Despite The Buttery Taste And Appearance, Some Movie Theater Popcorn Is Actually Vegan — Here's Why

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When you think of going to the movies with your crew, you probably think of buckets of buttery popcorn that are likely to be emptied even before the movie begins. Popcorn has earned the reputation as the definitive movie snack, and for good reason — it's inexpensive, delicious, and satisfying, making it the perfect pairing with a good (or not) film. So, why should the plant-based folks miss out on this quintessential movie theater experience? 

The good news is that vegans, plant-based eaters, and those with dairy sensitivities and allergies can also partake in an uncompromising fistful of buttery-rich popcorn without the animal-derived butter. This might come as a shock to some, but when you think about it, it's not all that surprising. The smoke point of butter is around 300 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. When making popcorn, using sources of fat with higher smoke points is preferred, as popping the corn kernels requires high temperatures that range between 400 and 460 degrees Fahrenheit. 

For popcorn made in bulk, like in movie theaters, oils with high smoke points (like canola or coconut) with added butter flavoring are particularly preferred because you still get the buttery notes and mouthfeel without running the risk of having a burnt flavor lingering in the mix. Furthermore, even the yellow, buttery salt seasoning called Flavacol — a concession staple for several movie theaters and the ingredient responsible for making movie theater popcorn superior — is free from any animal-derived ingredients. Many mainstream cinemas offer vegan-friendly popcorn with a dairy-free buttery topping. Still, word to the wise: Always check with the staff, as the ingredients may vary based on the location and their respective product suppliers.

While it may seem like nothing beats the familiar experience of enjoying a bucket of popcorn at the theaters, you can certainly come close to recreating the nostalgic taste in the comforts of your home. Plus, making it plant-based is easier and tastier than you might think, because "vegan" does not mean skimping out on flavorful indulgence. On the contrary, it can open up a world of flavorsome options that you otherwise may not have been privy to. 

The corn kernels themselves are plant-based, which makes the rest of the process smooth sailing (or popping?). If hosting home movie nights on the regular is your jam, a nifty popcorn machine cart can come in handy while adding to the ambiance. Else, the good old stovetop method, microwave, or popcorn makers like DASH's hot air popcorn maker ought to do the trick.

Next, for the buttery toppings. You can work with products like Flavacol and At-The-Movies-Popcorn, both of which are made with animal-free ingredients. And one of the perks of the homemade route is the control over ingredients and quantities that you have. If you want to avoid the additives and colorings from commercial brands, opt for avocado or coconut oil, your preferred plant-based butter, and get creative with your popcorn toppings beyond the basics. A hefty dash of our favorite nutritional yeast for dairy-free cheesiness, a generous sprinkle of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes, which can make your fries a spicy delight), GrownAs Foods' truffle "cheddar" seasoning for some savory goodness, and so much more that can customize your batch of popcorn to match the genre of the night's pick.