What is Hulless Popcorn? - Snack Eagle (2024)

You’ve probably heard the term hulless popcorn being branded around for a while. Many people say that it’s better than normal popcorn. But we’ll let you into a secret…hulless popcorn doesn’t exist.

So what is hulless popcorn then, we hear you ask?

Hulless (or kernel-less popcorn is simply popcorn that has a slightly smaller hull than normal.

Now that we’ve got your interest let’s find out more about popcorn hulls, why people want hulless popcorn, and which brands sell it.

What is a Popcorn Hull?

A popcorn hull is sometimes referred to as the kernel, husk, shell, or seed. This is the part that pops when you heat it in a microwave, air-popper, or on the stove.

For the best stovetop popcorn makers, click here.

All popcorn needs a hull to pop, so it’s impossible to have hulless popcorn.

Popcorn hulls were first discovered more than 8,700 years ago. When humans realized that hulls could pop, they used them for all sorts of things, including food, jewelry, and ornaments.

Is Hulless Popcorn Genetically Modified?

No, hulless popcorn isn’t genetically modified. There isn’t any type of popcorn that has been genetically modified.

Something that has been genetically modified is known as a GMO (Genetically modified organism). If popcorn was a GMO, its genetic makeup would have been altered in a laboratory.

Hulless popcorn is a variety of popcorn that naturally has a smaller hull than other types of popcorn. There’s no laboratory involved, so it’s GMO-free.

What are Popcorn Kernels That Don’t Pop Called?

There’s nothing more annoying than unpopped popcorn kernels at the bottom of the bag. If you accidentally pop them in your mouth, they tend to get stuck in your teeth. There’s even a possibility that they’ll break your tooth.

But do you know what these annoying unpopped kernels are called?

You’ll often hear them referred to as Old Maids. Spinsters is another name that unpopped kernels are sometimes given.

Can You Microwave Hulless Popcorn?

Hulless popcorn kernels are the same as normal popcorn kernels, just slightly smaller. This means there’s no need to change the way you pop them. It’s fine to microwave hulless popcorn in a popcorn bag or silicone popcorn popper to enjoy with one of your favorite popcorn flavorings.

How Do You Make Popcorn Without Shells?

If you prefer to cook popcorn the old-fashioned way and use your stove, we’ve got the perfect hulless popcorn recipe for you.

Before you get started, make sure you’ve got the following ingredients:

• 1 tbsp of oil – if you’re not sure which oil to use, check out our suggestions here.
• 1 cup of hulless popcorn kernels.
• Your choice of seasoning.

Now it’s time to get popping:

1. Pour the oil into a large pot and put it on medium to high heat.
2. Put a couple of kernels into the pot and cover with a lid. When they pop, you know that the oil is hot enough.
3. Throw in the rest of the popcorn kernels and put the lid on the pot.
4. Gently shake the pot to move the kernels around.
5. Take the pot off the heat when the popping slows to every 3 to 4 seconds.
6. Add your choice of seasoning, making sure to toss the popcorn around to cover each piece.
7. Sit back and enjoy!

Who Can Eat Hulless Popcorn?

Anyone can eat hulless popcorn.

Some people who have problems eating normal popcorn find that hulless popcorn is better for them. These individuals include:

• Diverticulitis sufferers – People with diverticulitis are often told to avoid eating popcorn because it could make their symptoms worse. However, this advice isn’t correct, according to some experts. Hulless popcorn is easier to digest and it’s gentler on the stomach, so it could be a better option for people with diverticulitis.

• Brace-wearers – 4 million Americans wear braces. One of the most annoying things about braces is that popcorn hulls can get stuck in them. As the hull is a lot smaller in hulless popcorn, it’s a better choice for people with braces. Click here for info on eating popcorn with braces.

• Denture wearers – the problem with dentures is that popcorn hulls can get stuck underneath them and cause irritation. This could even lead to an infection. Hulless popcorn is usually a better choice for denture wearers due to the reduced size of the hulls.

• People with Gastrointestinal disorders – hulless popcorn is easier to chew and digest, so people with gastrointestinal issues, such as IBS sufferers and celiac disease patients, may find hulless popcorn gentler to eat.

Can Young Children Eat Hulless Popcorn?

Sadly, hulless popcorn isn’t safe for young children to eat. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that children under the age of 4 years should not eat popcorn because it’s a choking hazard.

Even though the hull in hulless popcorn is a lot smaller, young children still shouldn’t eat it. The reason for this is that there’s still a hull in the popcorn which poses a choking hazard.

Which Brands Sell Hulless Popcorn?

If you fancy trying hulless popcorn, you’ve got a range of brands to choose from. The following popcorn brands either describe themselves as being hulless or have small hulls:

When shopping for hulless popcorn, you need to look for one of the following varieties of popcorn as they all have smaller kernels than average:

You were probably shocked to discover that there’s no such thing as hulless popcorn. But almost-hulless popcorn is the next best thing. It’s a better option for many people as it has a smaller hull which is less likely to cause health complaints. So, if you haven’t tried hulless popcorn before, why not grab a bag the next time you head to the grocery store?

Popcorn popping too small? Let’s check out why.

Sources

https://www.bumpstobaby.com/when-can-kids-have-popcorn/
https://tinybutmightyfoods.com/easy-to-digest/
https://www.ehow.com/how_8395134_make-popcorn-hulls.html
https://www.humana.com/dental-insurance/dental-resources/dental-braces
https://foodsguy.com/hulless-popcorn/
https://www.popcorn.org/All-About-Popcorn/Popcorn-Myths
https://www.deroodeortho.com/en/blog/category-1/yes-you-can-eat-popcorn-braces