Popcorn is small kernels of corn bred specifically for popping (Zea mays everta). It is a type of flint corn that dates back thousands of years ago discovered in the Americas. Popcorn is available in many color varieties including red, blue yellow and white. When the corn kernels are subject to heat the moisture inside the kernel expands and the kernel pops open creating a fluffy white puff of corn.
Most of the worlds popcorn is grown in the Corn Belt of the U.S. and there are no known GMO popcorn crops in the U.S. People in the U.S. eat about 43 quarts of popcorn per year.
While there really is not really a substitute for popcorn, you can make a similar popped treat by popping sorghum. The link includes instructions on how to pop it. If you are looking for a Keto friendly alternative snack, try one of these substitutes:
Whole dried corn
Microwave popcorn is popcorn packed in special bags or boxes that confines the corn while it pops. Most of these products contain flavorings or other additives you might want to avoid like oil, salt and artificial butter flavorings. An alternative is to purchase a microwave popcorn popper which allows you to control what goes into your snack food.
Never make popcorn in plain brown paper bags because the bags are produced with chemicals not intended to be heated. Only use specially made microwave bags or a microwave popcorn maker.
You can learn more about popcorn at Popcorn.org.