Quick Take
- Most microwave popcorn bags use PFAS, which are often referred to as “forever chemicals” which has been the subject of past class actions.
- PFAS are persistent in the environment and are being studied for potential health impacts.
When I tell people I’ll never buy microwave popcorn again, they usually look at me like I just told them Santa isn’t real. But as a class action attorney, I’ve read enough lawsuits and studies to know what’s really inside those buttery bags... and it’s not just popcorn.
Here’s what they don’t want you to know: the inside lining of many microwave popcorn bags is often coated with PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These “grease-resistant” chemicals keep the butter and oil from soaking through the bag, but they have been linked to some serious health concerns (think: cancer, hormone disrputers, and fertility inbalances). They are dubbed "forever chemicals” because they don’t break down. Not in the environment (there in land fills and water sources), and not in your body.
I’ve seen multiple consumer class actions filed against popcorn brands accused of marketing their products as “safe,” “natural,” or “healthy” while allegedly using PFAS in their packaging. Some companies have settled or quietly changed their materials, but the bigger issue remains: these chemicals stay with us for years.
That’s why I stick to air-popped kernels at home. It’s cheaper, cleaner, and doesn’t come with a side of potential toxins. Plus, my kids love helping with the popcorn making process!
Microwave popcorn might seem harmless, but the lawsuits and the science tell another story. Stay tuned, because this isn’t just about popcorn. PFAS are showing up in everything from fast-food wrappers to cookware, and the fight to hold companies accountable is just getting started.
Follow me at @ThatAttorneyRachel for more “What They Don’t Want You To Know.” I cover real class actions that expose the truth behind everyday products, companies don't want you to know about.