I have always considered myself an "expert" when it comes to microwave popcorn, at least the major brands sold in the stores. I've tried them all but settled years ago on Orville Redenbacher's Movie Theater buttered. However, something's happened to it. For some time now their packaging proclaims "0 trans fats. Made with 100% whole grain." Fine. I have no problem with that. However, I'm beginning to wonder if that's why it just doesn't taste like it used to.

I like it when trans fats aren't included. I also happen to like whole grain, whole wheat types of foods. But this popcorn lately sucks. I can't find a decent microwave popcorn anymore, one that tastes like the old, greasy, buttery kinds that used to be served in movie theaters years ago.

Am I out of luck or just nuts here?

No, you're not wrong. It's why I went to buy a popcorn popper, so I could have real butter on my popcorn without ruining the taste of the popcorn. The fresh-popped smell in the place is incredible! I haven't gone back to microwave popcorn for over 2 months now. So now I don't have to worry about trans-fats or anything other than good old-fashioned popcorn with real cream butter on top.

That DOES sound like a lot of work, though, and I'm a guy living alone who is too damn lazy to clean.

We buy the Orville Redenbacher popcorn too. My partner learned a little trick from a coworker. You open the edge of the bag and slip in a slice of real butter then close the bag edge back up and pop as normal. You would not believe the difference a little pat of butter makes!! Yummy!!

Does it cover up the taste of this "whole grain" popcorn?

You know I really try to eat healthy, but I can't stand it when people mess with my junk food. When you're eating buttered popcorn you know its not health food, so why bother changing it to make it moderately more healthy for you. I remember McDonalds taking away my fried apple pies and replacing it with some cruddy baked ones. Sorry for the rant, but I think they should just leave well enough alone and respect people's ability to choose what they put in their bodies.