Best Popcorn Stores in the UK: Where to Buy Delicious Popcorn for Every Taste

Why popcorn is still Britain’s favourite go-to snack

Popcorn has a way of sneaking into every cozy corner of British life — from movie nights at home to weekend walks and impromptu parties. It’s light, crunchy, and endlessly adaptable, like a blank canvas that takes on sweet, salty, or spicy personalities with a single drizzle of flavour. The best part? A modest bag of popcorn delivers big satisfaction without feeling heavy, and you can control portion sizes in handy 3.5 oz or 5 oz servings. Whether you’re after buttery cinema-style kernels or boutique gourmet batches, the UK market is brimming with options. Let’s walk through where to buy popcorn — from big-name supermarkets to artisanal producers — so you can pick the perfect bag for your next snack attack.

Major supermarkets that stock popcorn classics

If convenience is king, supermarkets win every time. Big chains keep a steady range of popular popcorn brands and own-label bags, often in sizes like 3.5 oz microwave packs or 12 oz sharing tubs. Supermarkets are great if you want to compare flavours and prices quickly, and seasonal varieties often arrive around holidays. Expect everything from classic salted and caramel to limited-edition flavours; think of supermarket aisles as a buffet where you can sample both budget picks and slightly more premium options without breaking the bank.

Tesco

Tesco carries a wide selection, from budget-friendly own-brand options to well-known names like Butterkist and Propercorn. You’ll often find single microwave bags in the 3.5 oz range and sharing bags around 10 oz to 14 oz. Tesco strikes a good balance between price and quality, and seasonal or promotional packs make it a reliable first stop. If you want a quick grab for a movie night, Tesco’s multipack offers make life easier — like buying a small tub, but for a whole week’s worth of snacking experiments.

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s leans a bit more towards premium with its range of artisan and healthier options, including lightly salted and sweet kettle-cooked varieties. Their own-brand popcorn often comes in smart packaging and sizes like 5 oz craft bags that look great on a coffee table. Sainsbury’s is the place to browse if you’re curious about cleaner ingredient lists, different oil types, and a few unexpected flavours without steering too far into gourmet-price territory.

ASDA

ASDA is where bargains and family-size packs meet. You’ll find large tubs and family bags that stretch to about 1 lb for communal snacking, which is perfect for birthday parties or a weekend binge. ASDA also carries known brands and value ranges, so if you’re comparing cost per ounce, this is often a strong contender. It’s ideal for shoppers who want cost-effective quantities without compromising on classic taste.

Morrisons

Morrisons typically offers a curated mix of mainstream popcorn and some more unusual flavours that rotate with the seasons. Look out for their own-brand microwave options and 8 oz sharing bags. Morrisons can be a surprisingly good place to find those quirky flavour experiments like sweet-chilli or maple-and-sea-salt without the premium price tag. For shoppers who enjoy discovering new tastes, it’s worth checking the shelves each visit.

Waitrose

Waitrose is the go-to for gourmet popcorn shoppers who value provenance and premium ingredients. Expect brands like Joe & Seph’s and boutique kettle-cooked styles in refined 4 oz to 8 oz bags. Waitrose often focuses on crisp textures and richer coatings — think drizzle ratios that turn popcorn into a dessert-level treat. If you want a luxury snack or a gift-worthy tin, Waitrose offers artisanal picks that feel special without being ostentatious.

Discount supermarkets: where to find cheap popcorn

If you’re hunting for value, discount chains can surprise you with quality at low prices. These stores rotate stock quickly and often bring interesting seasonal options for pennies compared to premium outlets. For snackers who prefer quantity and no-fuss flavours like salted or sweet caramel, discounts stores offer great bang for your buck — you can get several 3.5 oz packs for roughly the price of one boutique bag.

Aldi and Lidl

Aldi and Lidl both run their own-label popcorn lines that are shockingly good compared to their price tags. Expect 3 oz to 5 oz single-serve bags and occasional larger tubs around 12 oz. These stores are brilliant for stocking up if you’re planning a gathering or just want a reliable, inexpensive treat. The packaging is often minimal but the flavours tend to be bold and satisfying, making these chains a favourite among budget-conscious snack lovers.

Online marketplaces and specialist retailers

Buying popcorn online unlocks a massive variety, from multipacks to limited-edition collaborations. Online shops let you filter by flavour, size, and dietary needs, and you can compare price-per-ounce quickly. Want to try a flight of three gourmet flavours or buy a 2 lb party tub? The internet is where choice escalates into a full-blown tasting adventure. Shipping is fast for many sellers, and subscription options can save you money if you snack often.

Ocado and Amazon

Ocado is brilliant for shoppers who want supermarket range without leaving home, and you’ll find mainstream and premium popcorn in sizes like 4 oz and 12 oz. Amazon UK pushes variety even further; it’s the marketplace for hard-to-find brands, bulk buys, and international flavours. You can easily price-check by ounce and read reviews to understand texture and sweetness levels. If you like browsing reviews and discovering niche brands, Amazon and Ocado are essential stops on your popcorn hunt.

Direct-to-consumer: Joe & Seph’s, Popcorn Shed and Propercorn

Specialist brands often sell direct from their own sites, offering exclusive flavours and gift tins. Joe & Seph’s and Popcorn Shed, for example, are known for inventive coatings and seasonal batches offered in gourmet 4 oz to 8 oz bags or elegant 1 lb tins for celebrations. Propercorn mixes healthier positioning with creative flavours in smaller 1.6 oz to 3.5 oz packs that are perfect for portion control. Buying direct can mean fresher stock, limited-edition runs, and sometimes better value on bulk or sampler sets.

Gourmet and artisanal popcorn brands to try

Gourmet popcorn turns a humble snack into an experience — think caramel lacquered to a glossy sheen, chocolate-drizzled kernels, or savoury truffle-touched batches. Brands like Joe & Seph’s, Popcorn Shed, and some Waitrose exclusives focus on texture and balance, typically selling in 4 oz to 8 oz bags. Artisan makers often experiment with flavours that mirror dessert trends — salted caramel popcorn with a hint of bourbon, or maple and pecan blends. If you’re throwing a dinner party or gifting a foodie, gourmet popcorn is the edible equivalent of a little velvet glove on your snack table.

Choosing the right popcorn by size, price and taste

Picking popcorn is like choosing shoes: size, fit, and occasion matter. For solo snacking, single-serve 1.6 oz to 3.5 oz packs are ideal; for sharing, aim for 10 oz to 1 lb tubs. Price-wise, think in cost per ounce to compare offers fairly. Flavour intensity is also key — light sea-salt is subtle, while kettle-cooked or caramel glazes are bold and sticky. If texture is your obsession, check if a brand uses air-popping or oil-popping: air-popped tends to be lighter, oil-popped richer. Matching size and style to where and how you’ll snack cuts down waste and boosts enjoyment.

Healthier popcorn options and what to look for

Popcorn can be surprisingly healthy if you choose the right style. Air-popped kernels have fewer calories per ounce than oil-popped varieties, and brands like Propercorn emphasise lower-calorie snacks in small 1.6 oz packs. Look for limited added sugars, and check oil types — olive oil or avocado oil beats trans fats any day. Serving size matters too: a sensible handful from a 3.5 oz bag still satisfies without derailing your day. If you’re chasing lower sodium or calorie counts, compare labels and aim for portions close to 1 oz to 2 oz when you want to keep it light.

Creative uses beyond the movie night

Popcorn isn’t just a passive snack — it’s a versatile ingredient. Use it to top salads for crunch, mix into trail mix with nuts and dried fruit, or fold into dessert bars for an unexpected twist. Homemade popcorn bowls with layers of sweet and salty flavours make festive centrepieces, and small 4 oz gourmet bags double as inexpensive party favours. Think of popcorn like a musical instrument: a little tweak in seasoning can change the whole tune, turning a quiet kitchen moment into a flavour symphony.

How to store popcorn for freshness

To keep popcorn tasting as good as the day you bought it, store unopened bags in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Once opened, transfer kernels or popped corn into airtight containers to preserve crunch — glass jars or resealable tins work well. If you bought a large 1 lb tub, consider dividing it into smaller 3.5 oz portions to maintain freshness when you reach for a snack later. Proper storage preserves that satisfying pop and prevents stale, chewy disappointment.

Final tips for finding the best popcorn deals

Hunting for great popcorn deals is a bit like treasure hunting: know your brands, watch for seasonal sales, and compare price per ounce to spot real bargains. Join supermarket newsletters and follow specialist brands on social media for flash sales and sampler offers. Buy variety packs when available to test flavours without committing to a whole tub, and don’t shy away from trying store brands — they often perform above their price point. With a few smart moves, you can build a snack drawer full of options that satisfy every craving.

Conclusion

Popcorn in the UK is more than a movie-night staple — it’s a versatile, joyful snack with options for every budget and taste. From major supermarket aisles to boutique online brands, you can find everything from 1.6 oz guilt-free portions to 1 lb party tubs. Whether your priority is price, flavour, health, or novelty, the stores covered here give you plenty of choices. Next time you crave a crunchy treat, think about size, flavour intensity, and how you plan to share it — then go shop with confidence and a rumbling appetite.