Substitutes for Popcorn: 15 Best Alternatives for Your Next Snack!

The most popular finger food snack is probably popcorn. It’s hard not to eat all of the popcorn in one sitting. On the other hand, popcorn might not be the ideal choice if you’re on a low-calorie diet or have a corn allergy.

Instead of popcorn, there are a variety of healthy alternatives to try.

Sorghum, cauliflower popcorn, amaranth, barley, green beans, buckwheat, kale chips, quinoa, trail mix, apple chips, water lily seeds, cheese cubes, dried fruit nibbles, lentil chips, and dried carrots are some of the most popular popcorn substitutes.

Continue reading if you’re interested in learning more about these alternatives.

Alternatives to popcorn

Many people believe that popcorn can’t be replaced. However, we’ve discovered a few of the greatest that will satisfy your appetite!

No. 1 Sorghum that has been popped

Sorghum popcorn is lower in calories and more accessible to digest than maize popcorn. It also has a high fiber, protein, and antioxidant content. It tastes a little sweeter and nuttier than popcorn.

Gluten-free sorghum popcorn is ideal for those who are allergic to corn. In less than 15 minutes, you can prepare popped sorghum at home on the stove or in the microwave. Here’s how to make it:

Preheating your pan or oven is the first step.

Allow the sorghum grains to warm up over medium heat. To ensure that they are heated evenly, shake the pan.

Remove two-thirds of the sorghum grains from the pan or oven when they have popped, and repeat the process with the remaining grains.

You’ll have crunchy sorghum popcorn once you’re done!

No. 2 Popcorn made from cauliflower

Cauliflower popcorn is one of the healthiest popcorn alternatives. It’s low in calories but high in protein, and it’s sodium-free and cholesterol-free. Here’s how to make it:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for making cauliflower popcorn.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, and any additional seasonings you choose to use. Add the cauliflower to the top and toss it around to coat it evenly.

Place the cauliflower on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

This procedure is quick and straightforward to follow!

No. 3 Amaranth that has been popped

Amaranth is a gluten-free ancient grain that is high in protein. Vitamin C and antioxidants are also abundant in this fruit. The calorie content of amaranth is lower than that of popcorn.

When heated, these grains are tiny and explode. It takes less time to make them than regular popcorn. This is what you must do:

Preheat an oven or a pan over medium-high heat to start making popped amaranth.

Two-thirds of the seeds should have popped by now. Season to taste with salt and pepper on top. It will take you less than 10 minutes to prepare popped amaranth.

Amaranth is a quick-growing herb. As a result, instead of popping, the seeds will eventually burn. If this doesn’t happen, it’s possible that your pan or oven wasn’t hot enough.

No. 4 Barley that has been puffing

When barley is heated, unlike popcorn, it does not pop. It cracks and puffs due to the heating. It has a soft, chewy texture and a nutty, toasted flavor as a result of this.

Fiber-rich puffed barley is helpful for digestion and weight loss. It contains fewer calories and is more satisfying than regular popcorn.

Start by heating an oven or a pan over medium heat to make puffed barley.

Heat the barley in the oven or on the stove until two-thirds of the grains have puffed up.

Remove the popped barley and continue the process until all of the grains have popped.

Your delectable puffed barley is now ready!

No. 5 Fries with green beans

Green bean fries are a tasty and somewhat unusual alternative to popcorn. If you’re attempting to reduce weight, they’re one of the most delicate things to eat.

Green bean fries are low in calories and high in fiber and protein, making them a healthier alternative to conventional Popcorn. They’re also really filling.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the green bean fries.

Combine bread crumbs, olive oil, and spices in a mixing basin. Mix until everything is well blended.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. After the two have been blended, add the breadcrumbs.

Fresh green beans should be dipped in this mixture.

Finally, roast these green beans for 20 to 25 minutes in the oven.

You’ll have a nutritious snack to gorge on once you’re done!

No. 6 Buckwheat that has been popped

Buckwheat that has been popped is high in fiber and protein.

It has fewer calories than popcorn and is beneficial to your digestion and blood sugar levels. Buckwheat is also high in iron and has a low salt and cholesterol content.

Buckwheat that has been popped can be made in the oven or on the stove.

To begin, preheat your oven or lightly coat your baking pan with oil.

Heat the buckwheat grains until they are two-thirds popped. Continue doing so until all of the buckwheat grains have popped.

Buckwheat grains are more minor than popcorn kernels and resemble unpopped popcorn. Because they’re smaller, you might want to grab a handful.

No. 7 Chips made with kale

These chips are high in antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin K. These can aid in the reduction of cholesterol and the prevention of heart disease. In addition to being low in calories, kale chips are also quite satisfying.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to create kale chips at home.

Remove the kale leaf’s stem and slice it into tiny pieces. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the kale chips to cook in the oven before serving.

It’s so healthy and delicious, no one can say no to kale, whether it’s in a salad or as chips!

No. 8 Quinoa that has been popped

Quinoa is high in iron, manganese, fiber, and protein and rich in many other nutrients. It has fewer calories and fat than traditional popcorn and can aid in weight loss and digestion.

Begin by preheating your pan or oven to make popped quinoa at home.

Allow the quinoa to come to room temperature over medium heat. To ensure that they are heating evenly, shake the pan.

Remove the remaining grains in the pan or oven when two-thirds of them have popped.

So try quinoa popped at home, and you won’t miss the popcorn!

No. 9 Trail mix

Popcorn can be replaced with trail mix, which is healthful and filling. Nuts, granola, dried fruit, and sweets are commonly found in them. Regular popcorn can also be added to your trail mix. Fiber, good fats, and proteins are abundant in trail mix. Dried fruits and nuts aid in weight loss and digestion.

What’s the best part? You may prepare your trail mix at home if you want it to be as healthy as possible.

No. 10 Apple chips

Apple chips are a healthier alternative to popcorn as a snack. Vitamins and antioxidants abound in them. Also worth trying is their distinct yet delectable flavor.

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit for the apple chips.

Cut apple slices into slices and season with salt, pepper, and cinnamon. For 45 to 60 minutes, heat the apple slices.

Even if you try hard, you won’t be able to stop eating them!

No. 11 Seeds of water lily

Water lily seeds that have been popped make a tasty snack. They are gluten-free, nut-free, and grain-free. Furthermore, they are ideal for allergy sufferers.

The best thing about water lily seeds is that they have precisely the right amount of crunch. It reminds me of a little bit of popcorn. These seeds are much better than popcorn when adequately seasoned.

No. 12 Low-carb popcorn

Keto popcorn is minimal in carbs and calories, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals. Let’s have a look at how you may make these at home:

Start by slicing bits of cheese into popcorn-sized bites to make keto popcorn at home.

Allow the pieces to air dry for about 24 hours.

After that, bake them for no more than 10 minutes. The cheese pieces will bubble up and pop, and your keto popcorn will be ready to munch on.

No. 13 Bites of dried fruit

Dried fruits are nearly identical to fresh fruits in terms of nutrition. As a result, they are a healthier alternative to popcorn. Furthermore, they have less fat and sugar than popcorn.

To make dried fruit bites at home, all you have to do is slice the fruits into little bite-sized pieces.

After that, dehydrate or bake them for around 10 minutes.

When they’re done, you may savor their delectable and distinct flavor.

No. 14 Chips made from lentils

If you have a nut allergy, lentil chips can be used instead of popcorn. They are free of maize, gluten, and nuts. They are also highly healthful in other ways.

They’re high in protein and fiber while low in fat and calories. Here’s how to create your potato chips at home:

1. To prepare lentil chips at home, soak the lentils for at least an hour or overnight in salted water.
2. Drain the lentils and combine them with the seasonings of your choice in a blender.
3. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and bake this mixture. It should take you about 30 minutes to complete this task.
4. Remove the lentil chips from the oven after they have turned golden.

No. 15 Dried carrot chips

Dried carrot chips are a nutritious snack that can be used instead of popcorn. Fiber, vitamin A, and iron are abundant in carrots and they are also low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

Begin by washing and cutting carrots at home to produce dried carrot chips. Season with salt and pepper if desired.

The carrots should next be dried using a dehydrator or a low-temperature oven.

It will take around two hours to complete this process, and your healthy popcorn substitute will be ready.

Related issues

Is it possible to get corn-free popcorn?

Yes, corn-free popcorn is available. Popcorn can be replaced with grains such as barley, buckwheat, quinoa, amaranth, and sorghum.

Is popcorn a healthy snack option?

Popcorn that has been air-popped and gently seasoned is a relatively healthful snack.

Popcorn is made from whole grains, which are low in calories and high in fiber. It becomes harmful when you add butter, sugar, or salt.