Imagine a movie night. What’s missing without a big bowl of fluffy, buttery popcorn? It’s a classic snack! But when you go to the store, you see so many kinds of popcorn kernels. It can be confusing to pick the best ones. Some pop unevenly, and others just don’t taste right.
America’s Test Kitchen is known for testing everything to find the absolute best. They put different popcorn kernels to the test. They want to find the ones that pop the most, taste the best, and are the easiest to use. Their reviews can help you avoid the disappointing bags and find kernels that make perfect popcorn every time.
In this post, we’ll dive into what America’s Test Kitchen discovered. You’ll learn which popcorn kernels they recommend. We’ll also explain why their choices are the best. Get ready to make popcorn that will wow your family and friends!
Our Top 5 Popcorn Kernels America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Premium America Popcorn Kit | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Popcorn Kernels America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. Premium America Popcorn Kit
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready for a movie night upgrade with the Premium America Popcorn Kit! This all-in-one package is designed for popcorn lovers, bringing the authentic taste of movie theater popcorn right into your home. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a delicious, hassle-free popcorn experience.
What We Like:
- It’s truly an all-in-one kit, with kernels, oil, and seasoning all included.
- The pre-measured packets make popping popcorn super easy and quick, taking only 3-4 minutes.
- It promises a crispy, golden, and buttery popcorn that tastes just like the movies.
- This kit makes a fantastic gift for friends and family who love popcorn.
- Premium America uses high-quality ingredients for a superb taste.
What Could Be Improved:
- The kit is designed for 4oz poppers, so it won’t work with all popcorn machine sizes.
- While convenient, some might prefer to customize their own oil and salt amounts.
This Premium America Popcorn Kit delivers a fantastic movie theater popcorn experience with ultimate ease. It’s a must-have for your next movie marathon or as a thoughtful gift.
2. Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready for a popcorn party with Orville Redenbacher’s Original Gourmet Popcorn Kernels! This big 8-pound jug is packed with everything you need for a delicious snack. You’ll love how light and fluffy your popcorn turns out every time. These kernels are 100% natural and a fantastic gluten-free option. Plus, they are Non-GMO Project Verified, so you know you’re getting good stuff. This is the perfect base for all your creative snack ideas. Imagine adding your favorite candies, crunchy pretzels, or tasty nuts. You can even toss in some fruit or fun toppings for extra yum! It’s ideal for making movie nights, game nights, or just regular snack times extra special.
What We Like:
- You get a huge amount of kernels in one jug, so you won’t run out anytime soon.
- The popcorn pops up super light and fluffy.
- It’s a natural, gluten-free, and Non-GMO choice.
- You can get really creative and add all sorts of toppings to make it your own.
- It’s perfect for parties, family nights, or just when you want a tasty treat.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 8-pound jug can be a bit bulky to store.
- Some people might want more unique kernel flavors right out of the bag.
This large jug of Orville Redenbacher’s popcorn kernels is a fantastic value for any popcorn lover. It’s a simple, delicious, and fun way to enjoy a classic snack.
3. Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready for a movie night or a cozy afternoon snack with Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels, Original Yellow. This 30 oz jar brings the classic popcorn experience right to your kitchen. You can pop these kernels yourself for a fun and tasty treat anytime. These kernels are made to pop up light and fluffy, giving you that perfect crunch on the outside and a soft bite on the inside. Plus, they are a healthy choice, being 100% whole grain, gluten-free, and all-natural.
What We Like:
- These kernels pop up light and fluffy with a great crispy texture.
- They are 100% whole grain, gluten-free, and all-natural, making them a healthier snack option.
- You can customize your popcorn with your favorite toppings or Orville’s butter-flavored oil.
- The 30 oz jar provides a good amount of kernels for many popcorn sessions.
- It’s a fun and engaging activity to pop your own popcorn at home.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the popping process requires a bit of practice to get perfect results every time.
- The jar, while generous, might be a bit bulky for very small kitchens.
Orville Redenbacher’s Original Yellow kernels deliver a truly satisfying popcorn experience. They are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic, delicious snack that you can feel good about eating.
4. Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready for a movie night or a simple snack with Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels, White Corn, 30 oz. This big bag holds plenty of kernels for all your popping needs. These aren’t just any popcorn kernels; they are Orville Redenbacher’s special white kernels, grown by farmers he trusted. They pop up light, fluffy, and fast, making a delicious treat you can feel good about. Plus, they are 100% whole grain and gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy them.
What We Like:
- The kernels pop up wonderfully light and fluffy.
- It’s a 100% whole grain snack.
- These kernels are 100% natural and non-GMO.
- The 30 oz. bag provides a generous amount of popcorn.
- They are perfect for a quick and delicious after-school snack.
What Could Be Improved:
- For a truly gourmet taste, you’ll want to add butter-flavored oil.
- You need a popcorn popper (hot air or stovetop) to use them.
Orville Redenbacher’s White Corn kernels deliver a classic popcorn experience. This bag is a fantastic way to stock up for endless snacking enjoyment.
5. Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready for movie nights and snack attacks with Orville Redenbacher’s Original Yellow Gourmet Popcorn Kernels. This big 5 lb. container holds plenty of kernels to satisfy everyone. These are the same kernels Orville himself loved, grown by farmers who still use his special methods. They pop up light, fluffy, and fast, making a delicious snack that’s also good for you.
What We Like:
- It’s a huge 5 lb. container, so you won’t run out of popcorn anytime soon.
- These kernels pop up light and fluffy every time.
- They are made with 100% whole grain.
- It’s a natural and gluten-free snack option.
- You can use them with an air popper or a stovetop popper.
- The flavor is great, especially when you add butter-flavored oil.
- Orville Redenbacher’s family farmers still grow these special kernels.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 5 lb. container might be a bit big for some people to store easily.
- You need to buy popcorn oil separately to get the best flavor.
Orville Redenbacher’s Original Yellow kernels deliver a classic, delicious popcorn experience. They are a simple, wholesome snack that’s perfect for any occasion.
Discovering the Best Popcorn Kernels: A Guide from America’s Test Kitchen
When you crave that perfect bowl of popcorn, the kernel is where it all begins. America’s Test Kitchen, known for their thorough testing, has a reputation for finding the best ingredients. This guide will help you choose the top-notch popcorn kernels so you can enjoy a delicious snack every time.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re picking out popcorn kernels, a few things make a big difference.
- Kernel Size and Shape: You want kernels that are mostly uniform. This helps them pop evenly. Tiny, broken pieces might burn before they pop.
- Freshness: Fresh kernels pop better. Old kernels can become dry and won’t expand as much. Look for kernels that feel firm and don’t seem dusty.
- Type of Kernel: There are two main types: butterfly and mushroom. Butterfly kernels are the classic, fluffy ones you often see at the movies. Mushroom kernels are rounder and denser, holding up well to toppings. America’s Test Kitchen often favors butterfly for its airy texture.
Important Materials
Popcorn kernels are simply dried corn. The “material” is the corn itself!
- Corn Variety: Different corn varieties have different popping characteristics. America’s Test Kitchen focuses on specific types of yellow or white corn that have been bred for optimal popping. They look for hybrids that deliver a high expansion ratio.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes popcorn great or just okay?
- Storage: How you store your kernels matters. Keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This keeps them fresh and ready to pop. Moisture is the enemy of good popcorn, so avoid humid spots.
- Age: The older the kernels get, the less moisture they hold. This means they won’t pop as well. Always check the “best by” date if possible. Fresh is always best for that satisfying pop.
- Handling: Gentle handling prevents kernels from breaking. Broken kernels can lead to burnt bits.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you like your popcorn.
- Everyday Snacking: For movie nights or a quick afternoon treat, classic butterfly kernels are fantastic. They’re light and fluffy.
- Gourmet Toppings: If you love piling on cheese, spices, or caramel, mushroom kernels are a great choice. Their dense shape can handle a lot of flavor without getting soggy.
- Stovetop vs. Air Popper: Most kernels work well in both. Stovetop popping often gives you more control and can result in a more flavorful popcorn, especially if you use oil. Air poppers are healthier as they don’t need oil.
America’s Test Kitchen Popcorn Kernels: Your Top 10 Questions Answered
Here are some common questions about choosing and using popcorn kernels, especially those recommended by America’s Test Kitchen.
Q: What makes America’s Test Kitchen popcorn kernels special?
A: America’s Test Kitchen recommends kernels that consistently deliver a high number of popped kernels with a great texture. They test for freshness, popping volume, and flavor.
Q: Are all popcorn kernels the same?
A: No, there are different types of corn used for popcorn, and their quality can vary. Different varieties pop with different textures and sizes.
Q: What is the best way to store popcorn kernels?
A: Store kernels in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This keeps them fresh and ready to pop.
Q: How do I know if my popcorn kernels are fresh?
A: Fresh kernels feel firm and don’t look dusty. They should have a good weight for their size.
Q: What is the difference between butterfly and mushroom popcorn?
A: Butterfly popcorn is fluffy and irregular, like a snowflake. Mushroom popcorn is round and dense, good for holding toppings.
Q: Can I use popcorn kernels in an air popper?
A: Yes, most quality popcorn kernels work well in air poppers.
Q: Why doesn’t all my popcorn pop?
A: Old kernels or kernels with too much or too little moisture often don’t pop well. Kernels also need enough heat to pop.
Q: What is the best oil for popping popcorn on the stovetop?
A: A neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola oil or coconut oil, works well.
Q: How can I make my popcorn taste better?
A: Use fresh kernels, pop them with a bit of oil on the stovetop for extra flavor, and season immediately after popping.
Q: Where can I buy popcorn kernels recommended by America’s Test Kitchen?
A: You can often find their recommended brands at well-stocked grocery stores or online retailers.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!