Learn how to make sugar free kettle corn using this recipe (2024)

Published: · Modified: by thesugarfreediva. · This post may contain affiliate or amazon links.

A yummy snack that has no added sugar.

See The Recipe

I was really kind of surprised when I learned How to Make Sugar Free Kettle Corn
Adding a bit of sweetness to my favorite go-to snack (popcorn) makes snacking even yummier!

How to Make Sugar Free Kettle Corn

Like so many people that I know, I just love the taste of popcorn.
I could eat popcorn every day if I could. Popcorn is just that yummy to me.

People seem to like popcorn because it is so easy to make.

We can also top it with just about anything. While butter and salt may be a popular topping idea, we do have other options. Sometimes, we can make our popcorn taste a bit sweet too.

Kettle popcorn is that popcorn that has a hint of sweet.

While it is not as sweet as caramel corn is, it is still sweeter than the normal plain popcorn. Kettle corn also has a hint of salt as well.

You may have seen kettle corn made at a fair in a large kettle.
Usually there is someone with a paddle stirring the popcorn in an attempt to keep it from burning. However, it is usually the wonderful aroma that gets us even more interested in that popcorn.

Kettle Popcorn is popcorn with a hint of sweet.

Naturally, that sweet is usually in the form of sugar. However, there is a way to make kettle corn without all of that sugar.

By the way, you can learn more about sugar free cooking and baking.
You can check out my guide on baking with sugar alternatives on Amazon I have some great tips on which alternatives may work in a recipe such as this one.

Also, be sure to follow me on facebook and subscribe to my recipes via email to keep up to date as well.

Here are some recipes that you may also be interested in as well.

  • Homemade Sugar Free Graham Crackers.
  • Sugar Free Sugared Nuts.
  • Sugar Free S'Mores.

Here is what you will need to make Sugar Free Kettle Corn

We will incorporate making popcorn in this recipe.

Ingredients needed.

  • Popcorn Kernels- ½ cup
  • Oil- such as coconut, vegetable or peanut oil- ¼ cup
  • Sugar alternative- ⅓ cup equivalent to sugar. Granular such as Splenda works best.
  • Kosher Salt-¼ teaspoon

How to Make Sugar Free Kettle Corn

  • In a large pot set on medium heat, place your oil along with two kernels of the popcorn. Caution: Be sure to wear protective covering as when the popcorn kernels pop, it will most likely pop out of the pot.
  • When the two popcorn kernels pop, add your remaining kernels, sugar alternative and salt to the pot.
  • Cover the pot with a lid and give it a quick shake from side to side.
  • While the popcorn is heating up, make sure that you have a large bowl nearby as you will quickly need to pour the popcorn into it. also, you will need to use pot holders or mitts as you shake the popcorn and move the pot.
  • Shake your popcorn pot from side to side every minute and a half to two minutes. Once it starts to pop consistently and sounds like the pot is half full, you can remove the pot from the heat or turn the heat off.
  • Continue to shake the pot back and forth to avoid burning the popcorn.
  • When the popcorn reaches the top of the pot, use a pot holder to remove the lid- do not stand over the pot as the popcorn will still be popping most likely. As a result of removing the lid, the popping kernel can jump out of the pot.
  • Dump the popcorn into the large bowl. Remember, the pot will be hot so take precautions.

Details Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: 15 mins Total time: 20 mins Yield: 4-6 depending on size

Learn how to make sugar free kettle corn using this recipe (3)

Print Recipe

4.37 from 93 votes

How to Make Sugar Free Kettle Corn

A yummy snack that has no added sugar.

Ingredients

  • Popcorn Kernels- ½ cup
  • Oil- such as coconut vegetable or peanut oil- ¼ cup
  • Sugar alternative- ⅓ cup equivalent to sugar. Granular such as Splenda works best.
  • Kosher Salt-¼ teaspoon

Instructions

  • In a large pot set on medium heat, place your oil along with two kernels of the popcorn. Caution: Be sure to wear protective covering as when the popcorn kernels pop, it will most likely pop out of the pot.

  • When the two popcorn kernels pop, add your remaining kernels, sugar alternative and salt to the pot.

  • Cover the pot with a lid and give it a quick shake from side to side.

  • While the popcorn is heating up, make sure that you have a large bowl nearby as you will quickly need to pour the popcorn into it. also, you will need to use pot holders or mitts as you shake the popcorn and move the pot.

  • Shake your popcorn pot from side to side every minute and a half to two minutes. Once it starts to pop consistently and sounds like the pot is half full, you can remove the pot from the heat or turn the heat off.

  • Continue to shake the pot back and forth to avoid burning the popcorn.

  • When the popcorn reaches the top of the pot, use a pot holder to remove the lid- do not stand over the pot as the popcorn will still be popping most likely. As a result of removing the lid, the popping kernel can jump out of the pot.

  • Dump the popcorn into the large bowl. Remember, the pot will be hot so take precautions.

Recipe Notes

Details Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: 15 mins Total time: 20 mins Yield: 4-6 depending on size See post for details

22.2K

most recently updated:

July 4, 2017

*About Sugar Alternatives

Specific sugar alternatives are not given in the recipes presented on this site. Only suggestions are given as to the 'kind' of alternative to use. It is up to you to select the alternative to use that suits your needs best. If the recipe is heated or cooked, it is best to use an alternative that can be heated or cooked with for best results. This site does not endorse any specific ingredients,

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that the links on this website, and specifically on this post, that lead to other sites may be affiliate links.
Please note: Nutritional data has been calculated using a tool that comes with this recipe card and not by me. This means that Nutritional Information is only an estimate and can vary especially with ingredients that you use. The accuracy of this tool may differ from other tools as expected. Also note that there is no instructional value to the video that may be attached to this recipe. It is only there for visual pleasure. For more information about the images in this recipe, please refer the the recipe instructions. Thank you!

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Learn how to make sugar free kettle corn using this recipe (2024)

FAQs

What gives kettle corn its flavor? ›

Kettle corn is a variety of corn that was initially made in the kettle – people would oil a large iron kettle and cook the corn. Once the popcorn has popped, it is tossed with a sugar and salt mixture to give it a savory taste and distinct texture.

Is kettle corn healthy? ›

While both varieties of popcorn have similar nutritious benefits, sugar added to kettle popcorn is more likely to cause you to gain weight (due to its higher calorie count and addictive nature). However, there is no reason to worry if you consume kettle popcorn every now and then.

Is kettle corn keto friendly? ›

Most types of sugary and mass-produced popcorn such as movie theater popcorn, kettle corn, and microwave popcorn should be avoided on a standard ketogenic diet due to their high carbohydrate content and unhealthy additives.

What makes kettle corn better? ›

Adding sugar to your mix during the cooking process is essential to crafting that perfect blend of sweet and savory taste. It's the flavor that has become a hallmark of kettle corn.

Is kettle corn OK for diabetics? ›

However, it is important to check the packaging as prepared bags often contain extra butter or sugar. Instead, people can look for packets of popcorn with light, unsalted butter or fewer calories. People with diabetes should avoid kettle corn varieties, as the extra sweetness comes with additional sugar.

Where does kettle corn get its sweetness from? ›

Kettle corn is a variety of popcorn that is seasoned and mixed with light colored refined sugar, salt, and oil, giving it a sweet flavor. Back in the day it was made in cast iron kettles, hence the name “kettle” corn. Why is kettle corn sweet? Because there's sugar in there!

How many carbs are in 1 cup of kettle corn? ›

Kettle Corn (1 cup, popped) contains 5g total carbs, 4.1g net carbs, 4.8g fat, 0.8g protein, and 64 calories.

Is there sugar in kettle corn? ›

Kettle corn is a type of popcorn that was traditionally made in cast iron kettles. The lightly sweetened popcorn is usually made with just oil and white sugar, but you can mix it up with sugars and sweeteners to suit your taste.

Why avoid corn on keto? ›

Corn, while a vegetable, is a starchy vegetable, which means it's high in carbohydrates—not keto-friendly fat. An ear of corn contains roughly 41 grams of carbohydrates. A cup of corn has about 30 grams of carbs.

What is the healthiest popcorn to eat? ›

The 10 Best Healthy Popcorn Brands of 2022, According to...
  • How We Chose.
  • Skinny Pop Original.
  • Lesser Evil Himalayan Pink Salt.
  • Quinn Aged Parmesan and Rosemary.
  • Boom Chicka Pop Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn.
  • Bjorn Qorn.
  • Pipcorn Truffle Mini Popcorn.
  • Newman's Own Organic Touch of Butter.
Sep 27, 2022

Why is kettle corn so addictive? ›

The addition of sugar makes kettle popcorn very addictive, so it's no surprise that you can't stop eating it until you've finished the entire bowl.

Why do Americans call popcorn kettle corn? ›

Kettle corn is a sweet variety of popcorn that is typically mixed or seasoned with a light-colored refined sugar, salt, and oil. It was traditionally made in cast iron kettles, hence the name, but in modern times other types of pots and pans are used.

What enhances the flavor of corn? ›

5 Ways to Dress Up Corn on the Cob
  • Sweet and spicy. Blend butter with honey and cayenne and spread it on the corn before grilling it (with the husks pulled back on) until it's tender. ...
  • Parmesan butter. ...
  • Seasoning salts. ...
  • Roasted garlic. ...
  • Mayonnaise.
Jun 28, 2022

What can I add to popcorn for flavor? ›

What can I add to popcorn for flavor?
  1. Garlic powder or garlic salt.
  2. Dried parsley and grated Parmesan.
  3. Nutritional yeast, which is a healthy—but still flavorful—alternative to cheese.
Apr 7, 2021

Why does my corn have no flavor? ›

Here's the scoop: When freshly picked, sweet corn is high in sugar and low in starch. However, the longer it sits after picking, the more that balance shifts toward starches. This mutes the flavor and affects it's texture when cooked.

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