Hi guys! I have a mini post for you today! it’s a short ‘Snack Hack’ for Vegan Ranch Popcorn! It’s like a life hack… but for snacks.. because making your life easier with yummy, healthy, and EASY recipes is what I do. š With Halloween fast approaching, it’s a great time to gather some healthy snacks and goodies for the kids, and this snack is definitely kid approved! Did you know that October is also #NationalPopcornPoppināMonth ? Well, it is, so that means it’s the prefect time to kick your popcorn up a couple of notches! To accomplish this, Ā I literally take one of my favorite snacks and use it to make my popcorn even better! Let me explain….
I LOVE kale chips, especially these Ranch style kale chips from Alive and Radiant (this is not a sponsored post – I’m just a fan).
I really need to start making my own kale chips, but I’m honestly afraid they’ll never live up to these… they’re just that good. If you think I already sound like a total fan girl, wait until you hear what I do with them! Dried kale can be crumbly, so, after you eat the whole bag, I mean share the whole bag with you friends and family, there is always a handful of powdered kale in the bottom of the bag. I kept thinking of all of these things I could use that wonderfully flavored powder on (like potatoes or pasta!).Ā Ā I started saving it in a glass container with a lid, and the next time I made popcorn, I triedt it on my popcorn, and it was AMAZING! So, here’s what you do…
Put a bag of kale chips into a food processor or blender and grind them up. Store whatever you don’t use in an air tight glass container with a lid. One bag of kale chips is enough to really coat about 2-3 bags of microwave popcorn.
There are a few different methods to get the kale to stick to the popcorn. If you are using SkinnyPop, or other bagged popcorn, you can toss it with the popcorn, but most of it will end up at the bottom of the bowl. To help it stick you can mist it with a little bit of water, olive oil or cooking spray, then quickly toss it with the kale. Sometimes I buy SkinnyPop at Whole Foods or Target and I use this mister with some oil in it to mist the popcorn.
If you are popping your own, you can take advantage of steam to make it stick (my preferred method). When your popcorn is done popping, open the lid (or bag) and let just a little steam out. Then sprinkle in a few big tablespoons of the ground up kale, and replace the lid (or close the top of the bag). Shake the pan/bag to coat the popcorn, and repeat if necessary. Some of the topping will stick to the inside of the pan/bag, so just scrape it off with a spoon. Pour into a bowl and enjoy! That’s it! Super easy! Now you have a wholesome, delicious snack to eat while you’re binge watching Netflix, and it’s great for parties too! My kids love this snack, so I’ll definitely be making some on Halloween!
Halloween Party Ready – Vegan Ranch Popcorn
*A few things to remember when you are buying popcorn, or any product, but especially corn (and soy) products. To make sure you are buying the healthier possible products, look for the symbol on the package that it is certified Non-GMO, and even better if you can buy organic! Also, look for products that do not contain artificial flavors, there is some seriously bad stuff in there that is harmful to your health. The best way to make sure that you are getting the most healthiest snack possible is to pop your own corn. Start with organic corn, and use an organic, healthy oil, like coconut oil for example. If you are going to use salt in addition to the kale chips, you don’t need much. I would recommend pink Himalayan salt.
Check back here for some other Vegan/Gluten Free/All Natural Halloween treats – coming soon! Make sure you never miss a post by signing up for my email newsletter or connect with me on social media. I love hearing from my readers too, so let me know if you have any questions or comments about the blog, or if you need help with a recipe! Thanks for reading! Angel
- 4 C popcorn, prepared or 1 pkg. microwave popcorn (natural, non-Gmo, organic!)
- 1 pkg. Ranch flavored kale chips (or other favorite flavored kale chips)
- In a food processor, grind up a package of flavored kale chips, and transfer to a storage container (glass preferred).
- Prepare 4 C of popcorn. When popcorn is done, remove lid from pan (or open bag slightly if microwaving), and sprinkle on topping. Replace lid and shake pan to distribute topping (or pinch bag closed and shake)
- Pour into a bowl and remove an excess kale from the inside of the pot or bag with a spoon and sprinkle over the top of the popcorn.
- Store the remaining kale for another batch.
- *If using bagged popcorn, mist the popcorn with some olive oil, water or cooking spray and then toss with kale.
** This post containsĀ affiliate links, which means that if you click through,Ā and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission from Amazon. It helps me keep the blog running, so if you do purchase after reading my post, thatās awesome, thanks! Most importantly, I just want to inspire you, and be inspired by you. Ā I never write about products that I donāt use, or donāt believe in. When I do find something that Iām passionate about, I like to share it with my readers. 
Angel McNall is the author and photographer of High Vibe Lifestyle. For over 20 years, Angel has been teaching people how to live more vibrantly by eating a plant based diet, and using plant based medicine. 
