Cheese popcorn and caramel popcorn are two popular flavored popcorn varieties. Cheese popcorn is popcorn that has been coated with cheese powder or cheese seasoning, giving it a cheesy taste. Caramel popcorn is popcorn that has been coated with caramel, giving it a sweet, buttery flavor. Both cheese popcorn and caramel popcorn are often found at movie theaters, carnivals, fairs, and shops that specialize in flavored popcorn.
What is Cheese Popcorn?
Cheese popcorn starts out as regular popped popcorn kernels that are then tossed in cheese powder or a cheese seasoning blend. The cheese powder sticks to the popcorn, coating each kernel with cheesy flavor. Some key things to know about cheese popcorn:
- The cheese powder is typically a blend of cheese flavors like cheddar, parmesan, romano, and nacho cheese.
- Ingredients in the cheese powder include cheese solids, salt, maltodextrin, yeast extract, colorings, and flavorings.
- The popcorn takes on an orange cheese color from the powder.
- Cheese popcorn has a tangy, cheesy taste.
- It can be drizzled or sprayed with liquid cheese for extra flavor.
- Some brands make white cheddar and other cheese flavored varieties.
Cheese popcorn is a popular snack food thanks to its addictively cheesy and salty flavor. It’s often eaten by the handful straight from the bag as a snack, and it can be found in stores and concession stands all over.
History of Cheese Popcorn
Cheese popcorn originated in the 1940s. One of the first known brands of cheese popcorn is C. Cretors, which began making a cheese-flavored popcorn in 1940 using a blend of aged cheddar cheese. The savory snack grew in popularity over the decades, especially at movie theaters where the strong cheese flavor stood up well to giant buckets of popcorn. Today, many brands like Smartfood, Boom Chicka Pop, and Off the Cob make packaged cheese popcorn found in stores.
How Cheese Popcorn Is Made
Making cheese popcorn is a relatively simple process:
- Start with popcorn kernels. The kernels are popped using hot air, yielding fluffy popped corn.
- While the popcorn is still warm, cheese powder is tossed on the popcorn until it is evenly coated.
- The cheese powder sticks to the popcorn thanks to the kernel’s slightly sticky surface.
- Extra oil or melted butter is sometimes drizzled on before the cheese to help it adhere.
- The cheese-coated popcorn is then cooled, packaged, and sold as cheese popcorn.
Industrially made cheese powder contains cheese solids, maltodextrin, salt, yeast extract, anticaking agents, and colorings like annatto extract. This powder easily coats the popcorn evenly. Homemade cheese popcorn can be made by tossing the popcorn in grated parmesan, romano, or cheddar along with seasoning.
What is Caramel Popcorn?
Caramel popcorn, also sometimes called candied popcorn, is popcorn that is coated in a sweet, buttery caramel glaze. The caramel coating gives the popcorn a crisp, sugary exterior. Some key facts about caramel popcorn:
- The popcorn is cooked with brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt to make the caramel.
- The popcorn takes on a golden caramel color from the coating.
- Caramel corn has a buttery, sugary taste.
- Nuts like peanuts or almonds are sometimes mixed in for crunch.
- It has a sweet flavor similar to kettle corn, but is crunchier from the hardened caramel.
Sweet and crunchy caramel corn is a classic fair food, movie snack, and party treat. It strikes a perfect salty-sweet balance that keeps snackers coming back for more.
History of Caramel Popcorn
Caramel popcorn also originated in the late 19th to early 20th century. Popcorn vendors at fairs, circuses, and theaters would coat warm popcorn in melted caramel to create a sweet, crunchy snack. Caramel corn grew especially popular at baseball stadiums in the early 1900s.
One of the earliest known printed caramel corn recipes appeared in a 1917 cookbook called Foods That Will Win the War and How to Cook Them. The Karmelkorn Shoppe, established in 1924, was one of the original mass producers of caramel popcorn. Today, Cracker Jack, Poppycock, Garrett, and other mass market brands produce packaged caramel corn.
How Caramel Popcorn Is Made
Making traditional caramel popcorn involves these key steps:
- First, the popcorn kernels are popped to make light, fluffy popcorn.
- In a separate pan, the caramel is cooked. Butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla are simmered until thick.
- The freshly popped popcorn is coated with the caramel while still hot.
- Nuts can also be mixed in at this stage.
- The caramel corn is cooled and allowed to dry to form the hardened caramel coating.
- Once cooled and dried, the caramel corn can be packaged up to serve.
Homemade caramel popcorn can be made on the stovetop by melting butter with brown sugar, corn syrup, salt, vanilla, and baking soda. This caramel mixture is famously sticky and coats each kernel for sweet, crunchy perfection.
Other Facts About Cheese and Caramel Popcorn
Nutrition
Both cheese and caramel popcorn are considered less healthy snack options because of their high calorie, salt, and sugar content:
- Cheese popcorn is high in sodium, averaging 150-350mg per serving.
- Caramel popcorn is high in sugar, with around 15-30g per serving.
- A 1 oz serving ranges from 120-180 calories for both types.
- The snacks lack nutrients and fiber compared to fresh popcorn.
In moderation, cheese and caramel popcorn can be enjoyed as an occasional treat. But the snacks should be limited in a healthy diet.
Storage
To maintain optimal texture and freshness, cheese and caramel popcorn should be stored:
- In an airtight container or bag, sealing out humidity.
- In a pantry or cupboard, avoiding heat and light.
- Away from open air, which can cause staleness.
- For 1-2 weeks past the best-by date.
If stored improperly, the popcorn can lose its crunch or develop off-flavors. Follow proper storage to enjoy the snacks at peak deliciousness.
Serving Suggestions
Cheese and caramel popcorn make great additions to:
- Movie nights or game days for snacking
- Party mixes combined with pretzels, chips, nuts, etc.
- Gift bags or tins for holidays, birthdays, and celebrations
- Snack bars at events like weddings, showers, and conferences
- Picnics, fairs, and carnivals for sharing
Their crunchy, addictive flavors make cheese and caramel popcorn hits wherever they are served!
Popularity
Cheese and caramel popcorn have maintained popularity over the decades, as evidenced by:
- Millions of pounds sold annually of leading brands like Smartfood and Cracker Jack.
- Their prominence on concession stand menus across the country.
- New flavored popcorn brands emerging to meet demand.
- Recipies for homemade versions frequently searched online.
Both snacks have secured their place among the most beloved popcorn varieties. Fans just can’t get enough of the indulgent, crave-worthy flavors.
Similar Snack Foods
Other snacks with comparable flavors to cheese and caramel popcorn include:
| Cheese Popcorn | Caramel Popcorn |
|---|---|
| Cheetos | Caramel corn cereal like Poppycock |
| Doritos | Salted caramels |
| Nacho cheese tortilla chips | Caramel coated nuts |
| Mac and cheese | Dulce de leche coated popcorn |
| Cheez-Its | Caramel apples |
Snack lovers often enjoy both cheese and caramel varieties, alternating between the savory and sweet flavors.
Unique Flavored Popcorn Combinations
While traditional cheese and caramel are the most popular popcorn flavors, many unique combinations exist as well. Some interesting flavored popcorn varieties include:
Sweet and Savory
- Chocolate drizzled caramel popcorn
- Strawberry cheesecake popcorn
- Salted caramel popcorn
- Cinnamon cheddar popcorn
- Peanut butter and jelly popcorn
Spicy
- Hot Buffalo wing popcorn
- Jalapeno cheddar popcorn
- Cajun seasoning popcorn
- Chile lime popcorn
- Cinnamon sugar chili popcorn
International Flavors
- Bibimbap popcorn
- Tandoori masala popcorn
- Tajin chili-lime popcorn
- Portuguese piri piri popcorn
- Chimichurri popcorn
Other Sweet Flavors
- Maple bacon popcorn
- S’mores popcorn
- Cookies and cream popcorn
- Chocolate popcorn
- Banana split popcorn
Gourmet popcorn brands are constantly innovating, creating amazing flavor combinations that keep snackers excited. The possibilities are truly endless!
How to Make Cheese Popcorn and Caramel Popcorn at Home
For fresh, homemade cheese and caramel popcorn, follow these recipes:
DIY Cheese Popcorn
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Pop the popcorn kernels according to package directions.
- Transfer to a large bowl. Toss with melted butter to coat.
- In a small bowl, mix the parmesan, cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder and salt.
- Add the cheese mix to the popped popcorn and toss to distribute evenly.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
DIY Caramel Popcorn
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Pop the popcorn on the stove or in an air popper. Transfer to a large bowl.
- In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and baking soda.
- Working quickly, pour the caramel over the popped popcorn and toss with a rubber spatula to coat.
- Spread on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 250F for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Break into pieces when cool and enjoy!
Make a big batch for your next movie night or party! The homemade versions will be even better than the store-bought kinds.
Where to Buy Cheese and Caramel Popcorn
Cheese and caramel popcorn can be purchased from the following retailers:
Grocery Stores
- Popcorn aisle – Smartfood, Boom Chicka Pop, Skinny Pop, Poppycock, Cracker Jack
- Bulk bins – flavored popcorn to scoop yourself
- Online grocery delivery services like Instacart
Big Box Stores
- Costco – huge bags and combo packs
- Sam’s Club – Kirkland brand popcorn tins
- Target – Archer Farms, Market Pantry brands
- Walmart – Pop Secret, Great Value brands
Concession Stands
- Movie theaters
- Sporting events
- Amusement parks
- Carnivals and fairs
- Specialty popcorn shops
Online
- Amazon – wide selection and bulk sizes
- Popcorn company websites like Popcornopolis, Amish Country Popcorn
- Snack food subscription boxes
With so many options, it’s easy to get your hands on these classic popcorn flavors!
Conclusion
Cheese and caramel popcorn are beloved snack foods that have become iconic comfort foods. Cheese popcorn delivers mouthwatering cheesiness, while caramel corn provides sweet crunch. Brands big and small produce these flavors that are eagerly gobbled up by popcorn fans across America. With a range of buying options and fun recipe ideas, cheese and caramel popcorn can be enjoyed anytime for a hit of nostalgia and cheesy or sweet satisfaction.