Six Healthy Popcorn Recipes to Try

Celebrate National Popcorn Day with fun, healthy takes on this fiber-rich, low-cal snack.

We’re betting we’re not the only ones who are excited that popcorn has its own national day. This game-changing snack is full of fiber and low in calories—a win-win in our book! So of course, we’re celebrating by rounding up a few recipes we found that take popcorn—and healthy snacking—to the next level.

That said, popcorn can be a difficult food for many people to digest, so if you’re having digestion issues or have a sensitivity to corn, steer clear of the popcorn bowl.

Otherwise, choose a recipe, put on your favorite movie and celebrate National Popcorn Day (January 19) with us with one of these mouth-watering recipes.

Say “cheese”

This gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free, Dorito-flavored popcorn recipe is made with a whole host of spices and nutritional yeast, which is high in protein, fiber and vitamin B-12 and boosts the immune system, among a whole host of health benefits. The best part? It takes less than 10 minutes to make. (Permission granted to lick all the “cheesy” goodness off your fingers when the bowl is empty.)

Don’t skip dessert

If you’re a choco-holic (no shame), this dark chocolate popcorn party mix recipe made with rosemary, sea salt, nuts and seeds sounds perfect for dessert. But if you prefer sweet and salty, this healthy salted caramel popcorn made with coconut cream and maple syrup ought to do the trick, too.

Go green

We recommend bookmarking this recipe to make again for St. Patrick’s Day, because it’s all sorts of festive—and good for you. Spirulina—a blue-green algae—turns this crunchy snack green, and provides your body with iron, vitamins and more.

Welcome nostalgia

If you’re already missing pumpkin spice lattes and the crisp fall air, this maple caramel popcorn recipe made with nut butter and cinnamon not only is a nod to the autumn palate, but is vegan-friendly—and it may just hold you over until fall returns.

Stay spicy

Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory spice with antioxidant powers and myriad health benefits—that’s why this organic turmeric sea salt popcorn recipe is a delicious and healthful snack when you feel like a little something salty. It’s also made with coconut oil, a healthy fat that also boasts an impressive resumé.

Photo credit: SMarina, Thinkstock