Can You Eat Expired Microwave Popcorn?

Last Updated on March 10, 2023 by Claire

Almost every movie buff loves popcorn, your cinema experience is incomplete without it. But what do you do when your bag of microwave popcorn has been sitting in the pantry for longer than you’d like to admit? Can you eat expired microwave popcorn, or should you just throw it away and get something else instead? This article will be answering the age-old question “can you eat expired microwave popcorn?”

Can you eat expired microwave popcorn?

Yes, you can eat expired microwave popcorn. However, it’s not advisable to do so due to the associated risks of getting food-borne diseases or infections that can make you sick.

The fact is, if your popcorn is only a few days past its expiration date and has been stored in optimal conditions, it’s likely still safe to eat. But, if it’s been weeks or months since the expiration date, then it’s best to play it safe and throw it out.

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Why does popcorn have an expiry date?

A multitude of factors, such as exposure to air, moisture, heat, and light, can cause popcorn to go bad.

As popcorn ages, it loses some of its flavor, texture, and aroma. Moreover, the oils in the popcorn may deteriorate and give off an unpleasant taste and odor, so you don’t want to eat expired microwave popcorn.

What happens to popcorn when it expires?

Just like any other food item, popcorn loses its taste and becomes unsafe to eat when it expires.

Although there are various health risks associated with the consumption of expired microwave popcorn, the biggest threat is posed by rancid oils when you eat expired microwave popcorn.

Expired popcorn contains rancid oils which can lead to the formation of harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

Should I eat expired popcorn?

You should not eat expired popcorn as it may contain bacteria or other microorganisms that can cause food poisoning. Below are reasons not to eat expired popcorn:

1. Unpleasant taste

As previously mentioned, popcorn becomes stale and loses its flavor when it expires. Thus, you won’t find it tasty to eat expired microwave popcorn.

2. Adverse side effects

The dangers of eating expired popcorn, however, go beyond just the taste.

Mold, bacteria, and other harmful microorganisms can grow on expired popcorn and cause food poisoning, digestive disorders, and other health issues.

3. Rancid oils

Expired popcorn has also been known to contain rancid oils which produce harmful radicals that can cause chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and others. Per Cook’n, however, the rancid oil could still be useful in other ways.

Read also: maybe an air fryer works better than microwaves

How to tell if popcorn has gone bad

The following are signs that will help you tell if popcorn has gone bad:

1. Check the expiration date

The easiest way to determine if popcorn has gone bad is to check the expiration date on the package. If the popcorn has expired, it’s best to avoid consuming it.

However, in the absence of an expiration date or if the popcorn is close to its expiration date, you can also use your senses to check for signs of spoilage such as:

2. Look for signs of discoloration or mold growth

If the popcorn has black spots, green fuzz, or a slimy texture, it’s likely contaminated with mold.

3. Smell the popcorn

If it has a rancid or sour smell, it’s a sign that the oils have gone bad.

4. Taste a small piece of the popcorn

If it has a stale or off-flavor, it’s probably expired.

All in all, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid consuming popcorn that looks, smells, or tastes unusual.

Is it safe to eat out of date microwave popcorn?

No, eating expired microwave popcorn will lead to food-borne illnesses, so it’s important to always be cautious and check for signs of spoilage before eating it.

In addition to this, following basic food safety tips such as checking expiration dates, and proper cooking and storage practices can also help reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Factors that affect the shelf life of microwave popcorn

Microwave popcorn’s shelf life can vary based on several factors, including but not limited to:

a. Variety of popcorn

Different types of microwave popcorn have different shelf lives.

For instance, the oils and lipids in butter may cause butter-flavored popcorn to spoil more quickly than plain popcorn.

b. Expiration date

Taking a look at the expiration date on the popcorn packaging is the best way to tell how long the popcorn will last.

c. Storage conditions

The way popcorn is stored can impact its shelf life.

Popcorn that is stored in ideal conditions will have a longer shelf life than one that has been exposed to heat, light, or moisture.

Read also: try making popcorn with toaster oven

How long does microwave popcorn last?

Microwave popcorn typically has an average shelf life of about one year from the date of manufacture. However, this usually varies depending on the brand and packaging of the popcorn.

For example, popcorn packaged in vacuum-sealed bags may last longer than popcorn packaged in resealable bags. And plain popcorn has been noted to have a longer shelf life than popcorn that includes artificial flavors or oils.

It’s also worth noting that the expiration date on the popcorn package is only a rough estimate of when the popcorn will go bad.

But in reality, the actual shelf life might vary depending on a number of factors such as storage conditions, moisture, exposure to air, and the quality of the popcorn.

How to store microwave popcorn

By following these tips, you can extend the shelf life of your microwave popcorn and ensure that it stays fresh, tasty, and crunchy for as long as possible:

1. Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and light

Exposing popcorn to heat and light can cause the oils in it to go rancid and spoil the flavor.

2. Keep it in an airtight container or resealable bag

This will prevent moisture and air from getting in, thereby preserving the freshness of the popcorn.

3. Avoid exposure to humidity or moisture

Moisture can cause the popcorn to lose its crunch and become soggy.

4. Avoid storing popcorn in the refrigerator or freezer

This can cause moisture to accumulate in the packaging and make the popcorn stale.

Tips for fixing expired microwave popcorn

Here are some tips for fixing expired microwave popcorn that will help you salvage your snack and avoid wasting food. Just remember to always use your best judgment when it comes to food safety.

1. Smell it first

The first thing you need to do is to sniff the popcorn. If it smells rancid, weird, or odd, it’s probably not safe to eat, and it’s best to throw it out.

But, if it smells like “regular” popcorn, then you’re good to go.

2. Re-pop it in the oven

Try popping your popcorn in the microwave again if it still smells good but feels stale.

Spread the popped popcorn in a single layer on a baking sheet.  For best results, microwave it for around five minutes at 200-250°F. Just ensure you keep a close eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn.

3. Give it some flavor

After “re-popping” the popcorn, if it still tastes a little stale, you can try adding some flavor to it. Sprinkle some salt, sugar, or your favorite popcorn seasoning to give it a boost.

4. Turn it into a DIY Project

If all else fails, then turn your expired popcorn into a DIY project. Use the popcorn as a base for a fun craft project, like making a popcorn garland or creating a popcorn sculpture.

It may not be edible, but at least you’ll get some use out of it.

FAQs

Does expired popcorn still pop?

Expired popcorn does not pop. When the popcorn has gone bad, the kernel will no longer pop since the moisture trapped inside the shell has dried up. Dried-up popcorn might appear a little bit darker, but you can’t tell for sure unless you try to pop the kernels.

Can I eat 2 year old microwave popcorn?

No, you should not eat 2 year old microwave popcorn because you run the risk of contracting foodborne illnesses and other health problems since it’s expired and unsafe for consumption. So, consider not to eat expired microwave popcorn.

Can you revive old popcorn?

Yes, you can revive old popcorn. Simply spread it on a baking sheet and heat it in the oven at 200-250°F for about five minutes. And your old popcorn would be as good as new.

Conclusion

Although microwave popcorn can be a delicious and healthy snack, eating expired microwave popcorn can lead to foodborne illnesses and some serious health hazards.

So, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks of eating expired popcorn. Lastly, by following basic food safety tips such as checking for signs of spoilage and proper storage practices, you can help ensure that your popcorn stays fresh and safe to eat.