Popcorn has been a favorite snack for movie-goers as well as TV watchers for decades, but does it ever go bad? The short answer: Yes. Kernels that haven’t been popped are usually more robust, with that thick husk protecting the fats and oils inside from exposure to the outside world. However, there’s a limit to how long they can do this, and that limit is generally 1-2 years. Over time, kernels tend to lose their moisture and become less likely to pop when you want them to, as their popping comes from the water in their outer layer once they’ve been heated to the point of explosion. You can tell when popcorn is past its prime once you bite into it, and it feels more like eating the packing material than the popcorn. Popcorn that has extra stuff on it — caramel, nuts, even just butter — has more opportunities to go bad. No matter the topping, it all creates additional opportunities for bacteria and mold to thrive, so be sure to look it over before you take a nibble. Popcorn that has already been popper can generally last for up to 2 weeks if it’s stored in an airtight container. All in all, the best thing to do is stick to only buying as much popcorn as you’re ready to consume, then eat it quickly.
Does Popcorn Ever Go Bad?
Popcorn has been a favorite snack for movie-goers as well as TV watchers for decades, but does it ever go bad? The short answer: Yes. Kernels that haven’t been popped are usually more robust, with that thick husk protecting the fats and oils inside from exposure to the outside world. However, there’s a limit to how long they can do this, and that limit is generally 1-2 years. Over time, kernels tend to lose their moisture and become less likely to pop when you want them to, as their popping comes from the water in their outer layer once they’ve been heated to the point of explosion. You can tell when popcorn is past its prime once you bite into it, and it feels more like eating the packing material than the popcorn. Popcorn that has extra stuff on it — caramel, nuts, even just butter — has more opportunities to go bad. No matter the topping, it all creates additional opportunities for bacteria and mold to thrive, so be sure to look it over before you take a nibble. Popcorn that has already been popper can generally last for up to 2 weeks if it’s stored in an airtight container. All in all, the best thing to do is stick to only buying as much popcorn as you’re ready to consume, then eat it quickly.