’t need chemicals to create big popcorn flavor.
1. Black Jewell (Butter Microwave Popcorn)
Black Jewell popcorn is more than just a snack — it’s a conversation starter. Made from heirloom black corn, its kernels pop into slightly smaller, crunchier pieces than the fluffy white popcorn most brands offer. But what really makes Black Jewell shine is its clean ingredient list and natural butter flavor.
There’s no chemical aftertaste, no fake greasiness — just pure butter goodness paired with the popcorn’s naturally nutty flavor. It’s non-GMO, sustainably sourced, and has a wonderfully unique texture that popcorn purists love. For those who care about both taste and ingredient quality, Black Jewell’s buttery goodness sets the gold standard.
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