Does Popcorn Make the Cut When Following Whole30?

Popcorn is one of those all-time favorite snack items that happens to be super convenient, too. But you may find yourself asking, “Is popcorn Whole30?” After all, nobody wants to forego their favorite snack food, right? Let’s settle the question once and for all.

Quick Whole30 Recap

Whole30 is meant to serve as a 30-day reset for your body. During this time, you’re required to eat only whole foods. In other words, no processed food is allowed. This includes refined sugars and junk foods as well as grains, legumes, dairy and alcohol. Instead, you should load up your meal plan to include lean meats, veggies and fruits.

Is Popcorn Whole30?

So, did you catch the part above where it reminded you that you can’t eat grains on Whole30? Due to this restriction, you can’t eat popcorn since popcorn is made from corn which is a grain. Are you bummed? If so, we can’t blame you. Luckily, there are plenty of other Whole30 compliant snack options that may still be able to fill that beloved popcorn void.

Whole30 Snack Alternatives

No matter how you spin it, the bottom line is that you can’t have you can’t have popcorn on Whole30. Alternative snacks can be tricky since you have to be sure to steer away from added sugars. You’ll find compliant Whole30 snack ideas below.

1. Cauliflower popcorn: We know it sounds odd, but it’s a real thing. With more cauliflower being incorporated into various types of food selections these days, this just serves as one more option. Give it a try!
2. RXBARS: Made from egg, fruit and fat, these will surely be filling.
3. Veggies: Carrots, bell peppers and grape tomatoes are easy to grab and go. Of course, having them pre-sliced will make them even more convenient.
4. Fruit: Load up on the likes of berries, bananas and pears. Again, pre-sliced fruits will prove convenient.
5. Meat sticks and beef jerky: Before purchasing either of these, make sure they are Whole30 approved.
6. Canned fish or chicken: Double check to make sure they are sustainably sourced and preferably wild-caught.
7. Kale chips: These were once all the rage, and they still serve the purpose well. Take a look online for roasting options.
8. Nuts: Raw almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds or pistachios are all acceptable.
9. Hard boiled eggs: These are perfect for those who don’t have an issue with the texture of this popular go-to.
10. Egg muffins: You can even load these with other Whole30 approved ingredients for extra flavor.

Whole30 Snacking Rules

Before you get too carried away on any of these above snack ideas, you need to keep in mind the Whole30 stance on snacking. Snacks should be consumed in moderation in order maximize the benefits of the eating plan. If you snack too much, you’re not allowing time for your body to burn stored energy. However, they do emphasize that this is only a recommendation and not a rule.

Where to Purchase Whole30 Foods?

Thrive Market and Barefoot Provisions both provide an array of Whole30 foods that are easy to identify on their site. As a result, this is a significant time saver when shopping for appropriate foods. You might pay a bit more for the extra convenience, but it will be up to you to decide whether the cost is worth it.

Summary

If you’re disappointed by the answer to the question, “Is popcorn Whole30?” we’re sorry to be the bearer of bad news. But instead, focus on the good news! There are plenty of other Whole30 snack options to suffice. Just remember to use those options sparingly in order to get the best results from Whole30.