Microwave popcorn odor

Why does commercial microwave popcorn always seem to have a strong, rancid odor when popping?  I don't detect such when I microwave just popcorn, but all bagged popcorn always seems to have a characteristic, nauseating odor.  About the only thing worse is microwaved fish.
 
Thinking it might be due to artificial ingredients, I recently tried a Newman's Own style that claimed to contain natural butter with other natural flavors (whatever that means) with no mention of artificial flavorings, but noticed no improvement, so that's likely not the cause.
 
Are there any bagged brands that don't result in that typical obnoxious odor? At home, I normally pop just jarred popcorn (either on the stove or in a microwave), but would like to have a bagged brand to utilize when traveling (pop in motel rooms).
 
 

 
I agree.  It's  nasty smell.  ... supposedly dangerous, as well.  There is a condition called "popcorn lung" or maybe it's "microwave popciorn lung."    I only make the real stuff on the stove.  I'm just not a fan of the microwave stuff, with or without the smell. 
 
 
Glenn
 
 

i been making my own popcorn in the micro.heres how u do it.take half cup popcorn, put in a tablespoon of oil and little salt in measuring cup and stir it up.put in a large brown luch bag and close it up and stand up in micro and pop for about 1.5 to 2 mins depending on your micro.then after u wiped out measuring cup heat some butter on it.works great

Read the ingredients on the box and that will explain the smell!!!

Foodbme


Read the ingredients on the box and that will explain the smell!!!

 
Actually, I did and that's why I tried it - popcorn, palm oil, natural butter and other natural flavors, salt, soy bean oil, annatto extract (for color), and vitamin E (for freshness).   At the end, it states "contains milk".  Ingrediants didn't seem all that unusual.
 
Never did understand "natural flavors" - wouldn't insects (among other items) be considered "natural"?  Best guess is either the butter or one of the oils is breaking down.  I normally use peanut oil when I microwave my popcorn at home - without odor problems.

mjambro

Foodbme


Read the ingredients on the box and that will explain the smell!!!

Actually, I did and that's why I tried it - popcorn, palm oil, natural butter and other natural flavors, salt, soy bean oil, annatto extract (for color), and vitamin E (for freshness).   At the end, it states "contains milk".  Ingrediants didn't seem all that unusual.

Never did understand "natural flavors" - wouldn't insects (among other items) be considered "natural"?  Best guess is either the butter or one of the oils is breaking down.  I normally use peanut oil when I microwave my popcorn at home - without odor problems.

That stuff gets a little Rancid when they"Process" it into a more solid state so it doesnt leak out of the bag while sitting on the shelf. 
The "Processing" breaks down the ingredients and that changes the elements of natural flavors.

When ever the kids and I would stay at my Mom's she would forbid us from making microwave popcorn!

i just hate that smell - it occurred to me some time ago and the only way to fight it is to spray, fragrance...

I love the fragrance of it, if it irritates you so much then apply room fresher.     

Spam scent.

Can't stand it either. Drives me nuts when someone in the office pops a bag. It doesn't smell rancid to me, just like burned popcorn, even though it's supposedly not burned.