12 Best Options Popcorn Alternative You Should Not Miss
What are healthy alternatives to popcorn? Learn the best popcorn alternative ideas for different needs. Do you need a keto popcorn alternative, a popcorn alternative due to corn allergies, a popcorn alternative for toddlers, a popcorn alternative for braces, or a popcorn alternative for diverticulitis? Find popcorn alternatives that solve all these problems and get information on butter alternatives for popcorn and more. Many good popcorn alternatives are healthier options. Just add a little variety to your midnight snack. It’s a very popular snack all over the world. These popcorn kernels are usually popped in hot oil and seasoned with salt and butter. From baseball games to movie nights, popcorn is a popular tradition.
12 best popcorn alternative
Reasons for seeking a healthy popcorn alternative range from gluten-free diets to corn allergies or simply health reasons. Luckily, there are several alternatives to this. Crunchy, salty snacks such as cauliflower, sorghum, barley, and quinoa.
1. Amaranth
Amaranth is not much smaller than quinoa and is golden in color. It is a seed, so it is naturally gluten-free. Puffed or popped amaranth is a popular snack everywhere, but especially in Mexico, where it is used in sweets instead of puffed rice. When popping amaranth, it is important not to cover the pot or oil to avoid dangerous steam buildup.
2. Sorghum
Sorghum is an ancient grain, meaning it has escaped genetic manipulation through industrialization. It is gluten-free and a great alternative for those with allergies to popcorn. When making popcorn, sorghum behaves very similarly to popcorn corn. When popped, it breaks into soft, small popcorn-like chunks with a crunchy flavor. Plus, it has three times the calcium of popcorn, making it a slightly healthier option.
3. Cauliflower
A great alternative for those who want to avoid grains. Making cauliflower popcorn is easier than you might think. Just cut up the cauliflower florets, add salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast, shake, and dry mix. You get the crunch and cheesy taste of popcorn without the calories or fat.
4. Quinoa
Quinoa is another ancient grain known for its high protein and amino acid content. It is another popular alternative to puffed rice. Puffing quinoa makes it a light, fluffy snack and can also be used as a breakfast cereal with milk. First, rinse the quinoa to remove any bitterness. When whisking, use a high pot and leave the lid off to avoid steaming and burning. No oil is necessary. Quinoa should be puffed dry.
5. Barley
Barley is a grain that most people use only for savory dishes such as breads and soups. However, it can also be puffed up like sorghum and quinoa to make a light, crunchy snack. Barley is known to be a good source of fiber, which improves digestion and aids in weight loss. Therefore, it is a great low-calorie alternative to popcorn as a late-night snack.
6. Fruit and vegetable chips
Like popcorn, fruit and vegetable chips are also high in fiber. Unlike popcorn, many fruits and vegetables also contain the antioxidants vitamin A and vitamin C.
In general, Americans eat too many grains and too few fruits and vegetables. Replacing popcorn with vegetable and fruit chips can help you get closer to the Dietary Guidelines recommendations.
7. Freeze-dried fruit
You might also like freeze-dried fruit if you loved eating crunchy astronaut ice cream as a kid. One advantage of freeze-dried fruit over fruit chips or regular dried fruit is its relatively low calories.
You can find various freeze-dried fruit at regular grocery stores and health food stores. Freeze-dried strawberries and freeze-dried raspberries are two other low-carb options. They are chewier than regular dried fruit and make a great popcorn substitute.
8. Lily seeds
If you want to try something new, try water lily seeds. A fun and unusual popcorn alternative. These seeds are popped to create a popcorn-like consistency. They come in a variety of flavors (just like popcorn), including cheddar and salt and pepper.
Unfortunately, some people find that water lily seeds have a taste that takes some time to get used to. You’ll just have to try them to find out if you like them.
9. Roasted chickpeas
Crispy roasted chickpeas are a fantastic craving if you need a crunchy, salty, or sweet option for popcorn. Chickpeas are high in fiber, and there are many ways to flavor this plant-based protein.
10. Nuts
Salted nuts are a great low-carb and paleo popcorn alternative. Since people on the paleo diet mostly avoid dairy and grains, nuts and seeds serve as a snack.
If you have a peanut or tree nut allergy, roasted seeds are also a good popcorn alternative. They’re a convenient option when you don’t have time to cook or you need a quick snack while traveling.
11. Puffed rice
Can you pop rice like popcorn? You can pop rice, but it doesn’t pop as completely as popcorn. Like amaranth, puffed rice is better suited as a cereal rather than as a snack.
It’s widely available and inexpensive, so I would rather use a store-bought version than make my own. A creative substitute for popcorn I’ve found is shredded mochi topped with popcorn. Brown rice mochi also contains whole wheat flour.
Mochi and rice flakes may be made from a mixture of corn and rice. To ensure “corn-free popcorn,” check the label to make sure the product contains only rice.
12. Pretzels
Since American cuisine is high in wheat, pretzels are an obvious crunchy snack alternative to popcorn. If you’re looking for something crunchy and salty, pretzels are one of the cheapest and easiest to find options.
Pretzels come in a variety of flavors. For more fiber, look for pretzels made with whole wheat or other whole grains (such as spelt). Most pretzels are rich in B vitamins, either naturally or fortified.
Pretzels may also contain non-heme iron. To get the most out of this nutrient, serve your pretzels with a dip that contains vitamin C. Fresh salsa is a great choice.