7 Healthy Popcorn Alternatives

By Niveditha Kalyanaraman

November 16th, 2023

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We all love a generous portion of popcorn. What is not to love? It has got a bad reputation because the popcorn that we eat at the cinema hall or microwaveable versions of popcorn are high on fat and salt-based, with hardly any nutritional value. If you have weight loss on your mind or have a corn allergy or are simply bored of popcorn in general, here are 7 healthy alternatives that can help you satiate your popcorn quota.

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Makhana

Makhanas are a healthier and much better snack. They are a rich source of calcium and contain lesser calories than the usual salted popcorn. Just like popcorn, lotus seeds too can be eaten with different seasonings like salt and pepper, peri-peri mix, and more.

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Air-Popped Millets

Millets like ragi, bajra and jowar, particularly the air-popped ones, can serve as a great alternative to popcorn. They have more fibre content and are rich in nutrients like iron and calcium, making for great healthy evening snacks.

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Nuts

They can be eaten instead of popcorn at snack time. In fact, they are a good source of vegetable fat so eat them in moderate amounts.

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Roasted Chickpeas

For people following a low-fat and high-protein diet, roasted chickpeas are a great low-calorie snack option. They are a good source of protein, carbohydrates and fibre.

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Air-Popped Wheat

Air-popped wheat can also be considered as a snack option instead of popcorn.

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Cauliflower Popcorn

A great alternative for people trying to stay away from fat, cauliflower popcorn is a lot easier to make than it sounds. Simply cut up florets of cauliflower, shake them with salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast, and then dehydrate the mixture.

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Kale Chips

Kale chips are easy to make and offer that crunchy snap you're searching for something while craving popcorn.

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