Healthy Cinnamon Popcorn (Gluten-Free)

Savory and sweet healthy cinnamon popcorn. This gluten-free popcorn recipe is the perfect easy snack or movie night treat. Discover two fuss-free methods - using a popcorn maker or stovetop popcorn. It's a family favorite snack that's quick to make, kind to your brain, and pairs with your favorite movie! Dive in!

Jump to:

• 👪 Why You'll Love Cinnamon Popcorn
• 🌿 Why Use A Popcorn Maker?
• 🍿Ingredients List
• 💡 Healthy Popcorn Tips & Tricks
• 👩🏽‍🍳 Instructions: Popcorn Maker Step-By-Step
• 👩🏽‍🍳 Instructions: Stovetop Step-By-Step
• ⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
• 🍿 Cinnamon Popcorn Variations
• 🥡 Storage
• ❔ FAQ
• 📈 Nutritional Highlights
• 🥣 Pair This Recipe With
• 📖 Recipe

🌽Healthy Vegan Popcorn

As the snow gently blankets the streets of Canada, there's nothing quite like gathering around with your family to witness the serene beauty of a snowstorm, with the comforting aroma of freshly made popcorn wafting through the air. This tradition, passed down from my father, now finds a place in my own home, bringing a sprinkle of magic to the festive season. And what adds to the magic is the warm, spicy scent of cinnamon mingling with the rich, buttery aroma of popcorn.

After embracing a vegan lifestyle, I feared losing out on enjoying my favorite snack. But thanks to vegan butters, the joy of savoring delicious flavors with vegan popcorn remains untouched.

So, let's dive into the world of healthy cinnamon popcorn, a recipe that promises a treat for your taste buds and a journey down memory lane. It's so good we prefer it to movie theater popcorn! And even bring it with us to the movie theaters 🙂

For more easy gluten-free and dairy-free snacks, check out our no bake bliss balls or for a savory snack our baked gluten-free rice balls. If you are looking for a decadent treat you have to try our dairy-free truffles (Vegan Brigadeiro).

👪 Why You'll Love Cinnamon Popcorn

This healthy cinnamon popcorn recipe is a perfect blend of health and taste, catering to both adults and kids who have a penchant for sweet snacks without added sugar.

• Quick and Easy: For busy parents, this simple recipe offers a quick solution to the constant demand for snacks, saving precious time without compromising on quality.
• Versatility: Whether it's a favorite movie night or a festive gathering, this gluten-free snack fits right in, promising smiles and happiness all around.
• Creative and Fun: Break the monotony of regular snacks with this creative recipe, allowing you to experiment and find your family's favorite recipes.
• Eco-Friendly: By using a popcorn maker, you not only get the best snack but also contribute to a greener earth by reducing waste.

🌿 Why Use A Popcorn Maker?

I have to share this little nugget of wisdom with you. If you don't already own a popcorn maker, you might want to consider getting one. I often spot them at places like Value Village, a treasure trove for second-hand finds. Not only are these makers quite affordable, but they also pave the way for a zero-waste snack option! It's a win-win, really - no microwave bags to discard and no exposure to those nasty chemicals.

Now, here's a little food for thought - did you know that microwave popcorn bags are lined with chemicals known as PFCs? These can break down into perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a substance suspected to be carcinogenic. Quite alarming.

In fact, a recent review by the FDA revealed that microwave popcorn might contribute to about 20% of the average PFOA levels found in Americans' bloodstreams - a rather scary revelation(1,2). So, here's my little piece of advice - stick to popcorn makers, stop burning your kernels on the stove, and get perfect kernels every time!

🍿Ingredients List

Our healthy cinnamon popcorn recipe will give you a burst of flavor in every bite. Here's a list of the sample ingredients that make this recipe a family favorite:

• Popcorn Kernels: The foundation of our recipe, I always opt for premium quality kernels to get the best vegan popcorn. Make sure to get a gluten-free popcorn if you are sensitive to gluten. We use Bob's Red Mill products because it is certified gluten-free and non-GMO.
• Butter: A staple in my kitchen, it adds a rich, buttery flavor that makes this recipe the ultimate comfort snack. I love using vegan cashew butter l(we used cinnamon-spiced cashew butter by Culcherd) because I love the rich flavors that nut butters provide. But you can use regular dairy butter if you prefer.
• Ground Cinnamon: This spice brings warmth and a sweet aroma that transforms this healthy cinnamon popcorn into a festive delight. The cinnamon flavor takes me back to those magical snowstorm nights.
• Sea Salt: A pinch of this elevates the flavors! A go-to ingredient that adds a hint of complexity to this recipe.

For full quantities, see the recipe card below.

👩🏽‍🍳 Instructions: Popcorn Maker Step-By-Step

(scroll down for the stovetop version)

Here's how we'll bring this healthy cinnamon popcorn recipe to life:

Step 1: Preparing the Popcorn Maker

Before we dive in, ensure your popcorn maker is clean and ready to go. If you're using an air popper, place it on a stable surface. Pro Tip: Always have a large bowl ready to catch the freshly popped popcorn.

Step 2: Adding the Kernels

Now, let's add the kernels to the popper. This is where the magic begins! As the kernels start popping, you'll see them transforming into beautiful, fluffy gluten-free popcorn.

Pro Tip: Use fresh kernels and avoid ones that have been stored for too long as they might not pop well.

Step 3: Preparing the Flavor

Prepare our flavor mix. Add the butter and cinnamon to the little dish on top of the popcorn maker. The heat will melt the butter, infusing it with the cinnamon flavor.

Adding a bit of sea salt directly to the mixture will enhance the flavor profile, creating a perfect blend of sweet and salty.

Step 4: Dressing the Popcorn

Once the popcorn is ready, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the warm, aromatic butter mixture in.

Pro Tip: Give it a good shake or use a spatula to stir, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the delightful mixture.

Step 5: Serving

Now comes the most exciting part - serving the popcorn! Transfer to serving bowls and get ready to enjoy a cozy, festive time with your family. A bowl of popcorn pairs wonderfully with a favorite movie or as a great snack during a family game night.

👩🏽‍🍳 Instructions: Stovetop Step-By-Step

For those who don't have a popcorn maker, worry not! You can still enjoy this festive treat by making it on the stovetop. Check out the steps below or head over to Cookie and Kate for a more detailed guide.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Pot

Start by choosing a large pot with a tight-fitting lid. This will give the kernels enough space to pop evenly. The size of your pot will depend on the cups of popcorn you use. Pro Tip: A pot with a thick bottom will ensure even heat distribution, preventing the kernels from burning.

Step 2: Heating the Pot

Place the pot on the stove over medium heat. To check if the pot is hot enough, drop in a couple of kernels. When they pop, you know it's time to add the rest. Keeping the heat at medium prevents the kernels from burning and ensures a perfect pop.

Step 3: Adding the Kernels

Pour in the kernels and cover the pot with the lid. Shake the pot gently every now and then to ensure even popping and to prevent burnt popcorn at the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Preparing the Flavor Mix

While the popcorn is popping, prepare the flavor mix. In a microwave-safe bowl, add the vegan butter and cinnamon. Microwave on medium for 20 seconds at a time until you melt butter. Stir at each step.

Step 5: Listening for the Pops

Listen carefully to the popping sounds. When the pops slow down to about 2 seconds between each pop, remove the pot from the heat. Let the pot sit for a minute to allow any remaining kernels to pop before opening the lid.

Step 6: Dressing the Popcorn

Transfer the hot popcorn to a large bowl. Pour the warm butter mixture over it, giving it a good shake to evenly distribute the flavors. Then serve your homemade cinnamon popcorn in bowls, and enjoy a heartwarming snack with your loved ones. It's the perfect snack to share during a festive movie night or a casual get-together.

🍿 Cinnamon Popcorn Variations

Looking to spice up your gluten-free popcorn game? Here are some delicious recipes (with some dessert popcorn recipes) that promise to bring a burst of flavor to your snack time:

1. Healthy Nooch Popcorn: Give your gluten-free popcorn a cheesy nutritious twist without the cheese! Sprinkle some nutritional yeast (high in B12) on your freshly air-popped popcorn for a savory delight that's hard to resist.
2. Cheesy Popcorn: Use your favorite parmesan cheese for extra cheesy popcorn!
3. Chili Lime Adventure: Ready for a tangy kick? Try this chili lime version. Drizzle some olive oil and lime juice over your popcorn, followed by a sprinkle of chili powder. It's a zesty twist that brings a burst of vibrant popcorn flavors to your bowl.
4. Sweet Popcorn: If you have a sweet tooth, this variation is for you. Prepare a cinnamon sugar popcorn recipe by mixing a bit of maple syrup with ground cinnamon. Drizzle over your healthy cinnamon popcorn for a dessert experience that's both sweet and savory! Alternatively, you can add some brown sugar into the butter cinnamon mixture.
5. Sea Salt Popcorn: Sometimes, simplicity is key. Enjoy the classic sea salt popcorn by sprinkling some fine sea salt over your hot popcorn. It's the epitome of salty popcorn that never goes out of style.

Feel free to experiment with these vegan flavors and find your family's new favorite recipe!

🥡 Storage

To ensure that you always have the most delicious gluten-free popcorn at hand, here's how to store it properly:

Remaining Popcorn Kernels: Store any unused kernels in an airtight container, keeping them fresh and ready for your next cinnamon popcorn adventure.

Popped Popcorn: If you find yourself with leftovers, transfer it to an airtight container. This way, it retains its crunch and is ready to be enjoyed later.

Remember, the key to enjoying this perfect snack every time is proper storage. It keeps this simple recipe fresh and tasty, ready to delight your taste buds at a moment's notice.

❔ FAQ

📈 Nutritional Highlights

Indulging in our healthy cinnamon popcorn doesn't just satisfy your taste buds, but it also comes packed with nutritional and health benefits. Here's a peek into the nutritional content per serving:

• Calories: A moderate 243 kcal, making it a great snack option that won't tip the calorie scale.
• Carbohydrates: With 33g of carbs, it provides a good source of energy to keep you going.
• Sugar: Impressively low at 0.4g, making it a guilt-free treat that won't spike your sugar levels.
• Protein: Contains 5g of protein, contributing to muscle health and overall body function.
• Fat: A balanced profile with 11g of fat, including healthy fats that are good for your heart and brain. Especially when using a cashew based vegan butter. Look for brands that have clean ingredients and use healthy fats to make your vegan gluten-free popcorn.
• Fiber: A generous 7g of fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Vitamins & Minerals: A source of essential nutrients including Vitamin A, Iron, and Zinc, fostering overall well-being and supporting brain health.

Indulge in this delightful snack without the guilt, knowing it's low in sugar yet rich in nutrients that foster brain health and development. It's the perfect blend of taste and nutrition, making it a favorite snack for both kids and adults alike.

🥣 Pair This Recipe With

After enjoying this flavorful homemade healthy cinnamon popcorn, why not pair it with another easy vegan snack recipe? Perfect for after school snacks, movie snacks or just as a treat.

Thanks for reading, and dont foregt to leave a star rating and comment down below with your favorite pocorn recipes!

Until then, tchau

📖 Recipe