Do Microwave Popcorn Bags Still Contain PFOA? Your Guide to Chemical-Free Popping

Popcorn is a favorite snack for people of all ages. There‘s nothing quite like the smell of popcorn popping on a movie night! But over the years, concerns have surfaced about potentially harmful chemicals used to make microwave popcorn bags grease-resistant. Specifically, the chemical PFOA. If you‘ve been wondering whether microwave popcorn still contains this controversial chemical, you‘ve come to the right place!

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll take a look at the science on PFOA, trace the timeline of how it was removed from microwave popcorn, and offer tons of tips for finding and making chemical-free popcorn so you can keep enjoying this tasty snack.

What Are PFAS Chemicals and Why Should You Care?

PFOA, also known as C-8, is part of a family of manmade chemicals called PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These chemicals are known for their grease, water, and stain repelling properties thanks to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds. This makes them very useful for consumer products like carpets, clothing, furniture, food packaging and more.

However, the same properties that make PFAS so industrially useful also make them extremely persistent in the environment and human body. PFAS accumulate over time and do not easily break down. Studies have linked high exposure to certain PFAS with some serious health risks:

• Increased cholesterol levels: A study of over 60,000 people found an average increase in cholesterol levels of 18 mg/dL with higher blood serum levels of PFOA. That‘s enough to significantly raise heart disease risk.

• Cancer: Exposure to PFOA has been linked to testicular, kidney, and ovarian cancer in human studies. One analysis found a 70% increased risk of kidney cancer among those with the highest PFOA blood levels.

• Reproductive issues: Exposure to PFAS like PFOA during pregnancy is associated with lower birth weight, accelerated puberty, pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia.

• Weakened immunity: A study of nearly 500 adolescents found their immune response to tetanus and diptheria vaccines decreased with every 2-fold increase in PFAS levels in the blood.

With accumulating evidence linking PFAS to concerning health problems, governments and consumers are pushing for their removal from products we interact with every day.

The Phase-Out of PFOA in Microwave Popcorn Bags

PFOA was commonly used in the lining of microwave popcorn bags to prevent oil from soaking through the packaging. But in 2007, concerns emerged about PFOA exposure through multiple sources including take-out containers and popcorn bags.

The EPA launched the PFOA Stewardship Program, asking major companies to commit to eliminating PFOA use by 2015. Then in 2014, a study by the FDA detected high levels of PFOA in microwave popcorn bags from several leading brands.

Popcorn bags were found to have PFOA levels ranging from 290 – 2050 parts per million (ppm) – far above the levels raising concern from health agencies.

In response, ConAgra (maker of Orville Redenbacher and Act II), Diamond Foods (Pop Secret), and American Pop Corn Company (Jolly Time), announced commitments to stop using PFOA in all popcorn bags by the end of 2015.

They reformulated their products using various alternatives including plant-based materials and food-contact approved grease resistant coatings. For example, ConAgra reportedly switched to using a food-contact approved wax to provide grease-resistance.

So by early 2016, PFOA had been voluntarily phased out of major microwave popcorn brands. Any bags still on shelves after 2015 should be PFOA-free.

Check That Label! How to Know If Your Popcorn Contains PFOA

When choosing microwave popcorn, check for confirmation on the label that the bag is PFOA-free. Many brands now advertise this directly on the bag with statements like:

*"PFOA free bag"

*"Made without PFOA"

*"No PFOA inside!"

If the bag does not explicitly state it‘s PFOA-free, check the ingredients list closely. PFOA is the chemical name, but it may also be listed as APFO (ammonium perfluorooctanoate) or C-8.

Call the manufacturer directly if you cannot find evidence of PFOA-free status on the label. They should be able to confirm whether their popcorn bags contain any PFAS chemicals.

Here are a few major brands that clearly confirm their popcorn is now PFOA-free:

• Orville Redenbacher‘s Popcorn – Labels state: "PFOA free bag"

• Pop Secret Popcorn – Website states bags do "not contain PFOA"

• Angie‘s BOOMCHICKAPOP – FAQ states all popcorn bags are "PFOA free"

• Newman‘s Own Organics – Company states all bags have "always been PFOA free"

The Safest Option – Make Your Own Microwave Popcorn!

To take total control over what chemicals come in contact with your popcorn, make your own microwave popcorn right at home!

Purchase plain popcorn kernels and use plain brown paper bags to hold the kernels. Add 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil or avocado oil to the bag before adding kernels. Fold the top of the bag over twice to close and microwave until popping slows to 2-3 seconds between pops.

There are also silicone microwave poppers available that require no oil. These bowl-shaped covers allow steam to circulate and popcorn to pop up fluffy using only kernels.

Either way, homemade microwave popcorn ensures no PFAS chemicals or other concerning additives – just pure, fresh popcorn!

Look for Truly Natural and Organic Brands

As consumer awareness grows about concerns over PFOA and other additive, there are more natural and organic microwave popcorn options emerging. Here are some great chemical-free brands to look for:

• Good Clean Love – Their popcorn bags are coated in a renewable plant-based wax and contain only organic corn, sunflower oil, and salt. Completely compostable.

• LesserEvil – Their classic and flavored popcorn comes in organic, non-GMO verified bags made without chemicals.

• Food Should Taste Good – Their bags use a renewable "bio-plastic" and are chemical free. Non-GMO kernels.

• Skinny Pop – Select organic varieties use non-GMO kernels and are made without artificial ingredients.

• Smartfood Organic – USDA certified organic popcorn made in chemical-free bags.

When you see terms like "organic" and "non-GMO verified" on the label, it‘s a sign of an authentically natural popcorn brand.

Watch Out for Other Concerning Chemicals in Flavored Popcorn

While PFOA may no longer be in microwave popcorn bags, some other potentially harmful additives are still found in certain flavors. Here‘s what to watch out for:

Diacetyl – This chemical provides that irresistible buttery popcorn flavor. But studies on factory workers exposed to diacetyl fumes show links to a serious lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans. Many brands now advertise "diacetyl-free" popcorn.

TBHQ – A widely used preservative that studies show can be harmful in very high doses. Found in microwave popcorn flavorings like "movie theater" and "cheddar cheese".

Propyl Gallate – Another synthetic antioxidant used to preserve flavors and oils. Linked to skin and respiratory irritation.

Ideally, choose simple popcorn without artificial flavors or fragrances. Or look for popcorn made with natural flavorings like spinach, nutritional yeast, or real aged cheese.

Tips for Safer and Healthier Popcorn Snacking

Here are some of my top tips for enjoying microwave popcorn without worry:

• Prioritize unflavored or lightly salted popcorn and add your own natural flavor boosts like nutritional yeast or Parmesan cheese.

• Pop your own popcorn at home when possible for full control over ingredients. Use coconut oil for a healthy popcorn pop!

• Limit microwave popcorn with artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives – these are more likely to contain questionable additives.

• Pair your popcorn with nutritious foods like hummus and celery sticks for a balanced snack.

• Look for organic and non-GMO verified popcorn made with whole food ingredients.

• Consider microwave popcorn an occasional treat food, not something to eat every single day. Moderation is key!

FAQs on PFAS in Microwave Popcorn

Still have some questions about PFAS and popcorn? Here I‘ll answer some of the most common FAQs on enjoying microwave popcorn without this chemical concern:

Are any microwave popcorn bags still made with PFOA?

Major brands eliminated their use of PFOA by 2015. If you see an older bag still on the shelves, it likely still contains PFOA. Check the date! Any bags produced post-2015 should be reformulated without it.

How can I be absolutely sure there are no PFAS chemicals in my popcorn?

Truly the only way you can be 100% confident there is no PFOA or PFAS is to pop your own popcorn at home using popcorn kernels and plain brown bags.

What popcorn brand is the healthiest overall?

Look for organic and non-GMO verified popcorn made without artificial additives. Brands like LesserEvil Organic, Food Should Taste Good, and Smartfood Organic check all the boxes.

Do the natural flavorings like "aged cheddar" contain questionable additives?

Sometimes yes. Even in "natural" labeled popcorn, the flavors may contain preservatives like TBHQ or propyl gallate. Check the ingredients and contact the brand if uncertain.

Besides popcorn, how else can I limit PFAS exposure from food?

Avoid take-out containers and fast food wrappers which still often contain PFAS. Use less packaged snacks and non-stick pans. Choose fresh minimally processed foods as much as possible!

I hope this guide helps put your mind at ease about enjoying microwave popcorn without exposure to troubling PFAS chemicals like PFOA! Let me know if you have any other questions.