There's nothing more frustrating than getting ready for movie night, cranking your Popper, and excitedly lifting the lid...only to find out just a handful of kernels popped.
If your popcorn is not popping the way it should, you're not alone. The good news is it's almost always solvable.
Let's dive into the most common reasons kernels refuse to pop and how to get perfect popcorn every time:
Why Is My Popcorn Not Popping?
One of these culprits might be to blame for unpopped kernels:
Not Enough Oil
Oil is essential for making stovetop popcorn. You need to use enough to coat your kernels. Many of them won't pop otherwise. As a rule of thumb, use one tablespoon of oil for every ¼ cup of kernels.
Your choice of oil matters, too. Go for one with a high smoke point. If you use butter or other fats with a low smoke point, they'll scorch your kernels. And honestly, that might be worse than no popcorn at all.
We like coconut oil best because it has a good smoke point and boosts the flavor of popcorn. It also has fewer calories than oils like soybean, olive, and canola. You can go for plain coconut oil or choose our butter-flavored coconut oil to make your popcorn taste just like movie theater popcorn.
Excess Moisture (or a Lack of It)
Every kernel has water trapped inside. When exposed to enough heat, that moisture turns into steam. This steam makes the kernel’s shell — its hull — pop and turn into the fluffy white goodness you know as popcorn.
Take moisture out of the equation, and your kernels won’t pop. The ideal moisture content is 13-14%. If kernels dry out (from age or improper storage), they lose their ability to become popcorn.
Too much moisture can also stop your popcorn from popping. This is less common, but if kernels absorb excess moisture from the air, they can become soggy and won't pop properly either.
Signs Your Kernels Are Too Dry
- They feel brittle and lightweight
- You hear lots of clicking but minimal popping
- Many kernels split open but don't actually pop
- 50% or more kernels are unpopped
Signs Your Kernels Are Too Moist
- The kernels feel slightly damp and sticky
- Popping sounds weak or muffled
- Kernels that pop are small and dense
- Your nail leaves a dent when you press it into a kernel
The Storage Solution
For long-term freshness, keep your kernels in an airtight container at room temperature. Never store them in the fridge because it will dry them out.
The Kernels Are Too Old
Kernels have a pretty decent shelf life, but they don't last forever. They naturally lose moisture over time (usually after 1-2 years) and their popping ability declines. You'll notice this when you have way more unpopped kernels than normal, even if you didn't do anything different in your process.
PRO TIP: If you're not sure about freshness, pop a small test batch (¼ cup) before doing a full batch. Your kernels might need replacing if more than 20% don't pop.
You Used Low-Quality Kernels
Popcorn kernels weren't made equal. Generic kernels typically have:
- Inconsistent moisture levels (some pop, some don't)
- Damaged hulls from rough processing
- Mixed kernel sizes (small ones burn before large ones pop)
- Lower popping potential
The result? A bowl full of unpopped duds and wasted kernels.
Our popping corn is different. It's small farm grown, handpicked from fields in Missouri and Iowa. Our yellow varietal pops big and fluffy with a deep, nutty flavor, while white is delicate and sweet with a tender texture. You can learn more about we grow and harvest them here.
Too Much Heat
When kernels get too hot too fast, they burn before they can pop, or they pop but come out scorched.
Instead of high heat, stick to medium. If you're using an induction stove, start at power level 5-6 and adjust from there. Induction heats incredibly fast and precisely, which is nice for control but means you need to be more mindful about your starting temperature. Check out our guide on how to make stovetop popcorn on induction for more detailed tips.
What to Do With Popcorn That Won’t Pop
Before you toss those unpopped kernels, here are your options:
- The moisture test: Add kernels to a jar with 1-2 tablespoons of water, seal it, shake it well, and let it sit for 3-4 days (shaking daily). Then try popping again.
- The compost bin: If the kernels are truly past their prime, add them to your compost. They'll break down and feed your garden instead of sitting in a landfill.
- Stock up on quality kernels: Sometimes it's best to start fresh with kernels chosen for their taste and popping performance, like our yellow and white popcorn.
Say Hello to Popcorn Perfection
Now that you know what can keep popcorn from popping, you're ready to troubleshoot any popping problems that come your way. Just remember to store your kernels in an airtight container away from sunlight, use the right amount of oil, and use medium heat instead of high.
With our stainless steel popcorn popper and these tips, you'll be cranking out perfect popcorn in no time.
And once you've mastered the basics, there's a whole variety of popcorn recipes and inspiration waiting for you.
