Low Calorie Popcorn (4 Minute Recipe) - Freebie Finding Mom (2024)

Okay, confession, I try to prepare healthy food for myself and the family BUT I’m frequently derailed by snack time. What is it about snack time and that 3 p.m. slump? It’s sooo hard to not go for the quick and easy win, like a single serving bag of potato chips. In order to change my ways, I’m filling my snack arsenal with quick and healthy recipes, like this one for low calorie popcorn.

Wait, is popcorn low calorie? When done right, it can be! Popcorn loaded with melted butter is (sadly) not low calorie. However, popcorn cooked in coconut oil (just a little oil, mind you!) is a satisfying and low calorie option.

Sure, you can buy microwavable low calorie or low fat popcorn at the store but most of those options aren’t nearly as budget friendly as this low calorie popcorn cooked in coconut oil. Plus, those store-bought varieties contain extra ingredients and higher sodium levels, which can definitely detract from their “healthiness.” So, that’s why I wanted to learn how to make low calorie popcorn at home!

Don’t worry, this popcorn popped in coconut oil doesn’t take any longer than those store-bought microwavable bags. Seriously, you can whip up this recipe in just 4 minutes!

Low Calorie Popcorn Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 1/3 cup of organic popcorn kernels
• Sea salt (to taste)

Tip: If this popcorn cooked in coconut oil isn’t quite flavorful enough for you, consider using a spray butter substitute like I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter to add a buttery flavor while still keeping this recipe strictly in the “low calorie” category.

Low Calorie Popcorn Directions

1.) Add the coconut oil and popcorn kernels to a pot.
Tip: A deep pasta pot with a heavy bottom works best.

2.) Toss gently to ensure all of the kernels are covered with coconut oil.

3.) Cover and set the pot over medium heat.

4.) As soon as the kernels start to pop (trust me, you won’t be able to miss the noise), shake the pot to keep them from burning.

5.) Keep shaking!

6.) Allow the kernels to pop for about 4 minutes or until most of the kernels have popped.
Tip: You’ll know most of them have popped when you hear more than 5 seconds between each pop.

7.) Uncover and sprinkle with sea salt.

8.) Enjoy your low calorie popcorn popped in coconut oil!

This low calorie popcorn recipe was adapted from bewellwitharielle.com.

It was crafted by the skilled hands of Lynne Morris, a professional food stylist for 9 years who has worked with companies including Kroger, Procter & Gamble, John Morrell and HoneyBaked Ham just to name a few. View more of Lynne’s creations.

The individual responsible for bringing Lynne’s handiwork to life is Larry White. He has been a professional food photographer for 15 years and has also worked for many of the who’s who in the industry. Learn more aboutLarry and his impressive work.

More Low Calorie Snacks

This low calorie popcorn recipe is great, but you probably don’t want to eat it every day for the rest of your life, right? Mix it up by trying out some of these other easy and healthy snack options!

• Gluten Free Licorice
• Orange Juice Fruit Popsicles
• Low Calorie Brownies – these only have 37 calories per serving!
• Sweet Potato and Kale Chips

Low Calorie Popcorn

Cook Time: 4 minutes

Total Time: 4 minutes

Low Calorie Popcorn Cooked In Coconut Oil

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 1/3 cup of organic popcorn kernels
• Sea salt (to taste)

Instructions

1. Add the coconut oil and popcorn to a pot. A deep pasta pot with a heavy bottom will work best.
2. Tilt the pot as needed to ensure all of the kernels are covered with coconut oil.
3. Cover and set the pot over medium heat.
4. As soon as the kernels start to pop (trust me, you won’t be able to miss the noise), shake the pot to keep them from burning.
5. Keep shaking!
6. Allow the kernels to pop for about 4 minutes or until most of the kernels have popped. You’ll know most of them have popped when you hear more than 5 seconds between each pop.
7. Uncover and sprinkle with sea salt.