Pop Weaver Launches First Microwave Popcorn Made With Canola Oil

NOBLESVILLE, Ind., May 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Pop Weaver® is introducing the first microwave popcorn to be made with Canola oil. The new and improved formulation of the popcorn enhances the rich, buttery taste that Pop Weaver is known for, and is lower in calories, total fat, saturated fat and sodium, while also providing Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids.

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100504/DE98436 )

"Since popcorn is all we make, we're continually striving to make our product the best-tasting, healthiest popcorn, at the best possible price," said Mike Weaver, president and chief executive officer of the Weaver Popcorn Company, which makes Pop Weaver. "We've worked for years to replace our previous oil blend with a Canola oil blend, and we are proud to lead the industry with this innovation."

All three flavors in the Pop Weaver microwave popcorn line – Light Butter, Butter and Extra Butter – have been reformulated to incorporate Canola oil. Both Light Butter and Butter carry the American Heart Association's Heart Check mark, designating them as heart-healthy products. All three flavors also contain zero grams of trans fat.

Pop Weaver's Canola oil blend is primarily comprised of "heart healthy" polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which help to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, and supply Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids, helping to protect against coronary heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.

And the popcorn provides other health benefits, as well, since it is a good source of whole grains. Not only does it contain fiber, but a study released last summer found that popcorn also provides healthy antioxidants. In fact, because it is unprocessed, according to the study, popped popcorn provided more antioxidants than any other snack food tested.

New Popcorn Lower in Fat and Calories, High in Taste

For the first time, even lovers of Pop Weaver Extra Butter microwave popcorn can enjoy an entire bag of their favorite snack, guilt-free. With only 260 calories, 2g saturated fat, and 0g trans fats per full bag popped, new Pop Weaver Extra Butter microwave popcorn will satisfy your butter craving without blowing your diet. The Light Butter and Butter flavors – which carry the Heart Check designation – contain only 210 calories and 230 calories per full popped bag, respectively.

"With most 'healthy' snacks, you typically have to give up flavor," said Weaver. "But our new microwave popcorn really is the best of all worlds. Not only does it taste great, but it is better for you."

Weaver adds that Pop Weaver remains a great snacking value, as well. "You can serve your family our popcorn for 21 cents per full bag popped," said Weaver. "No other snack provides the nutrition that we do for such a low cost. And it's fun and delicious to eat."

New Pop Weaver microwave popcorn made with Canola oil is now available at mass market retailers and discount stores nationwide.

About Pop Weaver Popcorn

Pop Weaver is a leading national brand of microwave popcorn in the United States. It is produced by Weaver Popcorn Company, Inc., one of the largest producers and manufacturers of popcorn products in the world. An 80-year-old, family-owned company, Weaver Popcorn distributes its products in more than 90 countries.

SOURCE Weaver Popcorn Company, Inc.