Microwave popcorn has become a popular and convenient snack for many people. However, this beloved treat may not be as healthy as we think. Microwave popcorn contains several ingredients that can be concerning for your health.
The Problem with Microwave Popcorn Bags
The bags that microwave popcorn comes in are lined with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). This chemical prevents the oil and butter from soaking through the bag. However, PFOA exposure has been linked to several health issues:
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Changes in liver enzymes
- Decreased response to vaccines
- Increased risk of certain cancers
When heated, the PFOA may leak into the popcorn and get consumed. The EPA has warned about potential health risks from PFOA exposure.
Contains a Lot of Fat
Most microwave popcorn is extremely high in fat. A typical bag of microwave popcorn may contain 10-15 grams of fat per serving. This is a significant amount, considering the recommended total fat intake per day is around 65 grams.
The source of this fat is usually some combination of vegetable oil, palm oil, soybean oil, and coconut oil. While some of these oils are healthier than others, the high overall fat content can promote weight gain if consumed in excess.
Often Has Artificial Flavors and Preservatives
Microwave popcorn frequently contains artificial flavors to give it a buttery taste. Brands use artificial flavorings like diacetyl and pentanedione to replicate movie theater butter flavor.
However, diacetyl has been linked to lung health issues. Workers at popcorn factories that used diacetyl developed a serious lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans.
Microwave popcorn also includes preservatives like tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ). These preservatives prolong the shelf life but have controversial health effects. Some studies link TBHQ to stomach tumors and changes in DNA.
Loaded With Salt
Microwave popcorn can pack a heavy sodium punch. Salt enhances the flavor, but most brands take it overboard.
A single bag may contain 500-1000 mg of sodium. Compare this to the American Heart Association’s recommendation of less than 2300 mg per day.
High salt intake is associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other health conditions. The high amounts in microwave popcorn can quickly lead to excess daily consumption.
Contains Genetically Modified Corn
Conventional microwave popcorn uses genetically modified (GMO) corn kernels. These kernels come from plants that have DNA altered in a lab to exhibit certain traits.
While GMOs are considered safe by many scientists, there is concern that they may have unintended health consequences we don’t yet fully understand. More research is needed on their long-term effects.
Often Contains Harmful Trans Fats
Many brands use partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to get the popcorn super buttery and crispy. However, this process also creates trans fats.
Trans fats increase inflammation, promote heart disease, and negatively impact cholesterol levels. The FDA has banned the use of partially hydrogenated oils because of their health risks.
Yet despite the ban, some microwave popcorn brands still use these unhealthy oils to achieve the perfect taste and texture.
Frequently Coated in Harmful Chemicals
The popcorn itself is typically doused in chemical coatings before being packaged. These chemical mixtures give the popcorn a shiny sheen and prevent it from sticking together.
However, the compounds frequently used include propylene glycol, artificial colors, and hydrogenated oils. Research connects these chemicals to issues like:
- Skin and eye irritation
- Lung damage
- Kidney disease
- Nervous system toxicity
Often High in Calories
With all of that fat, salt, and artificial flavoring, microwave popcorn can quickly rack up the calories. A typical bag ranges from 150-250 calories. It’s very easy to down 500+ calories of popcorn in one sitting.
These excess calories promote weight gain if you frequently snack on microwave popcorn. Air-popped popcorn with added seasoning is a much lower calorie alternative.
Lacks Nutritional Value
Microwave popcorn is a very processed snack. All the processing strips out most of the nutrients, besides a small amount of fiber and B vitamins.
It lacks the satisfying protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals found in whole food snacks. You end up consuming empty calories that don’t properly nourish your body.
Often Contains MSG
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer commonly added to microwave popcorn. It has gotten a bad reputation for triggering reactions like headaches, nausea, and dizziness in sensitive individuals.
While MSG is safe for most people, its potential side effects are concerning. Some brands specifically advertise that their popcorn has no MSG.
Can Be Addictive
The irresistible smell and flavor of microwave popcorn may trigger cravings and overeating. Chemicals like MSG enhance the palatability of food, making your brain want more and more.
Microwave popcorn is also convenient and easy to keep refilling. Before you know it, you’ve eaten 3-4 bags in a sitting.
Often Contains Milk Ingredients
Many microwave popcorn brands add milk ingredients like whey protein to enhance the flavor. The whey protein gives it a creamier, cheesier taste.
However, the addition of milk ingredients is bad news for people with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. They can experience gas, bloating, and other digestive distress from eating microwave popcorn.
Risk of Lung Damage from Inhaling Steam
Have you ever inhaled the steam right after microwaving a bag of popcorn? Those vapors contain volatile organic compounds that can be harmful if inhaled regularly.
Butter flavoring chemicals like diacetyl are especially concerning. After workers inhaled these vapors day after day in popcorn factories, some developed lung damage.
Major Source of Mold and Mycotoxins
One of the most dangerous hazards of microwave popcorn is mold contamination and toxic mycotoxins. Kernels that get overheated can allow mold growth.
Long term ingestion of the resulting mycotoxins may lead to cancer and damage to organs like the liver and kidneys.
May Contain Other Harmful Contaminants
Microwave popcorn has also tested positive for concerning contaminants like glyphosate and perchlorate in some cases. Glyphosate is the potentially carcinogenic weed-killer used on genetically modified corn crops.
Perchlorate is a chemical used in rocket fuel that disrupts thyroid function. It has contaminated water supplies near defense industry sites in the past.
Encourages Unhealthy Eating Habits
Microwave popcorn appeals to our culture’s temptation towards instant gratification and convenience foods. But regularly eating processed snacks trains your tastes to prefer junk food over whole foods.
This sets up a vicious cycle where you crave more and more unhealthy microwave popcorn and other junk foods. Breaking free requires conscious retraining of your eating habits.
Often Gets Stuck in Teeth
The husks and kernels of microwave popcorn can easily get lodged between your teeth. All those crevices are a breeding ground for bacteria buildup and decay.
Flossing more diligently may help, but avoiding microwave popcorn altogether is better for your oral health.
May Contain Allergenic Ingredients
Microwave popcorn may include common food allergens like milk, soy, and corn. The cross contact that occurs during manufacturing also increases the risk of allergen contamination.
Those with food allergies must be very cautious about which brands they choose. Many brands proudly advertise being free of major allergens.
Often Has Misleading Health Claims
Brands frequently tout health claims on their packaging like “all natural” and “no trans fats.” However, inspecting the ingredients tells a different story.
Many times these products are highly processed and still contain concerning ingredients and additives. Don’t take packaging claims at face value.
What About Popcorn Lung Disease?
“Popcorn lung disease” refers to the lung damage workers suffered after inhaling the buttery flavoring chemical diacetyl. The disease destroyed the smallest airways in their lungs, causing severe coughing and shortness of breath.
Consumers are unlikely to inhale enough diacetyl from microwave popcorn vapor to cause popcorn lung disease. However, it and other flavoring chemicals remain a concern with consistent exposure.
Alternatives to Microwave Popcorn
Thankfully, many healthier popcorn alternatives exist that you can easily make at home:
- Air-popped popcorn flavored with olive oil and seasonings
- Stovetop popcorn cooked in coconut oil or avocado oil
- “Naked” microwave popcorn with minimal ingredients
- Organic varieties without diacetyl or other additives
These options remove the harmful chemicals and reduce the fat, salt, and calories. With a little experimentation at home, you can find a healthier popcorn that satisfies your snacking cravings.
Conclusion
Microwave popcorn may be convenient, but its long list of unhealthy ingredients is concerning. The high amount of fat, sodium, preservatives, and flavoring chemicals can negatively impact your health with regular consumption.
Thankfully, several healthier popcorn preparation methods exist. By choosing air-popped, stovetop, or no-additive microwave varieties, you can still enjoy this tasty snack minus the dangerous additives.
