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

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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

How do you keep sugar from burning in kettle corn? ›

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in popcorn kernels and sugar. Cover and shake the pot constantly to prevent sugar from burning.

Does all kettle corn have sugar? ›

Kettle corn is a sweet variety of popcorn that is typically mixed or seasoned with a light-colored refined sugar, salt, and oil.

What is the healthiest way to make popcorn at home? ›

Air popped popcorn uses no oil, meaning it has the fewest calories. “Popping it in oil, however, is a great way to consume a healthy portion of fat to control hunger,” Jeffers says. Not only can you manage serving size, but you can also make it in under 10 minutes in most cases.

How do you not burn sugar when cooking? ›

Turn the burner on to low heat to ensure your sugar won't burn or turn to caramel syrup. Using a wooden spoon, continuously stir the sugar in the pot, breaking up any clumps and making sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan until the sugar melts. The cook time is only a few minutes, so monitor it at all times.

Does boiling water remove sugar? ›

Sugar does not boil, but instead will re-crystallize at a much higher temperature of 320 degrees Fahrenheit. As the temperature increases the water will reach its boiling point, and turn to steam in the process of evaporation. Meanwhile the sugar will begin to crystallize in the bottom of the vessel.

What is the number one snack to lower blood sugar? ›

But there is one food that stands alone as the best snack for lower blood sugar: nuts. Nuts are delicious, nutritious and incredibly versatile as far as snack foods go. Plus, they can be stored at room temperature (or in the freezer for longer periods) and are great for grab-and-go snacks.

Is peanut butter good for diabetics? ›

Peanut butter contains essential nutrients, and it can be part of a healthful diet when a person has diabetes. However, it is important to eat it in moderation, as it contains a lot of calories. People should also make sure their brand of peanut butter is not high in added sugar, salt, or fat.

What is the best popcorn for diabetics to eat? ›

Olive Oil and Sea Salt Popcorn: non-GMO and popped with olive oil, I like this option for those looking to reduce their consumption of seed oils. Plus, the 5g of fat and 4g of fiber will help balance blood sugar. SkinnyPop Sea Salt Popcorn: a go-to option to pair with nuts & dark chocolate for a balanced bliss mix.

What is the best kettle corn for diabetics? ›

Boom Chicka Pop Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn

Boom Chicka Pop is a lower-sugar version of Kettle Corn. Some brands of kettle corn can be very high in sugar. Yet this version gives you the same great taste without the stuff you don't want.

Can diabetics eat kettle corn? ›

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!

What happens when you eat too much popcorn? ›

If your popcorn has lots of salt on it, Smith says this can lead to water retention, causing high blood pressure. She also points out that eating too much popcorn can also negatively impact your oral health because unpopped kernels can damage teeth.

Can I eat homemade popcorn everyday? ›

Eating popcorn every night is generally not a problem, as long as it is consumed in moderation and prepared in a healthy manner. However, it's important to consider the nutritional content and portion sizes. Plain air-popped or lightly salted popcorn can be a good low-calorie snack option.

Is stovetop popcorn healthier than microwave? ›

Then there's the nutritional comparison. Depending on how much oil you use, making your popcorn on the stove should save you a few calories compared to the microwave stuff. Plus, unlike with Pop Secret, you're not forced to make a whole bag's worth (and subsequently eat it in its entirety, because you're only human).

Why does my kettle corn always burn? ›

Due to the high heat of the pot, if you don't transfer the popcorn it will caramelize and perhaps burn.

Why does my popcorn always burn? ›

Regardless of how you pop your popcorn, it is important that you heat the kernels evenly. If you have your heat too high and don't agitate (or shake) your pan steadily, the kernels can be too still and you can burn one side of the kernel.

How does kettle corn get its sweetness? ›

c) Sugar: Granulated sugar is a key component of kettle corn, adding the signature sweetness to each kernel. The sugar combines with the oil and salt during the cooking process, creating a caramel-like coating.

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