ACT II: the microwave popcorn that's been saving American movie nights since 1984!

Want the real American popcorn — the movie-theater kind, loaded with butter and that unmistakable taste? That's ACT II. Since 1984, ACT II has been the very first shelf-stable microwave popcorn in history — a game-changer that transformed American movie nights forever. Now part of ConAgra Brands, it's one of the best-selling popcorns on the planet. My American Market brings it to you straight from the States!

Did you know ACT II invented the modern microwave popcorn bag?

Microwave popcorn already existed before 1984 — but it was called ACT I, and it had to live in the fridge because of the real butter inside. The problem? Nobody wanted to keep popcorn bags next to the milk! In 1984, James Watkins, an engineer at Golden Valley Microwave Foods in Minneapolis, invented the first shelf-stable popcorn bag. ACT II was born — the "second act," the upgraded version. By 1999, ConAgra was cranking out more than a billion bags a year, making ACT II the best-selling microwave popcorn in the world!

The 3 ACT II varieties

ACT II comes in three levels of butter — because not every popcorn fan feels the same way about butter!

ACT II Light Butter — the lighter take. All the American popcorn taste with less fat. Perfect for the nights you want to snack without the guilt!
ACT II Butter — the classic! Authentic American buttered popcorn, not too much, not too little. This is the benchmark, the taste of the American movies in a bag.
ACT II Butter Lovers — for the true butter fans! A generous hit of butter and flavor that nails the big-screen popcorn experience. Indulgent and proud of it!

How to make ACT II perfectly

Lay the bag flat in the microwave, "This Side Up" facing the ceiling. Run it at full power. Listen closely — when the pops slow to 2-3 seconds apart, you're done! Average time: 2 to 3 minutes depending on your microwave. Heads up: every microwave is different, so watch it the first time to avoid burning! Open the bag carefully, away from your face — that steam is seriously hot. And above all, eat it right away: popcorn loses its crunch as it cools!

Tips for the perfect American movie night

Americans often drizzle extra melted butter over their popcorn, or dust it with spices (smoked paprika, parmesan, cayenne). Want the sweet-and-salty combo? Toss a bag of ACT II Butter with melted caramel — the result is so good! And for the full American cinema feel: a big bowl, dimmed lights, a movie in its original version. That's it!

Where to buy ACT II in Europe?

ACT II is nowhere to be found in regular European stores. My American Market, the No.1 online American grocery store in Europe, brings it to you straight from the States. Express delivery!

Into American snacks? Check out CORN NUTS, Fritos and BIGS in our shop too!

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