Popcorn is even healthier with canola-based
Pop Weaver. Others use partially hydrogen-
ated soybean oil. Photo by Katharine Pollak
| THE NIBBLE.

Pop Weaver, a microwave popcorn produced by Indiana’s Weaver Popcorn Company, has replaced the oil in its popcorn with a heart-healthy canola oil blend—the first in the industry. The benefit: Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids plus lower calories, total fat, saturated fat and sodium.

Jolly Time, Orville Redenbacher and Pop Secret still use the industry standard: partially hydrogenated soybean oil. The canola oil doesn’t impact the flavor: the new formulation tasted like any good microwave popcorn.

All three flavors in the Pop Weaver microwave popcorn line—Light Butter, Butter and Extra Butter—have been reformulated to incorporate canola oil. Both Light Butter and Butter carry the American Heart Association’s Heart Check mark, designating them as heart-healthy products. The popcorn is also certified kosher (dairy) by KSA.

All three flavors also have zero grams of trans fat and have 210 calories, 230 calories and 260 calories, respectively, per full popped bag.

Pop Weaver’s canola oil blend is primarily composed of heart-healthy polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which help to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. The Omega-3, -6 and -9 fatty acids also help to protect against coronary heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.

Popcorn itself contains healthy antioxidants. As a whole-grain food, it also contains valuable fiber.

Pop Weaver points out that its popcorn is a great snacking value as well, at 21 cents per full bag popped. The family-owned company is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of popcorn products. The products are available at Walmart and other discount stores nationwide.