One of the most popular snacks in the nation is popcorn. More than 90% of Americans can’t get enough popcorn, whether it’s the classic salt and butter or chocolate and caramel varieties.

Many families choose microwave bags for their ease and convenience, but given the snack’s short shelf life, many people wonder if you can eat expired popcorn.

Even after its expiration date, microwave popcorn is probably safe. While microwave popcorn has a shelf life of six to eight months, it is only safe to eat two months after that point.

It is good to know the potential risks when eating expired microwave popcorn. To find out if popcorn is safe to eat and how to recognize when it has expired, continue reading.

Does Popcorn Go Bad?

Yes, popcorn spoils when left out for an extended period of time, just like all other foods. Different types of popcorns usually have different shelf lives. They all last for different periods of time as long as you store them properly.

Well, there are three different types of popcorns you can purchase. What you selected will depend on your preference. There are dry kernels, microwaveable packets, and prepared popcorn. Personally, I like the dry kernels better.

The dry kernels are basically popcorn that is yet to be popped. On your saucepan, you can fry them in a little bit of oil. The majority of people pop dry kernels on the stovetop because they pop more quickly and very well.

Microwavable packets are usually dry kernels that are coated with fats. All the ingredients you need to prepare your popcorn are included in each packet. It only needs to be put inside the microwave and turned on for your popcorn to be ready in a flash.

Popcorn labeled as “ready to eat” is truly ready to eat. All of the laborious work was already completed for you. The salted, popped kernels are dry. If you purchase them, all you have to do is kick back, unwind, open the box, and savor your mouthwatering popcorn.

If you really don’t have the time to pop the dry kernels yourself, it’s great to buy ready-to-eat popcorn.

Your friends might not even be aware that you purchased the ready-to-eat versions if you purchase those of high quality.

Read More: How Does A Microwave Oven Work – Complete Guide to Use It in 2023

Storing Microwave Popcorn for Freshness

There are a few telltale ways to identify microwave popcorn gone bad, Kitchen Seer observes, including an “off-putting smell or only half of the kernels popped.” Eat By Date advises keeping microwave popcorn in its original airtight container and away from the stove or any other sources of heat in order to keep it fresh. According to Kitchen Vile, it’s also advisable to keep popcorn away from light because it can degrade its quality.

According to What the Popcorn, storing microwave popcorn in the refrigerator doesn’t really offer any benefits, but it can be done to free up pantry space if the popcorn is taken out 30 minutes before microwave cooking to allow it to come back to room temperature. Refrigeration can dry out kernels, in Orville Redenbacher’s opinion. Orville’s top storage tips include keeping microwave popcorn in its original plastic wrapper until just before popping.

How Long Does Microwave Popcorn Last After Expiration Date

Although popcorn is a nonperishable food, it eventually goes bad. Can you eat microwave popcorn that has been sitting out for a while? is a question that many people have. Does popcorn that has been microwaved become stale?

Popcorn that has been slightly past its expiration date is generally safe to eat. However, it may not taste its best at that point.

In unfavorable circumstances, the fats and oils found in dry kernels can go rancid. This process can be sped up by exposure to air, moisture, and light.

A tiny amount of water can be found in the pericarp of unpopped popcorn kernels. Popcorn has a thicker hull than regular sweetcorn, which shields the moist interior. The pressure that builds up as the water warms up eventually pops open because of this hull to reveal a fluffy, light interior.

Popcorn must have a sufficient amount of moisture. For corn kernels to pop, the water content must be between 13.5 and 14%. Since there is no steam inside to create pressure, a dry popcorn kernel won’t burst in the microwave. The likelihood of old popcorn kernels producing popcorn will decrease as they lose moisture.

Unpopped kernels should remain fresh for six to twelve months when properly stored, either in an airtight container or, for microwaveable popcorn, in a sealed bag. After this point, even bagged popcorn can begin to lose moisture. They also have a greater chance of going rancid and endangering food safety.

The average store brand of popcorn expires between eight months and a year. Popcorn, on the other hand, frequently lasts for several months after its expiration date.

Popcorn kernels can stay fresh for up to two months after their expiration date if you store them in a cool, dark, and airtight environment. Any longer, and you may find that they are too dry to pop. Make sure the bag doesn’t have any tears or holes that could let moisture and air in.

Storage of popcorn away from a stove or oven is preferred. The excess heat and moisture may seep into kernels, destroying the outer hull. Mold may also form on popcorn kernels in a warm, damp environment, posing a health risk for you and your family.

What Happens If You Eat Expired Popcorn?

Can you eat expired microwave popcorn if you have a bag of it in your pantry?

It usually won’t be harmful to consume expired popcorn. Popcorn kernels typically do not attract common foodborne pathogens, unlike perishables like meats and vegetables.

Can popcorn spoil then? The answer is yes, and it can result in a number of health problems, including food poisoning.

Going Rancid

When exposed to elements such as air and humidity, fats and oils can become rancid. In some circumstances, UV light can also turn oils rancid. Because unpopped kernels contain fats, they can spoil with time.

Rancid popcorn has a strong, foul odor that makes it easy to identify. It’s unlikely that eating rancid popcorn that you accidentally cooked will make you ill. It won’t typically contain any pathogens that cause disease. The oils inside kernels are rupturing, which is why the flavor is bitter.

Usually, eating rancid popcorn won’t make you sick, but it can irritate people with delicate digestive systems. It can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain after consumption. Additionally, eating stale popcorn may make digestive conditions like IBS, gastroenteritis, and more severe.

Mold and Mildew

You might notice mold developing on corn kernels if you keep your microwave popcorn in a place that is prone to moisture accumulation. Any warm, damp environment with a lot of food will encourage the growth of spores.

If you notice mold on your popcorn kernels, it’s best to throw them away. Mycotoxins are toxic byproducts that some foodborne molds produce. You might need to visit the emergency room if you or a family member consumes these chemicals.

Foodborne Illnesses

In rare cases, expired popcorn may contain dangerous bacteria that can be harmful. Salmonella has been found in raw popcorn kernels when tested.

Flavored kernels such as caramel popcorn may be more susceptible to attracting germs. They have sweeteners and additives that can draw insects, bacteria, and even mold. The majority of foodborne pathogens are fortunately destroyed before consumption by microwaving old popcorn.

Most of the time, eating stale popcorn won’t cause any short or long-term problems. It probably won’t taste as good as fresh kernels though. Even if popped popcorn is safe to eat, it may taste dry, stale, or otherwise unpleasant.

Signs That You Should Probably Throw Out Your Popcorn

1. Off flavor

Popcorn begins to spoil if it is left out for a very long time. Popcorn’s quality declines and eventually loses flavor.

You should probably throw away your popcorn if you taste it and detect no flavor.

2. Gross smell

Particularly for microwaveable packets, this is a clear indication that something has spoiled. Typically, the foul smell is a sign that the kernels’ coating of rancid fat.

3. Mold

Molds are typically a sign that moisture has somehow gotten into the package or container. Throw away the popcorn if you find any mold.

4. Dry popcorn

The kernels will dry out if popcorn is left out for a long time. Because of this, they won’t pop. If this occurs, you can either restore the popcorn or throw it out due to quality concerns.

Can You Pop Expired Popcorn?

If popcorn is just a couple of months past expiration, you should have no trouble popping it in the microwave. The hull should still have enough water in it to create the pressure necessary for it to burst.

If your popcorn is too moist or too dry, it likely won’t pop in the microwave. Neither overly-sitting kernels nor those kept in unsuitable storage conditions are guaranteed to burst.

In many cases, a bag of old microwave popcorn will only pop some of the kernels. While popped corn is safe to eat, a high number of unpopped kernels may pose a risk.

Biting down too firmly on a fully developed kernel runs the risk of chipping your teeth. Especially in children, swallowing kernels can result in serious digestive problems. A potentially fatal bezoar can develop in the gut from an unpopped kernel that has sat and grown there.

Most of the time, it’s best to err on the side of caution and microwave popcorn that has passed its expiration date. Less popcorn will be in the mix, and it will taste better. If you notice your popcorn has expired, you may want to throw it out and buy a fresh bag.

How to Restore Popcorn That Has Dried Out

You should think about restoring your dry kernels before deciding to throw them away if they have dried out and are unable to pop.

The method is fairly easy to follow. Just place one pound of the dry kernels into a glass jar and add one tablespoon of water. Once or twice daily, shake the jar. After doing this for about three days, try popping them once more.

The kernels will pop because they are no longer completely dry and have been infiltrated with moisture.

Tips for Fixing Expired Microwave Popcorn

If your microwaveable popcorn has just passed its expiration date, it probably has one or two more months before it starts to lose moisture. However, an older bag of popcorn might not have as much flavor as a more recent one. Read on to learn some helpful tricks for making a less-than-fresh bag taste like gourmet popcorn.

Add Some Flavor

Adding flavorings can restore the freshness of your popcorn if it has a bit of a flat taste. Salt and melted butter are frequently used as seasonings because they can cover up stale flavors. Flavor can also be enhanced by adding ingredients like cheese, caramel, melted chocolate, and more.

Try the Stovetop Method

If your popcorn is dry and stale, it may help to cook it in additional oil. Unpopped kernels can be taken out of a microwave bag and cooked in hot oil or melted butter on the stovetop for a richer flavor.

Toss It into the Oven

Once your popcorn has been popped, leaving it outside can cause it to lose some of its freshness. Popcorn in the oven will improve the flavor. After absorbing moisture, the oven will assist in making it taste once more light, fluffy, and crispy.

A baking sheet should have the popped popcorn spread out in a single layer. Place it in the oven for around five minutes at 200℉ for the best results.

Repurpose Your Popcorn

Popcorn that has gone bad in some cases might not be salvageable. Fortunately, you don’t have to get rid of it immediately. To transform old popcorn into something tasty, use it in recipes for popcorn balls and popcorn cookies.

The Takeaway

To maintain its flavor and texture quality, microwave popcorn should be used within three months of its best-by date. It is a quick and easy snack that you can eat both fresh and later. To eat on its own or add to a new, delectable recipe, leftover popcorn can be kept for up to two weeks in an airtight container.

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