Does Microwaving Popcorn Cause Cancer? Here's What Experts Say

Snacking is an important part of everyone's diet; while some people try to eat healthy, others munch on chips, crisps, and unhealthy high-sodium foods. And so, according to experts, it is important to find a safe snack that not only helps you avoid health issues but also keeps you satiated. Popcorn is one such low-calorie all-time snack loaded with fibre and made with whole grains. But is it fine to microwave it?

Many studies in the past have said microwave popcorn may be linked to cancer. However, according to cancer dietitian Nichole Andrews, this is a myth. In a recent Instagram post, Andrews says, "There’s a lot of myths out there about cancer and food, but let’s clear one up: microwave popcorn and microwaves themselves do NOT cause cancer!”

The possible link between microwave popcorn and cancer has never been from popcorn itself but from chemicals known as perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) that are in the bags. According to earlier studies, PFCs resist grease, making them ideal for preventing oil from seeping through popcorn bags.

The trouble with PFCs is that they break down into perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical that’s suspected to cause cancer. However, according to Andrews, PFOAs have been removed from the bags, so there is no threat of getting cancer.

In a February 2024 release, the US Food and Drug Administration announced that grease-proofing materials containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are no longer being sold for use in food packaging in the US. This means the major source of dietary exposure to PFAS from food packaging like fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, take-out paperboard containers, and pet food bags has been eliminated.

Microwave popcorn has also been linked to a serious lung disease known as popcorn lung due to the usage of diacetyl, a chemical used to give microwave popcorn its buttery flavour and aroma. It has been said to cause severe and irreversible lung damage when inhaled in large amounts.

Popcorn lung makes the small airways in the lungs (bronchioles) become scarred and narrowed to the point where they can’t let in enough air. The disease causes breathlessness, wheezing, and many other respiratory symptoms.

According to experts, popcorn lung has been found to be mainly among workers in microwave popcorn plants or other manufacturing plants who breathe in large amounts of diacetyl for long periods of time, and not by those who eat it.

According to Andrews, popcorn is a great snack, and so you must include it in your daily diet. “Aim for about three cups of air-popped popcorn as a serving, which provides around 90-100 calories, three grams of fibre, and three grams of protein,” he said.

Popcorn is also a filling and nutritious snack without all the extra additives. So, if you are using the microwave variety, try to avoid ones with added butter or too much salt and opt for a lighter version for a healthier choice.

If you do not have a microwave to pop your favourite snack, here are a few healthier ways to eat popcorn:

You can buy an air popper that makes popcorn that contains only 90 calories and less than 1 gram of fat.

Make popcorn on the stovetop using a lidded pot with a teaspoon of olive for every half cup of popcorn kernels.

Boost the flavour of air-popped or stovetop popcorn without any potentially harmful chemicals or excessive salt by adding your toppings. Spray it with olive oil or freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Experiment with different seasonings, such as cinnamon, oregano, or rosemary.

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