Best Popcorn Kernels

Last Updated: Apr 27, 2023 @ 10:41 am.

Best Amish Popcorn: Amish Country Popcorn

When we tested popcorn kernel brands, we tried various popping methods. For stovetop-made popcorn, one brand stood out among the others: Amish Country Popcorn. The taste of these hulless medium white kernels—oh, wow! Amazing.

FYI: Although this popcorn is called Amish Country and it is grown on farms in and around an Amish community in Indiana, the brand is not actually owned by an Amish family or community.

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Very few unpopped kernels.

• Great smell!

• Very good taste.

• No GMO’s.

What Needs Work

• Doesn’t work as well in hot-air poppers, in our opinion.

• Not organic.

• Small kernels. If you want larger kernels, consider this next pick. 

Best Budget Friendly: Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels

For the best bang for the buck, we loved this tried and true brand: Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popcorn Kernels. Yes, this is over five pounds of popcorn!

What We Liked

• Fresh!

• No GMO’s.

• Popped well with several methods.

• Affordable.

• Sealed plastic container with handle is easy to store and use.

What Needs Work

• Jar is somewhat fragile—it can crack easily if you aren’t careful.

• Not organic. If you prefer an organic popcorn, consider the next pick. 

Best Organic Popcorn: Anthony’s Organic Yellow Popcorn Kernels

If the budget allows, this organic popcorn won our blind taste test in its category—chewy and good-sized kernels! Yes, it is pricey but we know USDA Organic is important for some folks!

What We Liked

• Very tasty.

• Fluffy kernels!

• No GMO’s.

• USDA Organic.

What Needs Work

• Pricey. best popcorn kernels

Best Large Popcorn Kernels: Great Northern Popcorn

We know popcorn enthusiasts are often divided into several camps—some folks like smaller-size kernels, while others prefer larger varieties. The latter are somewhat easier for flavored popcorn—there is more surface area for seasoning to stick to!

If you are in the latter group, we’d recommend Great Northern Popcorn. The size of this popcorn outdid others we tried!

What We Liked

• Delicious!

• Larger kernels = better for seasonings!

• No GMO’s.

What Needs Work

• Somewhat pricey. best popcorn kernels

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do hands-on testing—we buy the products with our own money and evaluate with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!

best popcorn kernels