Oreo cookie popcorn is a delicious snack that combines the crunchy, chocolatey taste of Oreo cookies with light, fluffy popcorn. This tasty treat has become popular in recent years, with recipes appearing on blogs and food sites across the internet. But who actually makes this irresistible snack? The origins of Oreo cookie popcorn can be traced back to creative home cooks experimenting in their kitchens.
The History of Oreo Cookie Popcorn
Oreo cookies first hit the market in 1912 when the National Biscuit Company (now known as Nabisco) introduced the iconic sandwich cookie. The distinctive twist, lick, and dunk ritual quickly became a favorite pastime for cookie lovers. Over the next century, Oreo established itself as America’s top-selling cookie and spawned numerous variations such as Double Stuf, Golden, and seasonal flavors.
Popcorn’s origins stretch back thousands of years to ancient Native American cultures that heated kernels over fire. In the late 19th century, the first commercial popcorn makers appeared, turning popcorn into a mass-produced snack food. Its popularity exploded in the Great Depression as a cheap form of entertainment. By the 1940s, popcorn sales exceeded 100 million pounds per year in the US.
It’s unclear exactly when home cooks and professional chefs started experimenting with combining these two beloved snack foods into one tasty treat. Recipe searches show Oreo popcorn gaining traction in the early 2010s, suggesting its invention sometime in the 2000s. Food blogs and parenting sites were likely early pioneers of the recipe before it spread quickly through Pinterest and social media.
The Rise of Gourmet Popcorn
The growing popularity of Oreo popcorn coincided with a larger boom in gourmet popcorn. For decades, plain air-popped or microwavable popcorn were the standard options. But starting in the 2000s, a new wave of specialty popcorn brands emerged, focused on unique flavor pairings like cheesy popcorn, kettle corn, candied popcorn, and others.
These gourmet popcorn brands established popcorn as a versatile base for sweet and savory flavors. Oreo cookie popcorn fits right into this larger trend of enhanced popcorn that transformed it from a plain movie snack into an elevated treat. The rich crème filling and crunchy cookie pieces pair perfectly with light, airy popcorn to create an innovative flavor combination that feels both nostalgic yet new.
Oreo Popcorn Goes Mainstream
As recipes for Oreo popcorn spread online throughout the 2010s, major food brands took notice of the trend. Soon packaged versions of Oreo popcorn began appearing on store shelves across the country.
One of the first major brands to commercialize Oreo popcorn was Pop Culture Popcorn. In 2013, they introduced their Oreo Popcorn on QVC shopping network and later expanded distribution to grocery chains like Safeway. Their popcorn combined crunchy Oreo cookie pieces with white cheddar cheese popcorn for an indulgent snack.
Other brands quickly followed suit. In 2017, Frito-Lay, the snack food arm of PepsiCo, debuted Oreo Popcorn under their Smartfood brand. It became an instant hit and remains one of Smartfood’s top flavors. Not to be outdone, Hershey partnered with snack brand Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP in 2018 to launch Oreo Cookie Popcorn sprinkled with Oreo crumbles.
Even Boy Scouts of America got in on the trend, teaming up with Trader Joe’s to offer Oreo popcorn as a fundraising product in 2019. It’s now commonly spotted in the supermarket chain’s seasonal snack lineup.
Oreo Popcorn Today
Oreo popcorn has secured its place as a beloved snack combination, joining the ranks of previous mashups like Doritos tacos, Cadbury Creme Eggs, and more. It appeals to the perennial popularity of Oreos and America’s growing gourmet popcorn obsession.
While homemade versions still abound online, store-bought varieties from mass market brands make enjoying Oreo popcorn easier than ever. Frito-Lay and Smartfood remain top producers of Oreo popcorn sold in stores. Their steady expansions into new flavors like Double Stuf Oreo Popcorn hint that Oreo popcorn is no passing fad.
Independent gourmet popcorn companies are also fueling Oreo popcorn’s growth. Brands like Pop Culture Popcorn, Chicago Popcorn Company, Popcornopolis, and others offer premium versions featuring real Oreo chunks or Oreo-flavored drizzles over caramel corn and other flavors.
Even Nabisco themselves now make an official Oreo popcorn in partnership with Orville Redenbacher. Released in 2021, it puts an authoritative stamp of approval on this cookie-popcorn combo.
Thanks to both major brands and small batch producers embracing the trend, Oreo popcorn is now a supermarket staple and craft store favorite. Its future looks bright as fans continue finding new ways to enjoy this irresistible snack hybrid.
Oreo Popcorn Recipes and Innovations
While packaged Oreo popcorn is widely available, many home cooks and food bloggers continue creating their own gourmet versions. From healthier recipes using air-popped popcorn to decadent caramel-drizzled varieties, there are endless ways to put a unique spin on Oreo popcorn at home.
Some fun recipe twists include:
- Using different Oreo varieties like Golden Oreo, Peanut Butter Oreo, or Double Stuf
- Adding extra mix-ins like peanuts, chocolate chips, or marshmallows
- Flavored oils or seasonings like cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or smoked paprika
- Coatings such as white chocolate, chocolate fudge, or yogurt drizzle
- Mixing popcorn with kettle corn or caramel corn
- Layering popcorn with full Oreo cookies for a crunchy-chewy combo
The cookie-popcorn combo lends itself to customization and experimentation. Holiday-themed versions like red and green Oreos or candy cane popcorn are popular around Christmas. The possibilities are endless for inventing new Oreo popcorn varieties at home.
Why Oreo Popcorn Works
What is it that makes Oreo popcorn such an addictive snack? A few key factors come into play:
Contrasting Textures
The crispy, airy popcorn paired with soft Oreo creme and crunchy cookie pieces creates an enticing mix of textures in each bite. The variations keep it interesting.
Sweet and Salty
Balancing sweet Oreo cookies with salty popcorn satisfies cravings for both. The combination highlights the complex flavors of each element.
Fun Flavor Combo
Chocolate and popcorn are a classic pairing. Oreo popcorn captures that natural harmony between cocoa and popcorn in a whimsical, handheld treat.
Indulgence and Nostalgia
Oreo cookies and popcorn each tap into nostalgia and comfort. Combining two iconic foods evokes childlike enjoyment, making Oreo popcorn the ultimate guilty pleasure.
Nutritional Profile
While delicious, Oreo popcorn is a high calorie snack that’s best enjoyed in moderation. Here’s a nutritional comparison of 3 popular brands:
| Brand | Serving Size | Calories | Total Fat | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smartfood Oreo Popcorn | 1 cup (28g) | 160 | 9g | 190mg |
| BOOMCICKAPOP Oreo Popcorn | 1 cup (28g) | 140 | 7g | 115mg |
| Pop Culture Oreo Popcorn | 1 cup (28g) | 120 | 4.5g | 210mg |
As the table shows, a 1 cup serving ranges from 120-160 calories with 4.5g-9g of fat and 115-210mg sodium. So moderation is key when indulging in Oreo popcorn’s sweet taste.
Where to Buy Oreo Popcorn
Oreo popcorn can be found in the snack aisle at most major supermarkets, big box stores like Target and Walmart, and convenience stores. Top national brands like Smartfood, BOOMCHICKAPOP, and Pop Culture are widely distributed.
Specialty flavors and gourmet versions may be found at natural grocers like Whole Foods or regional grocery chains. Popcorn shops and gourmet food/gift stores also frequently carry unique artisanal varieties.
Online stores offer perhaps the widest selection of Oreo popcorn:
- Amazon: Carries mainstream brands plus harder-to-find options with fast shipping
- Snack subscription boxes: Features different Oreo popcorn every month
- Etsy: Sells handmade and small-batch Oreo popcorn gifts
- Popcorn company websites: Purchase specialty flavors directly
With Oreo popcorn’s rising popularity, it’s easier than ever to find a version suited to every taste and budget.
Oreo Popcorn: Here to Stay
Oreo popcorn has all the makings of a classic snack combination that’s likely here for the long haul. It appeals to lasting consumer cravings for sweet and salty indulgence in an endlessly customizable treat.
While Oreo popcorn originated with creative home cooks, mass market snack brands have brought it fully into the mainstream. Yet gourmet artisans continue reinventing it with new flavors and ingredients. It’s a versatile snack with something for everyone.
Strong nostalgia for Oreos and popcorn drive the combo’s lasting appeal. Kids and kids at heart can’t resist this reinvented take on classic snacks. As long as America loves its Oreos and popcorn, Oreo popcorn will remain an in-demand guilty pleasure.
So next time you come across Oreo popcorn on store shelves or spy a recipe online, dig in and enjoy this irresistible mashup! With its sheer pop-able fun and undeniable taste, Oreo popcorn is sure to satisfy big time.