Yes, Oreo popcorn does exist! Oreo, the classic chocolate sandwich cookie with a creamy middle, has expanded beyond just cookies over the years. Now you can find Oreo in candy bars, ice cream, milkshakes, and even popcorn. Oreo popcorn combines the crunchy, salty taste of popcorn with the sweet flavor of Oreo cookie pieces. Several companies make their own versions of Oreo popcorn that you can buy pre-popped and flavored. But it’s also easy to make your own at home by topping plain popcorn with crushed Oreo pieces and other ingredients.
What is Oreo Popcorn?
Oreo popcorn is a snack made by tossing plain popcorn with crushed Oreo cookie pieces and usually a binding ingredient like white chocolate, marshmallow or butter. This coats the popcorn in Oreo cookie flavor and gives you both the crunchy popcorn and soft cookie taste in one snack. The crushed Oreo pieces adhere to the popcorn through the binding agent and season the popcorn with its signature sweet cream and chocolate flavors.
In commercially made Oreo popcorn, manufacturers use flavoring oils to help distribute the Oreo taste over the entire bag of popcorn. At home, you’d need to use some type of fat/oil to help the cookie pieces evenly coat the popcorn. Most Oreo popcorn recipes call for melting butter or marshmallows with the Oreo pieces then mixing into the popcorn. The fat helps the cookie pieces stick to the popcorn better. Some recipes also use white chocolate or a drizzle of chocolate syrup to enhance the chocolate flavor.
So in summary, the basic components of Oreo popcorn are:
– Popcorn
– Crushed Oreo cookies
– A binding agent like butter, marshmallow or white chocolate
Combining these simple ingredients gives you the beloved cookie taste infused into fluffy popcorn.
Where Can You Buy Oreo Popcorn?
There are a few places you can buy pre-packaged Oreo popcorn to enjoy this sweet and salty snack without any work:
– Movie Theaters – Many movie theater chains like AMC sell ready-to-eat bags of Oreo popcorn at their concession stands. This allows you to enjoy Oreo popcorn while watching a new movie.
– Popcorn Shops – Retail popcorn shops, like Garrett Popcorn, offer their own versions of Oreo popcorn. You can often find large bags of Oreo popcorn ready to eat in flavors like chocolate or cookies & cream.
– Online – Oreo popcorn bags can be purchased online from popcorn specialty shops. Sites like Popcornopolis and Chicago Popcorn Company sell gourmet Oreo popcorn for delivery.
– Snack Shops – Brands like David’s Popcorn sell their pre-packaged Oreo popcorn in some retail snack shops around the country. Check your local candy/nut store for individually sold bags.
– Grocery Stores – Some grocery store chains may carry products like David’s Popcorn Oreo popcorn in the snack aisle or popcorn section. But availability may depend on your region.
So while you can occasionally find it in stores, your best bet for finding pre-made Oreo popcorn is likely online shipping from a popcorn company. But the good news is that it’s easy to make your own at home too!
How to Make Homemade Oreo Popcorn
Making your own Oreo popcorn at home allows you to customize the flavors and get the cookie ratio just right for your tastes. Here is a simple homemade Oreo popcorn recipe to try:
Ingredients:
– 10 cups popped popcorn
– 1 cup Oreo cookies, crushed into pieces
– 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, melted
– 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
– 1/4 cup chocolate syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. Start by popping your plain popcorn according to package directions. Remove any un-popped kernels and transfer the popped corn to a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the crushed Oreo pieces to the bowl and toss lightly to distribute throughout the popcorn.
3. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter for about 30 seconds. Then add the white chocolate chips and microwave in 20 second bursts, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
4. Pour the melted butter and white chocolate over the popcorn and Oreo mix. Gently toss together until all popcorn is evenly coated.
5. Drizzle with chocolate syrup for extra chocolate flavor and toss again.
6. Transfer your Oreo popcorn to a serving bowl to enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days.
You can modify this recipe to your tastes by using mini Oreos, Double Stuf or other Oreo varieties. And feel free to adjust the amount of Oreo pieces to your desired cookie flavor strength. Once you master the basic method, you can come up with your own signature Oreo popcorn blend!
Different Oreo Popcorn Flavors
While the traditional Oreo flavor is the most popular, companies and popcorn makers have come up with exciting new takes on Oreo popcorn. Here are some of the unique Oreo popcorn flavors out there:
Cookies & Cream
Uses crushed Oreo filling in addition to the cookies to get an extra creamy flavor. May also use white chocolate and vanilla extract.
Red Velvet Oreo
Made with Red Velvet Oreos to give it their signature red color and cream cheese frosting flavor.
Peanut Butter Oreo
Uses Peanut Butter Oreos and might mix in extra peanut butter to heighten the nutty taste.
Fudge Covered Oreo
Gets its flavor from Oreo Fudge Covered cookies. May drizzle with extra chocolate or fudge.
Mint Chocolate Oreo
Utilizes Mint Oreos and combines with chocolate chips or mint extract for a cool, refreshing twist.
S’mores Oreo
Features Golden Oreo graham cookie pieces plus mini marshmallows for the classic campfire treat taste.
Neapolitan Oreo
Uses both the Original and Golden Oreos plus strawberry flavoring/topping for the ice cream inspired flavor.
Birthday Cake Oreo
Includes crushed Oreo Birthday Cake cookies plus rainbow sprinkles and vanilla for a festive popcorn.
Nutritional Info for Oreo Popcorn
Like most sweet snacks, Oreo popcorn is higher in calories, fat and carbs compared to plain popcorn. Here is the nutrition breakdown for a standard 1 oz (about 1 cup) serving of homemade Oreo popcorn:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 137 |
| Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Protein | 2g |
As you can see, a serving provides about 140 calories, half of which come from fat. The sugar content is also notably higher than plain popcorn due to the Oreo cookie coating.
However, homemade versions can have slightly better nutrition than store-bought popcorn since you control the ingredients. You can use reduced fat butter or healthy oils like coconut oil. And choosing lower-sugar Oreo alternatives, like Oreo Thins, can also make a difference. Overall though, it’s still considered more of an indulgent occasional treat than daily snack.
How Long Does Oreo Popcorn Last?
Properly stored, homemade or pre-packaged Oreo popcorn will usually stay fresh for:
– Counter: 1-2 days
– Pantry: 5-7 days
– Fridge: 1-2 weeks
– Freezer: 2-3 months
The shelf life is shorter than plain popcorn due to the addition of cookie pieces, chocolate and butter/oil. These moist, perishable ingredients cause it to stale faster.
Your best bet is to store Oreo popcorn in an airtight container in the fridge if eating within two weeks. For longer storage, freeze bags or containers. Thaw at room temp before eating. Discard any popcorn that smells rancid or shows signs of moisture. Checking expiration dates on pre-packaged popcorn is also advised for freshness.
Proper storage helps retain the signature crunch of the popcorn and flavor of the Oreo coating. Because no one likes a stale, soggy Oreo popcorn snack!
Does Oreo Popcorn Really Taste Like Oreos?
When transformed into popcorn, Oreo cookies do an impressive job infusing their trademark flavors of chocolate cookie wafer and sweet creme filling. The tiny crushed cookie pieces distribute throughout the popcorn and provide little bursts of Oreo taste. The buttery, sugary coating also mimics the flavor of licking the creme filling out of an Oreo.
However, the popcorn form does have some taste differences from the original cookie:
– The chocolate cookie flavor is usually milder since it’s just a topping rather than whole cookie.
– The sweet creme notes are subtler without the thick filling between cookies.
– Has a light, fluffy texture vs. the crunchy dense cookie.
– Adds a salty, roasted note from the popcorn itself.
So while Oreo popcorn captures the essence of Oreo cookies, don’t expect it to be an exact replica. The popcorn base alters the flavors and texture a bit. But it’s still an inventive way to transform the cookie into snacking form!
If seeking a stronger Oreo-like flavor in popcorn form, using Double Stuf or Mega Stuf Oreos can help since they have more filling. Drizzling with extra chocolate can also produce a closer cookie taste. But part of the appeal of Oreo popcorn is the hybrid of flavors between popcorn and cookie.
Is Oreo Popcorn Gluten Free?
Most Oreo popcorn contains regular Oreo cookies made with wheat flour, so it is not gluten free. However, there are a couple ways to make gluten-free Oreo popcorn:
– Use gluten-free Oreos – Oreo recently introduced Oreo Thins Gluten Free cookies, which can be crushed and used on popcorn.
– Use gluten-free “Oreo” cookies – Check health food stores for gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies to substitute for Oreos.
– Use just the filling – Scrape out and use the gluten-free creme filling from Gluten Free Oreos. May need to combine with oil or butter to adhere to popcorn.
– Make popcorn gluten free – Start with certified gluten-free popped corn to remove gluten from the base too.
So while most recipes aren’t gluten-free due to the cookie ingredients, substitutions can be made to accommodate gluten intolerance. This allows those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to still enjoy Oreo popcorn. Being able to include fun treats like Oreo popcorn in a gluten-free diet provides more food enjoyment and options.
Can You Make Oreo Popcorn Dairy Free?
Yes, it’s possible to make dairy free Oreo popcorn at home. Here are some tips:
– Use dairy free “butter” – Swap out real butter for vegan butter sticks, coconut oil or olive oil to coat the popcorn.
– Use dairy free chocolate – Opt for dark chocolate or dairy free chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
– Choose dairy free Oreos – Oreo’s original cookies are dairy free, but check labels for “Double Stuf” kinds that use dairy in the creme.
– Use almond or coconut milk – Thin almond or coconut milk can replace heavy cream when making white chocolate for coating.
– Skip the white chocolate – Omitting white chocolate drizzles avoids dairy altogether.
While most traditional Oreo popcorn contains dairy ingredients like butter and white chocolate, you can get creamy, sweet flavor without the dairy by using plant-based substitutions. This allows those avoiding cow’s milk for dietary reasons like veganism, milk allergies or lactose intolerance to savor the snack. It just may take a little tweaking of the recipe.
Is Oreo Popcorn Vegan?
Oreo’s original cookies are technically vegan, containing no animal derived ingredients. However, most Oreo popcorn recipes call for butter, milk chocolate or other non-vegan ingredients to coat the popcorn. This leaves few options for truly vegan Oreo popcorn.
To make homemade vegan Oreo popcorn:
– Use dairy free butter or oil
– Avoid white chocolate drizzles
– Choose dark chocolate or carob chips
– Use almond or coconut milk
– Check Oreos for “Cross contact with milk” label
With substitutions like coconut oil and dark chocolate, you can replicate the taste of traditional Oreo popcorn while keeping it 100% plant based. There are also a couple brands of pre-packaged vegan Oreo popcorn available online from vegan specialty companies. So while it takes some adjustments, vegans don’t have to miss out on Oreo popcorn snacking.
Can Kids Enjoy Oreo Popcorn Too?
Oreo popcorn is a fun and kid-friendly snack! Most kids love the sweet taste of Oreos, so combining it with popcorn makes this classic cookie even more craveable. Here are some tips for serving Oreo popcorn to kids:
– Use mini Oreos or Oreo Thins for smaller cookie pieces that are easy to chew.
– Drizzle with extra chocolate or chocolate syrup as an added treat.
– Let them help make it by crushing cookies and tossing ingredients.
– Serve it warm right after making for irresistible aroma and crunchy texture.
– Package smaller portions in bags for on-the-go school lunches or snacks.
– Stick to modest amounts, as too much can be sugary.
Oreo popcorn satisfies kid’s cravings for sweet treats. But you may want to balance it out by also offering veggies, fruits or other wholesome snacks. Overall, enjoyed in moderation, it can be a fun snacktime for both kids and adults.
Is Oreo Popcorn Better Than Regular Oreos?
Oreo popcorn provides some advantages over eating regular Oreo cookies:
– Has a lighter, fluffier texture than dense cookies.
– Packs fewer calories and fat since popcorn is the bulk.
– Easier to portion control a bowl than stop after 1-2 cookies.
– Allows you to satisfy the Oreo flavor craving in snack form.
However, regular Oreos offer their own perks:
– Provides the full intended chocolate cookie and creme flavors.
– Gives the nostalgic crunchy cookie eating experience.
– Tastes indulgent for a satisfying treat anytime.
– Can be eaten on-the-go without preparation needed.
Both provide similar Oreo taste, just in different forms. So is one better? It depends on your snack preferences and cravings in the moment! There are times popcorn sounds more appealing as a lighter option. But other times, you just need the real cookie.
Oreo popcorn is a convenient way to add cookie flavor to your favorite snack. Yet classic Oreos remain the ultimate go-to for when you want an authentic chocolate and cream cookie experience. Both satisfy in their own way!
Conclusion
Oreo popcorn combines two beloved snacks—buttery popcorn and chocolate cookies—into one tasty treat. While Oreo popcorn used to be hard to find, it’s now available pre-popped from several brands online and in stores. With just a few simple ingredients like popcorn, Oreo pieces and melted butter, you can easily make flavor-packed Oreo popcorn at home too. Beyond the classic cookies and cream flavor, endless Oreo popcorn varieties are possible by using unique Oreo flavors and extra add-ins. It offers a way to enjoy Oreo in lighter popcorn form for a snack with a crunchy-chewy Oreo cookie taste. As an occasional indulgent snack in moderation, Oreo popcorn can be a fun food mashup that both kids and adults will devour up quickly.