Top Popcorn Kernel Brands: Ultimate Snack Experience!

Popcorn is a beloved snack worldwide, and selecting the best brand of popcorn kernels can make all the difference in achieving that perfect bowl of crunchy goodness. With a variety of options available, many brands stand out for their quality and consistency in flavor and texture. From traditional favorites to gourmet selections, each brand offers unique characteristics that cater to different tastes and popping preferences. To discover which brands top the list and offer the best popping experience, read on below.

Illustration of popcorn kernels

Best brands of popcorn kernels in 2025

Orville Redenbacher's

Orville Redenbacher's is a leading brand in the popcorn industry, capturing approximately 45% of the microwave popcorn market and accounting for a significant portion of the $1 billion annual popcorn market. Introduced in 1970, the brand is known for its gourmet popping corn, with Orville Redenbacher developing a hybrid corn that pops with a 44:1 expansion ratio, making it lighter and fluffier. The brand offers a variety of flavors, including signature BBQ, Sharp white cheddar, and Classic kettle corn, and has innovated with healthier options like SmartPop!, which is 94% fat-free and 100% whole grain. Orville Redenbacher's dominates the market with 53% market share, outpacing other brands like Pop Secret. The brand's success is also attributed to Orville Redenbacher's media presence and persistence. Discover more about their products on Orville Redenbacher's website.

Bob's Red Mill

Bob's Red Mill is renowned for producing high-quality popcorn kernels, particularly their yellow and white popcorn blends, which are favored for their flavorful and fluffy texture. Founded in 1978, the company has established itself as a leader in whole grain and gluten-free products, with an annual revenue of $239.1 million as of 2024. Their yellow popcorn kernels are made from whole grain yellow corn and are preferred for their larger kernel size and ease of production, yielding twice as much as white popcorn. Bob's Red Mill is employee-owned since 2010 and is based in Milwaukie, Oregon. Their popcorn kernels are ideal for stovetop popping, offering a delicious and healthy snack option.

Great Northern

Great Northern Popcorn Company is renowned as one of the best producers of popcorn kernels, known for its high-quality products and strong customer satisfaction. The company generates significant revenue, with an estimated monthly sales figure of 7,100 units and a monthly revenue of $362,526. Their products have an average rating count of 4,189, indicating a high level of customer approval. Great Northern offers a variety of popcorn-related products, including all-in-one packets and popcorn machines, which are highly praised by customers for their quality and ease of use. The company's commitment to excellence is reflected in its long-standing customer relationships, with some customers purchasing from them since 1995. For more information, visit their official website.

Amish Country Popcorn

Amish Country Popcorn is a renowned brand in the consumer goods sector, particularly celebrated for its high-quality, Non-GMO, and Kosher-certified popcorn kernels. With an annual revenue of $500K as of March 2024 and a mid-sized company structure of 11-50 employees, Amish Country Popcorn operates with a sustainable focus, appealing to eco-conscious consumers. The brand offers 12 delicious kernel varieties, including medium white hulless, small hulless, and other flavors, all of which are gluten, peanut, and tree nut-free. Their products have an average monthly revenue of $149,900 and an average order count of 10,000 units. Known for their tender and flavorful popcorn, Amish Country Popcorn has garnered a loyal customer base over the years. For more about their products, visit their official website.

Jolly Time

JOLLY TIME is a renowned brand in the popcorn industry, celebrated for its high-quality popcorn kernels. The brand saw significant growth in 2020, with its main line increasing by 4.5% and the JOLLY TIME Blast O Butter line growing by 15.7%. Known for its 100% whole grain kernels, JOLLY TIME offers a variety of flavors, including butter-flavored microwave popcorn with 0 grams of trans fat and no hydrogenated oil. For over 100 years, JOLLY TIME has been a favorite among popcorn enthusiasts, with products like the SELECT Yellow Popcorn Kernels and Healthy Pop Butter Minis.

Snappy Popcorn

Snappy Popcorn is renowned for its high-quality, farm-fresh popcorn kernels, grown in Iowa since 1944. Their products are non-GMO, gluten-free, and low in calories, making them a popular choice for health-conscious consumers. The Snappy Popcorn kernels are known for their consistent quality and flavorful taste, with almost no un-popped kernels. Each case of their Snap-Paks contains 24-10.6 oz pouches, providing approximately 192 one-oz servings. This brand ensures a perfect batch of popcorn every time, making it a favorite among popcorn enthusiasts. For more information, visit their official website.

Redenbacher's Gourmet

Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet brand is renowned for its high-quality popcorn kernels, boasting 100% whole grain content and being Canada's #1 selling popcorn brand. For over 50 years, the brand has been synonymous with light and fluffy popcorn, with its exclusive kernels grown on family farms. Orville Redenbacher's offers a diverse range of flavors, including buttery, extra buttery, light buttery, and vegan options like Simply Salted. The brand's SmartPop line is 94% fat-free and 100% delicious, making it a favorite in the better-for-you microwave popcorn category. Recently, Orville Redenbacher's introduced new popcorn seasonings, including partnerships with Buffalo Wild Wings and Cinnabon, enhancing the customizable snacking experience.

Arrowhead Mills

Arrowhead Mills is a renowned brand for producing high-quality organic yellow popcorn kernels, certified by the USDA and verified by the Non-GMO Project. These kernels are a rich source of fiber, providing 25% of the daily recommended value per serving, and are also gluten-free, low in fat, and sodium/salt-free. With over 60 years of experience, Arrowhead Mills has been a leader in the organic food movement, offering whole grain snacks that are both nutritious and delicious. Each serving of their organic yellow popcorn contains 7g of dietary fiber and 4g of protein, making it an excellent choice for a healthy snack. The brand's commitment to quality and nutrition has made it a favorite among consumers seeking balanced lifestyles.

Anthony’s

Anthony's is renowned as one of the best producers of popcorn kernels, offering organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free options that cater to diverse consumer needs. Their organic yellow popcorn kernels, grown and packaged in California, are tested and verified to be gluten-free, ensuring a safe and healthy snacking experience. These kernels are versatile and can be popped using various methods, including stovetop, electric popper, or air popper. With a focus on quality and consumer satisfaction, Anthony's products are a favorite among movie enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers alike. The brand's commitment to organic and non-GMO standards makes it a trusted choice in the market.

Franklin's Gourmet Popcorn

Franklin's Gourmet Popcorn is a renowned brand, celebrated for its high-quality, non-GMO popcorn kernels sourced directly from family-owned farms in Iowa and Missouri. With over 20 years of experience, co-founders Tal and Dave have perfected the art of creating perfectly fluffy, buttery, and fresh movie theater-style popcorn. Their products are designed to enhance the movie night experience, offering a range of popping corn, oils, poppers, and seasonings. The brand's commitment to quality and flavor has earned it a loyal customer base, and their website updates, such as the mega menu and product detail page improvements, have significantly boosted conversions. Franklin's Gourmet Popcorn stands out in the growing U.S. popcorn market, which is expected to reach USD 4.87 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.56% from 2024 to 2029.