What Can I Do With Old Popcorn Kernels?

Take a look at some of the top uses below and get the most out of your kernels!

1. Add the Unpopped Popcorn Kernels to Cheesy Grits.
2. Create Popcorn Ice Cream out of Your Kernels.
3. Use the Popcorn Kernels as an Ice Pack.
4. Consider Turning the Unpopped Popcorn Kernels into Beanbags.
5. Consider Holding a Contest at a Charity Event.

Can you use expired popcorn kernels?

Yes, they can. The shelf life of plain kernels is usually 6-8 months and that of microwave instant kernels is 8 months. After this date, even 3 months, you can still use it. But the popcorn kernels when pop will be “unpoppable” or dry and burn.

What can I do with expired popcorn?

How do you fix stale popcorn? You can reheat already popped popcorn by placing it in the oven at a lower temperature for a few minutes at a time until you get the right consistency.

Can unpopped popcorn be fed to birds?

In most cases, birds like feeding on seeds and grains. Therefore, popcorn can be a good addition to a bird’s regular diet and throwing some unpopped kernels of popcorn outside can be a good way to attract wild birds to your backyard, considering that corn kernels are perfectly safe for them to eat.

Do unpopped popcorn kernels go bad?

Unpopped popcorn: Popcorn kernels keep indefinitely with the right, airtight storage, but try to pop and eat kernels within six months to a year of getting them. Over time, they’ll lose their ability to pop as consistently, and they may have a slightly less fluffy texture than when you first got them.

How long can you keep unpopped popcorn?

Shelf-Life Of Various Popcorn Types

Popcorn Varieties	Popcorn Lifespan
Unpopped Kernels	Up to 12 months after the expiration date
Popped Popcorn	Up to 2 weeks after popping

How long does popcorn kernels last after expiration date?

In short, fresh kernels yield better results, meaning they pop larger and more consistently than older ones. Because of that, it’s recommended to use them within about two years of the production date, or about 6 to 12 months past the date on the label.

CAN expired popcorn hurt you?

Microwave popcorn can last two to three months beyond the recommended best by date. As long as your popcorn is within this timeframe, it is perfectly fine to eat it, with a few exceptions.

Can you grind popcorn into cornmeal?

Popcorn kernels are already dry and are considered whole grain (for whole-grain cornmeal). You can use most types of corn that you have (including frozen corn, off the cob) to make homemade cornmeal. As long as it is thoroughly dehydrated, then it will work.

How do you keep popcorn kernels from going stale?

The key to storing your unpopped popcorn kernels is to keep them in a tightly sealed jar and stored in a cool area (such as a pantry or cupboard). If you keep your popcorn this way, you can easily pop batches of popcorn for months down the road (or even longer).

Can squirrels eat unpopped popcorn?

Unpopped kernels pose a choking hazard for squirrels. If your pet gulps down too many popcorns at once, it could easily block their tiny throat and may become fatal.

What animals eat unpopped popcorn?

Kernels can be extremely hard – and smaller birds will find that the kernels are too difficult to eat. If you give a smaller bird unpopped kernels there is the risk that they could choke on them. Turkeys, crows, and other large birds will eat the kernels without any problem.

Can cats eat popcorn?

Keep in mind—popcorn is okay, not great
Popcorn can be an occasional snack for healthy adult cats. They may like its texture or smell but wouldn’t fancy eating too much of it. It’s a nutritionally underwhelming product because corn is not a part of your feline’s natural diet.

Why is it a good idea to store popcorn kernels in the refrigerator?

The short answer? – No, the popcorn will not “pop “better by storing the popcorn kernels in the refrigerator but storing the freshly popped kernels in a tightly sealed container inside a refrigerator or a cabinet will make the popcorn last longer, stay fresh, and just as delicious!

How can you tell if popcorn is expired?

When popcorn has gone bad, the moisture trapped within the hull has dried and thus the kernel will no longer pop. Popcorn may appear slightly darker when dried, but it is hard to tell for sure unless you actually try to pop the kernels.

Can you get sick from popcorn?

“Popcorn lung” is the nickname for bronchiolitis obliterans. That’s a condition that damages your lungs’ smallest airways and makes you cough and feel short of breath. It’s sometimes caused by breathing in a chemical used to flavor microwave popcorn.

Can I make grits from popcorn kernels?

Chef Daniel Patterson puts a unique spin on traditional corn grits with this recipe that starts with popcorn kernels and ends with a delicious side dish.

Can you blend popcorn to make grits?

Bring a few cups of water, a few spoonfuls of butter and some salt to a simmer. Throw in a big handful of popcorn, simmer 30 seconds to a minute, until the corn is softened, and strain through a fine mesh sieve.

How do you refresh stale popcorn?

The easiest way to refresh leftover popcorn is to toss it in the oven to warm it up and re-crisp it. Simply spread it out in an even layer on a baking sheet and place it in a 250°F oven for about five minutes, until it’s warmed through.

Do mice eat popcorn kernels?

Popcorn is good for mice as an occasional snack, as long as it’s plain popcorn. While the contents of plain popcorn are okay for mice to eat, the popcorn pieces mustn’t be too big for the mouse to chew.

What wildlife eats popcorn?

So what animals can eat popcorn? Plain air-popped popcorn can be fed to alpacas, cows, chickens, roosters, goats, horses, llamas, pigs, sheep, cats, chinchillas, dogs, ferrets, fish, hamsters, mice, pet birds, rats, frogs, monkeys, raccoons, turtles, squirrels, wild birds, and deer in small amounts.