Jolly Time.
Yes, diacetyl is considered harmful to health when inhaled in high concentrations, as it has been linked to respiratory issues such as bronchiolitis obliterans, also known as "popcorn lung."
Diacetyl is a volatile organic compound with a buttery flavor and aroma, commonly found in foods like butter, popcorn, and dairy products. It is produced naturally during fermentation processes and is also used as a flavoring agent in various food products. However, exposure to high levels of diacetyl in industrial settings, particularly in popcorn production, has been linked to respiratory issues, including a condition known as "popcorn lung." As a result, its use in food products and workplaces is regulated in some regions.
Yes, the butter flavor is made up of coconut oil, soy oil, diacetyl and butylhydroquinone.
The only proven health risk of diacetyl is its inhalation over time. If you simply MUST have your butter flavoured microwave popcorn, then be sure to avoid inhaling the fumes, especially when it is fresh and steaming. Make freshly popped popcorn and add your own butter instead to completely avoid the risk. There is very little evidence that eating diacetyl is a health concern. Further research is required to be sure. The simplest way to avoid diacetyl exposure is to avoid processed foods that contain artificial butter flavouring, and fermented alcoholic beverages like beer and wine that have not been fully fermented to remove excess diacetyl.
As of my last knowledge update in October 2023, Jolly Time popcorn products, including their microwave popcorn bags, do not contain diacetyl. The company has made efforts to remove this chemical from their formulations due to health concerns associated with inhalation. However, it's always best to check the packaging or the company's website for the most current ingredient information.
Diacetyl is still used in some food products today, particularly in flavorings for popcorn, baked goods, and dairy products, due to its buttery flavor. However, its use has declined in certain applications due to health concerns, particularly its association with respiratory issues when inhaled, as seen in cases of "popcorn lung." Many manufacturers have sought diacetyl alternatives to mitigate these risks. Always check ingredient labels for the most current information on specific products.
Popcorn lung
It will vary by brand and flavor. Jolly Time White & Buttery contains: 100% Whole Grain White Popcorn, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Salt, Natural and Artificial Flavors (No Diacetyl Added) with Real Butter, Soy Lecithin, Annatto for Coloring.
Diacetyl is a ketone. It has a structure with two carbonyl groups attached to a central carbon atom.
benzaldehyde Benzaldehyde is the primary flavor ingredient used in an artificial cherry flavor. It has nothing to do with butter flavor. As noted below, diacetyl is the most commonly used flavor ingredient in a butter flavor.
Popcorn has a natural freshness of 3-to-5 years and needs no preservatives in its unpopped kernal form. However, that doesn't stop the large distributors from extending shelflife by adding tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) to unpopped popcorn. Another unhealthy additive found in some microwave varieties is diacetyl. Both TBHQ and diacetyl are dangerous to humans and pets. Nitrogen is what is generally used to fill the bags of pre-popped popcorn instead of normal "air" which contains oxygen. Oxygen causes the popped popcorn to go stale. Unlike TBHQ and diacetyl, nitrogen is not harmful--it makes up most of the "air" you breathe! Truly healthy popcorn has no preservatives. Back in the good ol' days of the Cold War, preservatives were touted as the God-sent solution to how we were going to keep our food supplies from rotting in our bomb shelters as we waited for the half-life of nuclear radiation to wear off. If you are looking for preservative free food, you should not have difficulty finding it on your grocer's shelves. Stay away from the big brands that sell nationwide and select a local grower's product. The larger the distributor's market, the longer their food stays in warehouses or gets shipped back-and-forth across the US. If you see preservatives in food, its probably a good sign that the food has been sitting for YEARS!
Artificial butter flavor in popcorn often contains diacetyl, a diketone, which contributes to the buttery aroma and taste. Additionally, other aldehydes such as hexanal or butyraldehyde may also be present, as they can enhance the flavor profile. These compounds are commonly used in food flavoring due to their distinctive smells and flavors.