Which brand of popcorn pops the best?

The answer to this question relies heavily on taste, as well as some other factors, so I'll explain how I got to this conclusion in a moment, but first, my answer: Act II was the clear winner of my little contest.

Why?

Brand
Newman's Own
Pop Secret
Jolly Time
Best Choice
Act II
Orville Redenbacker
Price/Bag
$1.13
$0.95
$0.71
$0.56
$0.33
$0.95
Labeled Weight (oz)
3.5
3.5
3
3.5
3.3
3.3
Labeled Serving Size (grams)
30
36
34
33
35
35
Labeled Servings/Bag
3
3
2.5
3
2.5
2.5
Actual Servings/Bag
2.9
2.2
2.0
1.8
2.0
1.8
Un-popped Kernels (grams)
3
7
14
7
6
7
Popped Kernels (grams)
86
78
67
58
69
63
Percentage of Kernels Popped
97%
91%
79%
88%
91%
89%
Price/Popped Kernel Gram
$0.013
$0.012
$0.011
$0.010
$0.005
$0.015

  • It's far and away the cheapest.
  • It has a good Percentage of Kernels Popped
  • They're mid-pack on hitting their servings per bag claim. (No one was good at this, but holy-jeez! Look at Best Choice.)
  • They had the most buttery and salty taste of the bunch.

    • The truth about serving sizes -->