Low Sodium Sweet Caramel Popcorn

Indulge your sweet tooth guilt-free with this Low Sodium Sweet Caramel Popcorn, a healthier twist on the classic treat! Perfectly popped kernels are coated in a luscious homemade caramel sauce made with brown sugar, honey, and unsalted butter, delivering all the rich, buttery sweetness you crave without the sodium overload. A touch of vanilla and a hint of baking soda create the perfect light and crunchy texture, while a quick bake in the oven ensures even caramelization. This easy, crowd-pleasing snack is ready in just 30 minutes and makes a delightful treat for movie nights, gatherings, or gifting. Plus, it stores well for up to a week, making it the ideal make-ahead dessert for any occasion.

Nutriscore Rating: 39/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup Popcorn kernels
• 2 tablespoons Canola oil (or any neutral oil)
• 0.25 cup Unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup Brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 0.25 teaspoon Baking soda

Directions

Step 1

Heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 2-3 popcorn kernels to test the oil's temperature, and when they pop, add the remaining 0.5 cup of popcorn kernels.

Step 2

Cover the pot with a lid, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Shake the pot occasionally to prevent burning. Once the popping slows down, remove the pot from heat and transfer the popcorn to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 4

In a small saucepan, melt 0.25 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 0.5 cup of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of honey, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes without stirring.

Step 5

Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 0.25 teaspoon of baking soda. The mixture will bubble and foam slightly—this is normal and indicates the caramel is ready.

Step 6

Pour the hot caramel sauce evenly over the prepared popcorn, gently folding and stirring with a spatula to coat all the pieces.

Step 7

Spread the caramel-coated popcorn onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.

Step 8

Bake the popcorn in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even coating and crispiness.

Step 9

Remove the popcorn from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, the caramel will harden and create a satisfying crunch.

Step 10

Once cooled, break the popcorn into clusters and serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(225.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1055.0

Total Fat 54.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 62mg	0%
Sodium 344.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 143.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.5g	0%
Total Sugars 105.7g
Protein 6.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 74.3mg	0%
Iron 2.1mg	0%
Potassium 297.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.0%

Protein: 2.4%

Carbs: 52.7%