Have you been looking for the best coconut oil for popcorn? If so, you’re in luck because we’ve found ten excellent options that taste delicious!
Quick Summary
Best Coconut Oil for Popcorn
Nutiva Organic Refined Coconut Oil with Butter Flavor
This organic coconut oil by Nutiva has a non-dairy butter flavor. It is a great vegan alternative to butter and ghee too. The added flavoring is perfect for adding to popcorn or using to pop kernels on the stove or in a popcorn maker.
The flavoring comes from adding ingredients sourced from organic, non-GMO plants like sunflower and mint. The extract of the annatto plant is used to give this oil a yellowish color that resembles butter.
Coconuts used to make this oil are not processed with hexane or other chemicals that could be damaging to your health. The company partners with organic farmers and always follows strict guidelines to ensure products are organic and non-GMO.
Pros
- It comes in BPA-free packaging
- Small size won’t spoil quickly
- Some said it was the best butter replacement they’ve had
Cons
- Some thought the flavor was not good
- A few mentioned difficulty opening the jar
Snappy Popcorn White Coconut Oil
This white coconut oil from Snappy Popcorn was made with delicious bowls of fresh, hot popcorn in mind. It comes in a large 1-gallon container, so you will have a full supply for a long time and won’t have to run to the store for more anytime soon.
This is the same coconut oil used by movie theaters to flavor their popcorn, so you will get that traditional taste you know and love. It doesn’t have any coloring added and is healthier because it contains zero trans fat.
It will melt around 76 degrees Fahrenheit, so you may not even need to heat it to pour or drizzle it onto corn. If you don’t eat a lot of popcorn, you might shy away from the large size of this container.
But it can also be used in cooking and making or even deep-frying. It won’t smoke at high temperatures and can also be used to make soaps or condition dry hair. When baking or making vegan cheeses, coconut oil can also be a key ingredient.
Pros
- Very affordable pricing for a large quantity of coconut oil
- Perfect for cooking and baking too
- It will last a long time
Cons
- It doesn’t have the scent or flavor of coconut
Paragon Coconut Popcorn Popping Oil
This popcorn popping oil by Paragon was made specifically for use when making popcorn. Melt it and drizzle it over a bowl of popcorn, and you will have a great snack that is golden in color, just like movie theater popcorn.
Although this oil will give you a nice colored popcorn, it does not contain any butter or dairy products. The oil has been colored with beta-carotene to give it that buttery look, which is healthier than other oils or vegan butter alternatives.
At room temperature, it is solid and has a long shelf life. It’s also non-GMO and free of trans fats. If you have a popcorn machine, try this oil when using it for great popcorn that is delicately flavored.
Pros
- It does not have to be refrigerated
- Non-hydrogenated coconut oil
- A large one-gallon container will last a long time
Cons
- It doesn’t have a buttery or coconut taste
- Some said their containers expired too quickly before they could use it all up.
Franklin’s Gourmet Popcorn Butter Flavored Coconut Oil
Check Price on Amazon >>You can be sure to get great popcorn when using products from Franklin’s Gourmet Popcorn. Not only are they known for their kernels and popcorn products, but they have created a coconut oil to use when popping corn at home.
This butter-flavored coconut oil is 100% vegan and does not have any ingredients that might be damaging to your health. The company is dedicated to products that taste great while still being good for you, which is a bonus because popcorn can be an addicting snack.
This oil can make a great tasting batch every time, whether you’re making popcorn on the stove, in the microwave, or with a popcorn machine. The yellow color comes from beta-carotene, and the rich buttery taste is artificial flavoring instead of butter.
Pros
- It comes with a money-back guarantee.
- This gives delicious popcorn that is buttery looking and tastes great
- It can be used on kernels or drizzled over already popped corn
Cons
- A few reported that their containers arrived damaged
- Some did not find the buttery flavor to be strong enough to their liking
Great Northern Popcorn Premium Organic Coconut Oil
The Great Northern Popcorn company’s premium organic coconut oil contains pure coconut oil. It does not have any additives, colors, or flavorings, and some consider it a superfood due to the combination of fatty acids.
Not to mention it’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. The plastic container is also BPA-free, and you can see how much this company cares about providing a high-quality and healthy product for their customers.
With this product, you will get a delicious coconut smell and flavor. When you use it along with corn kernels, the resulting popcorn will be light and tasty without being too greasy on your hands.
Pros
- 100% organic without any additives
- It has a pure, clean, and light flavor
- It helps popcorn kernels pop fully and coats them well
Cons
- Some found the jar to be awkward to grasp
Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Those looking for a high-quality coconut oil option for their popcorn will love Viva Naturals’ organic extra virgin option. It is made from organic coconuts that are cold-pressed for optimum flavor and aroma.
If you love the rich, tropical scent of coconuts, this is the oil for you. In addition to popcorn, this product has many other uses. You can use it in cooking and personal care because it’s pure coconut oil that doesn’t have any flavoring or color added.
Many people say it helps with dry skin and is an excellent way to treat frizzy hair or a dry scalp. It can also be used in baking or for health purposes such as oil pulling.
Pros
- USDA-certified organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free
- It can be used for those on a keto, paleo, or gluten-free lifestyle
- It has no other ingredients except pure coconut oil
Cons
- A few mentioned that they did not like the smell of it
- Some said the packaging was faulty and leaked during shipment
Anjou Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
This organic extra virgin coconut oil from Anjou Organic can be used to make delicious and healthy popcorn. It is USDA-certified organic and made from unrefined, cold-pressed coconut oil.
The coconuts come from Sri Lanka and grow on not crossbred trees. They are planted in coastal soil that is full of nutrients, so you get a healthy oil that is high in MCT.
Melt it and use it to make popcorn and then sprinkle salt and other seasonings on top. The light coconut oil will gently coat all the popcorn and help any flavors stick to it without being too oily or greasy.
Pros
- It comes with a free PDF guide with suggestions on ways to use coconut oil
- It has many uses beyond cooking and is safe to eat
- Stored in a BPA-free plastic jar
Cons
- Some said the lid was cracked when they received it
- A few thought it was too expensive
365 Everyday Value Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
This product by 365 Everyday Value is a brand from Whole Foods Market. The company is dedicated to quality products that contain only the best, most natural, and organic ingredients for you and your family.
Their organic virgin coconut oil has been expeller pressed which means the oil is extracted at lower temperatures to preserve nutrients. It can withstand heat up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s perfect for popping corn because you won’t have to worry about it burning or smoking. Just put some in with any corn kernels and let it pop to perfection. You will love the light coconut flavor and feel healthy even when snacking.
Pros
- It comes in a glass container
- It has a great flavor
- Is certified organic, kosher, and vegan
Cons
- Some thought it was too expensive for the size
Golden Barrel Butter Flavored Coconut Oil
Golden Barrel’s butter-flavored coconut oil is a great dairy-free substitute for butter. It is colored with beta-carotene and other flavors. You can get the same buttery taste without any of the dairy products, not to mention this is a much healthier option.
Get better tasting popcorn by melting it and mixing it in with popped corn or putting it in your popcorn machine or pot along with the kernels. It doesn’t have a strong coconut flavor and will instead be like having movie theater popcorn.
Just warm it up if you want to put it on top of already popped corn. If you are adding it to kernels, put a solid amount in, and it will meltdown as the pot heats up.
Pros
- It does not contain soy
- This can be used as a butter alternative to toast
- It does not contain any preservatives
Cons
- Can tint bowls a little bit yellow
- Some said their product was damaged or had the lid missing upon delivery
Amish Country Popcorn Coconut Oil
This sixteen-ounce jar of coconut oil from Amish Country Popcorn is the perfect size for those who don’t need a lot of oil. Whether you don’t make popcorn very often or you prefer to cut back on oils, the smaller size makes this product ideal.
The Amish Country Popcorn company specializes in delicious popcorn grown in Indiana. Their natural corn kernels are known for their superior flavor, and this coconut oil goes well with any of their popcorn products.
The natural color comes from beta carotene, but there are no other added ingredients such as preservatives or flavorings. Your popcorn will not have a heavy oil taste but light, flavorful, and delicious.
Pros
- The small size means it doesn’t take up a lot of room in your cupboards
- You will receive a guide with 15 popcorn recipes
- It has been grown and manufactured in the United States
Cons
- Some said the jar is not tamper-proof, and the lid doesn’t screw on tightly.
Things to Consider When Coconut Oil for Popcorn
Refined vs. Unrefined
Two of the most significant coconut oil categories include refined ones compared to unrefined ones. Of course, all coconut oil is refined because it must be extracted from the coconut that grows on a tree.
For unrefined coconut oil, look for ones that are labeled as “virgin.” This terminology is applied to oils to signify that they haven’t been as refined as other industrial products or oils.
Some refined oils will have the words “RBD” on the packaging, which stands for refined, bleached, and deodorized. Although this may be alarming to some, bleaching doesn’t mean a chemical process. Instead, it’s a way of removing impurities through filtration. Steam is then used to deodorize it, so the product is clean and sanitary.
Other cold-pressed or expeller-pressed methods use a mechanical process to extract oils, usually through high pressure and heat. Cold-pressed processing is another version of expeller-pressed that keeps the temperatures lower, so nutrients are not lost.
Added Flavor
When using coconut oil to flavor popcorn, you may opt for one that has additional flavoring added in. Many popular coconut oil products have artificial butter flavors added to give the popcorn that movie theater taste.
If you enjoy the delicate aroma of coconuts, look for unrefined coconut oil because it will smell and taste like coconuts. Oils that have been more refined will have a more bland taste and hardly any odor.
Unflavored oils can be used effectively on popcorn kernels and provide a coating so spices and salt will stick to the popcorn. But if you are used to having a buttery flavor, look for one that has some additional ingredients so it will yield a richer, more delicious popcorn.
Coloring
Traditional movie theater popcorn is often heavily buttered and has oils on it that turn it a yellow color. Most corn kernels will pop up into fluffy, white pieces of popcorn. Even if the kernel is a different color, the resulting popcorn will still usually be white.
So if you like the aesthetic of yellow popcorn and want that familiar or conventional look, you can get coconut oil with coloring. Many of the oils listed here use beta carotene, a naturally occurring substance that gives carrots their orange color.
Although not all coconut oils that have coloring will also have flavor, you will still get popcorn that is tinted yellow and looks buttery. Choose an oil with coloring for those who get a little extra pleasure about grabbing a handful of vibrant blonde popcorn.
Size
Coconut oil is extremely shelf-stable and does not have to be refrigerated. It is solid at room temperature and melts quickly in the heat. Because of this, you can buy a large value-sized package that will last you a long time.
Although you may not buy other products in such large quantities, it’s perfectly fine to purchase up to a gallon of coconut oil at a time. Buying in bulk will also mean you save money and won’t have to go shopping for more oil for a long time.
If you are concerned about the product going bad, you can buy a smaller one. And if you haven’t found the perfect coconut oil for you yet, try out a few smaller products first until you find the one you want to invest in.
Type of Container
Most coconut oil products come in either a glass or plastic container. Glass is often preferable because there is no risk of BPAs or other toxins. However, it can be heavy and will usually break if dropped.
If you purchase coconut oil in a plastic container, make sure it is safe and BPA-free. It should also be durable so it won’t crack or warp over time. And it should be shaped in a way that is easy to pick up and open because you’ll probably be reaching for it often.
Wrap Up
Choosing just one type of coconut oil for all your popcorn needs can seem like a daunting task because there are so many great ones on the market. While most types of coconut oil will work great for popcorn, the subtleties will mainly depend on your preferences.
If you want additional flavoring or coloring, get one made just for popcorn. Plain coconut oil will have more versatility for things like cooking and baking, so it’s a good option for those who don’t make popcorn as often.
For those who want delicious popcorn with a buttery flavor, we suggest the Nutiva Organic Refined Coconut Oil with Butter Flavor.
Not only is it perfect for popcorn, but it’s a wonderful butter substitute that can be used for making many dishes.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
