Last Updated: Apr 27, 2023 @ 10:46 am.

What's the best popcorn seasoning? We asked the popcorn enthusiasts among our parent readers for their favorites. And then we took a dozen of these suggestions and did a blind taste test—which was most tasty? Not too salty? Here are the winners!

FYI: We've been reviewing and rating products for the home and families since 1994. To keep things independent, we don't take money or freebies from brands we review! Our work is 100% reader-supported!


How We Picked The Best Popcorn Seasoning—Plus Advice & Tips

We admit it—we are suckers for stove-popped popcorn. You don’t need any special gear and it is quick . . . and fun!

When it came to judging the best popcorn seasoning, we started with our favorite popcorn recipe from Alton Brown. (Important tip: Brown swaps in ghee for butter . . . and we agree this works well).

In our tests, we noticed that seasonings don’t stick well to air-popped popcorn. If don’t use oil-popped popcorn, try spray-on butter to make the seasoning stick. 

Finally consider this tip for storing popcorn: never put it in a freezer or refrigerator. Instead, use an air-tight container and put the popcorn in a cool, dry place. (Freezing or refrigerating popcorn causes more un-popped kernels, since the cold dries out the kernel).

Meanwhile, here are the winners of our blind tests for the best popcorn seasoning. Enjoy!

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Best Seasoning Sample Pack

No MSG, Gluten-Free
We loved this pack—our favorite was Bacon Cheddar . . . but it was also fun to mix and match more than one flavor at a time! Made in the USA.
$17.21 ($1.51 / Ounce)

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Best Natural Flavors

Made in the USA
The sriracha was the clear winner here, but the white cheddar was a close second. Loved the emphasis on natural flavorings: real parmesan and so on.
$22.00 ($3.14 / Ounce)

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Best for Cheese Lovers

Also great for mac & cheese
Yes, this is a 2 pound bottle of white cheddar cheese powder—and wow, is it delicious! Makes great cheese popcorn without the neon orange afterglow!
$26.99 ($0.84 / Ounce)

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Best Sweet + Spicy

Zero calories per serving
Loved the caramel corn flavor, but sour fans will love the dill pickle. Yes, it was amazing as well! Natural flavors plus made in the USA.

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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!

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