9 Best Buttered Microwave Popcorn For Date Night (Slideshow)
9. Black Jewel (Buttered Flavor)
The best description one taster used was by far: "it wants to be kettlecorn, but it just isn't cutting it." This popcorn came in dead last not only because of its confusing taste, but for its off-putting color. Granted, this was the only popcorn that used black popcorn, its slightly dark, almost "greenish" hue turned our tasters right off, and will likely do the same to your date!
Serving Size: 3 ounces
Calories: 120
Total Fat: 5 grams
Sodium: 200 milligrams
8. America’s Choice (Movie Theater)
Described as "radioactive looking" by several tasters, you may not want to nuke this one for your at-home movie date. As far as flavor goes, tasters found that it was "very artificial tasting" and was extremely "soggy" with butter flavoring. Some even claimed that it had "no flavor whatsoever," and left fingers feeling "gross."
Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (unpopped)
Calories: 170
Total Fat:10 grams
Sodium: 250 milligrams
7. Newman’s Own (Butter)
Despite the fact that several tasters thought that this microwave popcorn had some of the best texture with a good "crunch" factor, many of them thought that the flavor was just slightly off. The general consensus was that the butter flavor was not prominent at all, even there were even a few thoughts that it had more of a cheddar taste to it. While the crunchiness of this brand is a definite plus, you may want to hold back on using this for a movie night as the the crunchiness could distract from the movie itself!
Serving Size: 3.5 cups
Calories: 130
Total Fat: 5 grams
Sodium: 180 milligrams
6. Jolly Time (Blast-O-Butter)
With a soft texture and an over-compensating amount of butter flavor, this popcorn ended up in the middle of our favorites. It seemed like tasters were torn, some stating that it was just too fake to take with others stating that it "tastes just like popcorn should," and that it harkens to old-style movie theater popcorn. If you and your date feel that nostalgia-flavor is more important than actual flavor, we recommend you pop this brand in the microwave!
Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (unpopped)
Calories: 160
Total Fat: 12 grams
Sodium: 330 milligrams
5. 365 (Butter Flavor)
Inching into the top 5, this popular organic brand is perfect for those looking for a "light" popcorn experience. Most tasters could immediately detect that there was little to no salt tasting in the pack, which actually weighed heavily against its ranking. One taster even called it "cardboard." Choosing this popcorn for date night could indicate you are no fan of risk taking.
Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (unpopped)
Calories: 140
Total Fat: 5 grams
Sodium: 300 milligrams
4. Pop Secret (Movie Theater Butter)
Finally, the tasters were getting closer to the kind of popcorn they craved! Everyone commented that they were satisfied with the look and taste of the butter flavoring. The only complaints really mentioned were a strange "sweet" taste that seemed to follow afterward. In general though, tasters agreed that this would be an acceptable pick for date night. Who knows, maybe the sweet after-taste will inspire a sweet ending to the night?
Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (unpopped)
Calories: 170
Total Fat: 12 grams
Sodium: 300 milligrams
3. Smart Balance (Light Butter)
It seemed that when it came to this popcorn, tasters were in love with the balance of butter and salt. Several people commented on it's "natural flavor" and "air popped" taste. What may have cost it first place was the subtlety of the butter, which several tasters were craving. You may want to consider choosing this for you date night because not only does it taste great, it makes your at least appear to be "health conscious."
Serving Size: 3 tablespoons (unpopped)
Calories: 120
Total Fat: 4.5 grams
Sodium: 290 milligrams
2. Orville Redenbacher’s (Movie Theater Popcorn)
We suppose there is something to be said for classic popcorn. This familiar face came in second place and was recognized as "very buttery, but in a really good way." Though some found the extreme butter flavor a little off-putting, this popcorn had tasters licking their fingers and grabbing for seconds!
Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (unpopped)
Calories: 160
Total Fat: 9 grams
Sodium: 250 milligrams
1. Act II (Movie Theater Butter)
If you're planning on hosting that movie date night, this should be the one to use. Though some tasters did find it a little "chewy" this popcorn seemed to satisfy everyone with the most natural balance between butter and salt that they tasted throughout this taste test. It seems to us that this balance is exactly what you are looking for in a popcorn (and really in your date too) for some quality movie-watching time!
Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (unpopped)
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 8 grams
Sodium: 370 milligrams