Specialty Oil Popcorn

According to experts air popped kernels are the most nutritious way to eat popcorn. Of course, for many of us, the use of oil is a must. Nothing beats the texture and taste of popcorn cooked with the use of a vegetable fat.

There are numerous oils in the market that can be used for cooking kernels. As a matter of fact, many of these carry characteristics that are ideal for popping popcorn. However, those who really want to get the best results are often best off using a specialty oil.

Our Recommendation Specialty Oil Popcorn

For that good old coconut specialty oil, Paragon Coconut Popcorn Popping Oil is a good choice. Preferred by many, this will give you popcorn just like that from a theater. It gives kernels a great taste and it smells good too. Since it is solid there's no need to worry about drips when using it with a popcorn machine.


If what you are looking for is liquid specialty oil, then go for Snappy Butter Burst Oil. Made from soybean oil and butter flavoring, it will give your popcorn a rich buttery flavor when used for popping. Since it does not solidify, it can also double as topping for those who prefer to air pop kernels.



Those who want something on the healthier side, Amish Country Popcorn Popping Oil offers a canola based specialty oil. It can be used with a popcorn popper or even just in a microwave bowl. This liquid oil gives a light buttery taste that is not overpowering. It also adds color and gives popcorn fluffiness with a crunch.



In terms of blends, Wabash Valley Farms Classic Blend Popping Oil is the best choice. Made from quality corn and coconut oils it has 65% less fat than pure coconut oil. It also does not contain any trans fat. Being a blend, it remains liquid and is easy to pour out and use. Popcorn gets that delicious coconut flavor and smell with less fat.

More On Specialty Oil Popcorn

As the name implies, specialty oils are vegetable fats made especially for the purpose of cooking popcorn with. Most manufacturers make these oils out of peanut or coconut oil due to the flavor and high smoke point. Canola is also another popular fat used for making specialty oil for popcorn. It is used mainly because of its neutral flavor and low saturated fat content.

Other oils created especially for popcorn are not made with just one type of oil. These are usually blends of various oils mixed specifically to meet popcorn cooking requirements. Such specialty oils will heat up to the required temperature and not breakdown easily. At the same time it will balance out the amount of saturated fats and contain all the necessary flavoring.

How Specialty Oils Are Made

Like other vegetable fats, specialty oil is extracted. All oils used are removed from their source separately with the use of an expeller or press machine and or solvents. These are then combined and refined in order to remove any scents or strong flavors carried by the oils. As a final step, the blend is processed to contain any flavoring and coloring which will enhance the cooked popcorn.

Specialty Oil Nutrition Value

The amount of calories and fat contained in specialty oil will depend on the specific type being used. Those made from pure coconut, peanut and canola oil will contain the same nutritional value of these respective oils. Typical blended oil that has been hydrogenated will contain about 130 calories in each tablespoon. More or less, it will also have 2.45 grams of saturated fat, 6.54 grams of polyunsaturated fat and about 4.01 grams of monounsaturated fat. Of course, the numbers may differ according to oil blend proportions.

Advantages of Use

• Flavor - since popcorn specialty oil usually comes enhanced with flavorings the kernels cooked in it also becomes flavored. Many of us enjoy the buttery flavor that is similar to that of popcorn from a theater.
• Texture and Color - aside from getting that theater popcorn taste specialty oil popcorn cooking also brings about texture and color that is similar to that of movie house popcorn. A bright yellow or orange coloring enhances the appearance of the popped kernels and a light fluffy texture comes with it too.
• Optimized Popping - with this type of oil being made specifically for popping it ensures that kernels get popped properly. It will withstand the temperatures needed without burning the popcorn.

Disadvantages of Use

• Nutritional Value - specialty oil for popcorn is often hydrogenated for commercial purposes. This means that it may not be as healthy as other oils and may contain a good amount of trans fats, even with the efforts of manufacturers to lower this. Other pure oils, may still be healthier.
• Additives - the presence of enhanced flavor and appearance also means that manufacturers add a lot of other things into this kind of oil. Coloring and salt are only two of the common ingredients found in specialty oil.