NATURAL

WINNER: Newman's Own Natural. WHY: The salt and butter enhance the corn flavor instead of overwhelming it. The color is natural yellow, not radioactive yellow. FAT: 11 grams (in 3 1/2 cups). SODIUM: 180 milligrams. RUNNER-UP: America's Choice Light Natural. WHY: A close second. Buttery without being greasy, but a little too salty. FAT: 2.8 grams (in 3 1/2 cups). SODIUM: 88 milligrams.

LIGHT

WINNER: Jolly Time Healthy Pop (94% Fat Free) butter flavor. WHY:Great flavor. Not too buttery or salty. It's low in fat but doesn't taste like it. FAT: 2 grams (in 5 cups). SODIUM: 50 milligrams. RUNNER-UP: America's Choice Lite Butter. WHY: Natural flavor and an airy texture, but a little higher in fat than the winner. FAT: 3.5 grams (in 3 1/2 cups). SODIUM: 105 milligrams.

BUTTER

WINNER: Act II Butter. WHY: Some microwave popcorns taste as if they've been doused with an entire tub of margarine. Not this brand. The color was appealing, not artificial. FAT: 8 grams (in 4 cups). SODIUM: 100 milligrams. RUNNER-UP: Pop Secret Homestyle. WHY: A little higher in fat than the winner, but passes for homemade, just as the label suggests. FAT: 10 grams (in 4 cups). SODIUM: 100 milligrams.

ORGANIC

WINNER: Healthy Choice Natural. WHY: Doesn't taste good for you, which in this category is high praise. FAT: 2 grams (in 6 cups). SODIUM: 140 milligrams. RUNNER-UP: Bearitos Lightly Salted No Oil Added. WHY: No oil, hardly any fat. A little dry, but Real Simpletasters didn't mind. FAT: 1.5 grams (in 5 cups). SODIUM: 90 milligrams.