Can You Make Popcorn With Olive Oil?

A Healthy Twist on an Old Favorite Popcorn is one of those snacks that never goes out of style. Whether you are on the couch vegging out with a movie, want an easy afternoon snack, or just want something crunchy to munch without the excess, popcorn is an everyday staple. Most people make it with butter, vegetable oil, or coconut oil—but what if you used olive oil?

That may what give you pause. I mean, generally speaking, we think of using olive oil for salads, pasta, or something Mediterranean—not popcorn. But here is the best news: yes, you can pop popcorn with olive oil, and it's absolutely worth it.

Let's clear up why it works, how to do it right, and why this little change can completely improve your snacking experience.

Why Olive Oil Popcorn Is a Smarter Option

Here’s what you get when you swap out butter or packaged oils for olive oil:

Good for your heart – Monounsaturated fats promote a decrease in bad cholesterol.

Filling – Popcorn is high in fiber, and olive oil provides the layer of richness.

Packed with antioxidants – Olive oil is loaded with inflammation-fighting compounds.

Gentler on digestion – The coating of light oil will keep food moving, while popcorn provides the fiber.

It's basically a crunchy snack that you can feel good about eating every single day.

A Quick Truth Check: Olive Oil or Microwave Popcorn

Yes, microwave popcorn is quick and may be easier, but many microwave popcorn bags are filled with preservatives, added flavors, and much more sodium. Stovetop popcorn with olive oil gives the control back to you: you control the oil, control the flavorings, and control the amount. Plus, the flavor is much more fresh and variable. 

Final Thoughts

So can you pop corn with olive oil? Yes! not only does it work well, but it makes the bland snack healthier and tastier. The next time you're about to melt some butter or get out the box of microwave popcorn, grab your bottle of olive oil instead.