Microwave Popcorn Bowl: New Favorite Thing

I have been eating a lot of popcorn lately.  In an effort to avoid overly processed and empty calorie foods, this has become my go-to snack.  Popcorn has a lot of nutritional value.

In a 3.5 ounce serving, there is

  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 9% of the DV.
  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 14% of the DV.
  • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): 9% of the DV.
  • Iron: 18% of the DV.
  • Magnesium: 34% of the DV.
  • Phosphorus: 29% of the DV.
  • Potassium: 7% of the DV.
  • Zinc: 28% of the DV.
  • Copper: 29% of the DV.
  • Manganese: 48% of the DV.

This serving also contains a whopping 15 grams of fiber, which is extremely high. It makes it one of the world’s best sources of fiber and really helps to fill me up.

But microwave popcorn, although delicious, is very high in sodium.  I started buying bags of Skinny Pop which was a good alternative – low in sodium, carbs, and high in fiber – but they cost $5 a bag!  That’s a lot to pay for popcorn!

Years ago I had an air popper for popcorn, so I decided to look for something similar.  In looking at options for this healthy snack, I discovered Microwave popcorn bowls.  These are collapsible silicone bowls that you put in the microwave.  No salt, no oil needed.  Just popcorn kernels and the bowl.  Wow!  Could that really work?

I ordered a a Korcci microwave popcorn bowl from Amazon and got to choose my color, light blue.  I got the bowl for the price of two bags of Skinny Pop and then bought a big jar of Orville Redenbacher popcorn kernels for the price of another bag of Skinny Pop.  Then I poured 1/4 cup of kernels in the bowl and set it in the microwave for 3 minutes, as directed.  Almost all of the kernels popped, although some of them were a little scorched.

The next time I set the timer for 2 minutes and 15 seconds, which was a better time for the 1/4 cup of kernels.  This time I had more unpopped kernels but no scorched smell.  I am willing to let some kernels go unpopped if I can avoid that smell in the kitchen.  1/4 cup of kernels gives me about eight cups of popcorn.

I love my new microwave popcorn bowl.  I can make this nutritious snack quickly whether I am at home or in the RV.  It is inexpensive, fresh, and filling.  I can even sprinkle some salt substitute on it if I am really craving a little salty taste.  If you are looking for a holiday gift for someone in your family who likes popcorn, let me recommend the Korcci microwave popcorn bowl.