Zero Waste/Low Waste Popcorn (vegan, gluten free)
May 27, 2021 • Updated Jun 20, 2023
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Learn to make zero waste or low waste popcorn for a healthy snack that’s easy and totally delicious. All you need is popcorn and a reusable bag!
I’m all about healthy snacking and reducing waste in my kitchen. Today’s recipe for zero or low-waste popcorn checks both of those boxes. If you’ve already tried my healthy popped sorghum recipe, this is similar, but with the more classic kernel: corn!
It’s surprisingly easy to pop your own corn without added preservatives, flavoring or other not-so-healthy ingredients. In fact, you don’t even need one of those foldable popcorn bags (that always come in a sleeve of plastic for some reason). Once you try this easy microwave method, you can cross popcorn bags off your grocery list forever. You’ll save some waste, energy and trees in the meantime. Plus, you can flavor your homemade popcorn however you like it.
How to Make Zero Waste Popcorn
All you need to make this vegan and gluten-free snack is a few tablespoons of raw popcorn kernels and a selable silicone sandwich bag. If you don’t have a silicone bag, a brown paper bag will also work.
Oh, and a microwave!
Simply put the kernels in your bag, pop it into the microwave and cook for two to three minutes. While the microwave is running, listen for popping. Stop as soon as you hear it start to slow down to prevent burning.
Can I Make Popcorn Oil-Free?
Yes, it’s up to you whether or not you want to add a bit of oil to the popcorn. You can leave the oil out and enjoy a totally oil-free snack. Or add a bit of neutral oil like avocado for extra crispiness and flavor.
Is it Safe to Microwave Silicone?
Yes, silicone bags are microwave-safe. It’s always best to check the manufacturer’s recommendations, of course. I use these sandwich-size bags from Stasher. They stand up on their own, which makes microwaving easy.
Flavoring Ideas for Homemade Popcorn
Once your corn is popped, have fun adding your own flavors. I personally love:
- Nutritional yeast for cheesiness but keeping it vegan
- Garlic salt
- Truffle salt or oil
- Butter flavored coconut oil
- Hot pepper flakes or hot sauce
- Date caramel
- Chocolate sauce
The possibilities are endless, and you can go sweet, savory, spicy or umami.
If you make this zero or low waste popcorn at home, be sure to let me know what you think with a comment below!
Zero Waste/Low Waste Popcorn (vegan, gluten free)
Ingredients
- 3-4 tablespoons popcorn kernels
- reusable silicone sandwich bag or brown paper bag
- neutral oil optional
- seasoning recommendations optional
- salt to taste
- nutritional yeast
- garlic salt
- truffle salt
- vegan butter flavoured coconut oil
- any other spices of choice
Instructions
- Add corn kernels to a reusable silicone bag or paper sandwich bag with the top folded down a few times until secure. If desired, add a touch of neutral oil and shake to coat.
- Microwave for 2-3 minutes, time will vary by microwave. Listen for popping and once the popping starts to slow, stop the microwave. I found best results working at 75% microwave power.
- Add seasoning to the bag and shake to coat. Enjoy!
Video
@veggiekins Stop buying popcorn & make it lowwaste! Your wallet will thank you 😉 #zerowaste #veganrecipes #vegan #kitchenhacks #cookingtiktok #sustainability
♬ Butter - 방탄소년단 (BTS)
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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