Ever wondered what would happen if you cooked microwave popcorn upside down? Would it explode? Here's the real deal.
The Real Reason You Need to Microwave Popcorn “This Side Up”
Updated on Jan. 05, 2024
Aah, it’s finally movie night! After a long workweek, nothing sounds better than family movie night with, of course, some movie night munchies. Popcorn is a must.
As anyone who’s eaten buttery goodness from a bag of microwave popcorn knows, there is a large label on one side of the package stating “This Side Up.” Naturally, the rebel in me has to ask, “What if I don’t?” What exactly will happen if I microwave it upside down? I’ve never tempted fate and done it, since I can imagine firefighters showing up after a giant explosion, with one saying to me, “Why can’t you follow directions?” So I did what any good writer would do—I researched it.
Will the popcorn bag explode if microwaved upside down?
No, the bag will not explode if you microwave it upside down. The real answer lies with this interesting material called a susceptor. It’s the metallic-looking sheet (sometimes wrapped in paper) found both in microwave bags and in crisping sleeves for other microwaved foods. It absorbs the microwaves, which raises its temperature high enough to cook the kernels by conduction. In order for this to happen properly, the kernels should be positioned over the susceptor.
The next time you want to make some popcorn snacks, peek into the empty bag. You’ll notice a large gray rectangle on the “down” side of the bag. That gray patch is the susceptor.
So, what actually happens?
If you were to cook a microwave popcorn bag upside down, you would simply have far fewer (and less evenly) popped kernels in the bag. If you’ve ever popped corn in a brown paper bag, you know that isn’t very efficient, though some think it is safer than popping prepackaged popcorn bags.
Is microwave popcorn safe?
Well, that depends on whom you’re asking. The FDA states the following:
“Studies by FDA, with hot vegetable oil in contact with a susceptor, have shown that the susceptor materials liberate volatile chemicals that may be retained in the oil at parts-per-billion (ppb) levels.”
A study was performed on various microwavable foods containing susceptors to try to ascertain how many chemicals they came in contact with went into the food. Among others, benzene (a known carcinogen) was found in small amounts in three of the foods that were tested. The study did note that more-recent susceptor products appeared to have been reformulated to remove even those trace amounts.
In any case, you can rest easy knowing that the popcorn bag won’t explode in the microwave if you put it in upside down.
With this information you can choose what you’re comfortable eating. Perhaps a daily bag of microwave popcorn isn’t a smart idea, or maybe you want to make DIY paper bag popcorn instead.
Next up: Here’s why you should think twice before using your microwave’s popcorn button.
These Popcorn Recipes Are Ready to Party
Parmesan Ranch PopcornWhether you need a quick gift idea or yummy munchies for movie night, we've got you covered with this cheesy twist on regular popped popcorn. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Make sure you know how to make popcorn on the stove!
White Chocolate Chex MixWhite chocolate Chex mix is the perfect balance of sweet, salty and crunchy, which makes it hard to resist. This party snack takes minutes to make and disappears just as quickly.
Caramel CornLearning how to make a caramel corn recipe is surprisingly easy! Follow our step-by-step guide for perfect kernels.
Striped Chocolate PopcornFor a bake sale last year, I wanted to try something different. I’d seen chocolate popcorn in a candy shop and thought I’d try making it. This recipe was a great success. —Mary Schmittinger, Colgate, Wisconsin
Nacho PopcornMy husband and I like to munch on this while watching TV. The nacho flavoring is a zesty alternative to butter and salt. —Linda Boehme, Fairmont, Minnesota
Ranch PopcornWhat’s movie night at home without some popcorn to munch? Try a big tub of this buttery, showstopping blend. It’s easy, cheesy and finger-lickin’ good. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Marshmallow-Peanut PopcornMy brother calls this combo of popcorn, marshmallows, peanuts and pretzels the “perfect popcorn." The taste is reminiscent of a Big Hunk candy bar. —Julie Perez, Idaho Falls, Idaho
White Chocolate PopcornWhite chocolate popcorn with crushed peppermint is a delightfully sweet, fluffy and crunchy DIY snack for at-home movie nights or holiday soirees.
Chocolate-Mint PopcornI wrote a book called “20 New Ways to Enjoy Popcorn.” When I poll friends, they favor this recipe, a delicious treat for after-dinner coffee. — Polly Brunning, Thaxton, Virginia
Buffalo Ranch PopcornThis zippy blend is sure to spice up your favorite snack. It's perfect for game time, movie time, or as a special after-school treat. —Joyce McCarthy, Sussex, Wisconsin
Halloween Snack MixHere is a simple snack mix I created on the spur of the moment. It's easy to toss together for a Halloween party or to package in individual bags for a fall bake sale. —Barbara Roberts, Middleton, Wisconsin
Rosemary-Parmesan PopcornFresh herbs and real cheese make this popcorn a homemade favorite that will make you forget about store-bought seasoning mixes. —Dan Kelmenson, West Bloomfield, Michigan
Gingerbread Caramel CrunchIf you love gingerbread, you won't be able to resist this crispy, crunchy popcorn. Munch it yourself or share it as a tasty gift! —Lynne Weigle-Snow, Alexandria, Virginia
Peanut Caramel CornA sweet, crunchy, lighter alternative to traditional caramel corn, this can’t-stop-eatin’-it treat won’t stick to fingers or teeth! It’s wonderful for gifts, too. —Lois Ward, Puslinch, Ontario
Sweet-Tooth PopcornI like to be creative with this popcorn recipe and add different things to make it festive for the holidays. Everyone says the sweet and salty taste is addicting. —Daynna Puckett, Broken Bow, Oklahoma
Maple Crunch PopcornFor a snack that's sure to bring smiles, try this medley of popcorn and pecans covered in a sweet and buttery coating.—Elmira Trombetti, Paducah, Kentucky
Peanut Butter Lover's PopcornA fun way to jazz up popcorn. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Candy Corn & Peanut Popcorn BallsMy daughter and I enjoy baking and cooking together, and this recipe is one my daughter can help make and then share at school.—Kim Shireman, Searcy, Arkansas
