Kettle corn flavored popcorn is a tasty, sweet and salty snack made by popping corn kernels and coating them in a sweet glaze or seasoning blend. Unlike regular popcorn which is typically just popped and salted, kettle corn gets its signature flavor from being cooked with sugar or syrup to give it a sweet taste along with the saltiness you expect from popcorn.
Kettle corn is beloved at fairs, carnivals and festivals across America. The name comes from the traditional method of stirring popcorn continuously in a large copper kettle over an open flame to get that crispy, crunchy texture. While kettle corn can be made at home on the stovetop, many brands now offer kettle corn popcorn in microwavable bags for quick and easy snacking.
What Makes Kettle Corn Popcorn Different?
The main difference between regular popcorn and kettle corn popcorn is the addition of sugar. While regular popcorn is made simply by popping corn kernels in oil or air, kettle corn gets coated in a sweet glaze as it pops to give it its signature flavor.
Here are the key differences between regular and kettle corn popcorn:
Ingredients
| Regular Popcorn | Kettle Corn Popcorn |
|---|---|
| Popcorn kernels | Popcorn kernels |
| Oil or air popping | Oil |
| Salt | Salt |
| N/A | Sugar or syrup |
As you can see, the main addition to kettle corn is some form of sweetener, usually white sugar, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup. The sugar coats each kernel as it pops to give it sweetness.
Flavor
Regular popcorn tends to be salty and buttery, while kettle corn is both sweet and salty. The sugar glaze adds a hint of sweetness that balances out the saltiness from the kernels. This gives kettle corn a more complex, addictive flavor profile.
Texture
Since kettle corn is stirred continuously while cooking, the kernels get evenly coated in the glaze mixture. This helps each kernel develop a light, crispy, crunchy texture. The sugar also tends to make kettle corn a bit crunchier than regular popcorn when bitten into.
Appearance
The sugar glaze gives kettle corn a more glistening, crystallized look. You’ll see visible grains of sugar stuck to the kernels, making them appear lightly coated. Regular popcorn looks more matte and dry.
How is Kettle Corn Popcorn Made?
Kettle corn gets its name from the traditional process of making it in a large copper kettle. While some old-fashioned vendors still use this method, most major brands have adapted the process for commercial production.
Here are the basic steps for how kettle corn popcorn is made:
1. Coat kernels in oil
The popcorn kernels are cooked in oil, usually a heartier oil like canola or coconut oil. This allows them to get hot enough to pop.
2. Add sugar mixture
As the kernels are heating up, the sugar glaze is prepared. This typically contains granulated white sugar along with salt, butter, and sometimes vanilla or other flavorings. The wet mixture is then poured over the kernels.
3. Stir continuously
The kettle corn is stirred continuously to prevent burning. This constant motion ensures the kernels get evenly coated as they pop and expand in size.
4. Once popped, remove from heat
Kettle corn must be removed promptly once the popping slows down to prevent scorching. This leaves you with fluffy, crunchy kernels coated in sweet glaze.
5. Cool before eating
Freshly made kettle corn is very hot, so it needs to be cooled down before eating for safety. Vendors typically spread batches out in cooling racks first.
Popular Kettle Corn Popcorn Brands
Several brands have made kettle corn popcorn available in stores for quick snacking at home. Here are some of the top kettle corn popcorn brands on the market:
Amish Country Kettle Corn
This brand offers ready-to-eat bags of classic sweet and salty kettle corn popcorn. They use a simple recipe of popcorn, sugar, salt and oil. Their Original and Vanilla flavors are popular choices.
Snappy Popcorn
Snappy makes kettle corn popcorn snacks in fun flavors like Jalapeno Cheese, Cinnamon Toast and White Cheddar. Their kettles corn has a light, fluffy texture.
Pop’s Kettle Corn
Pop’s kettle corn comes in nostalgic red-striped bags and has a crunchy texture with a hint of vanilla. They also offer flavored options like Bacon Ranch.
Wyandot Snacks
Wyandot Snacks offers ready-to-eat Popped Kettle Korn in original, honey and chipotle lime flavors. Their popcorn is non-GMO and nut-free.
Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP
This popular brand makes kettle corn popcorn products using simple, natural ingredients. Fan favorites include their Sea Salt and Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn.
Tips for Cooking Kettle Corn at Home
While buying pre-made kettle corn is easy, you can also recreate this classic snack at home with some simple tips:
Use a heavy stainless steel pot
A heavy pot with tall sides will help prevent kernels from flying out as they pop. Make sure to use stainless steel instead of aluminum.
Pick an oil with a high smoke point
The sugar in kettle corn means it can burn easily, so use an oil like refined coconut oil that won’t smoke or impart flavor.
Stir continuously
This is a must for even coating and preventing burning on the bottom of the pot.
Take the pot off heat when popping slows
Once popping begins to slow down, remove it from heat so the last few kernels don’t get scorched.
Season while hot
Sprinkle on any extra salt, sugar or spices right after popping so it sticks while still hot.
Let cool completely before storing
Kettle corn needs to cool to room temperature before being stored in an airtight container or bag.
How to Flavor Kettle Corn Popcorn
One fun thing about kettle corn is that it can be flavored so many ways! Here are some tasty flavor ideas to try:
Sweet flavors
Cinnamon Sugar, Powdered Sugar, Maple Syrup, Caramel, Peanut Butter, Chocolate
Fruity flavors
Lemon, Lime, Orange, Berry, Banana, Coconut, Pineapple
Savory flavors
Ranch, Pizza, Garlic Parmesan, Chili Lime, BBQ, Bacon, Cheese
Spice flavors
Cajun, Jalapeno, Chipotle, Cayenne, Paprika, Cumin
The options are endless! Let your imagination run wild and get creative with flavors. The sweet and salty base of kettle corn complements both sweet and savory additions.
Enjoying Kettle Corn Popcorn
Here are some delicious ways to eat kettle corn popcorn for maximum enjoyment:
– Eat plain by the handful for sweet and salty snacking
– Sprinkle with additional spices like cinnamon or chili powder
– Drizzle with melted chocolate or peanut butter
– Top with chopped nuts, coconut flakes or crushed candy bits
– Mix in dried fruit like raisins, cranberries or mango
– Fold into ice cream or milkshakes for a crunchy treat
– Use as a topping on cakes, cookies or brownies
– Mix with trail mix or cereal for extra crunch
– Add to s’mores instead of regular popcorn
With its crave-worthy sweet and salty flavor, kettle corn popcorn is one snack you’ll want to keep coming back for more! It satisfies cravings in a fun and flavorful way.
Nutrition Facts for Kettle Corn
When enjoyed in moderation, kettle corn popcorn makes for a tasty indulgence that can be part of an overall healthy diet. Here are the nutrition facts for a standard serving of kettle corn:
| Serving Size | 1 cup (30g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Total Fat | 4g |
| Sodium | 270mg |
| Total Carbs | 23g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 7g |
| Protein | 1g |
As you can see, kettle corn is low in fat and high in carbohydrates by volume due to the sugar content. The fiber and protein are relatively low.
So while kettle corn has a fairly high amount of calories for a single cup, the serving size is quite small. Enjoy it as an occasional treat, not an everyday snack.
Conclusion
Kettle corn popcorn is a beloved snack food thanks to its signature sweet and salty flavor. It gets its name from the traditional kettle cooking method, where kernels are continuously stirred and coated in sugar glaze as they pop. While old-fashioned vendors still use copper kettles, most major brands now mass produce kettle corn for grocery stores in fun flavors. You can even make it easily at home with the right technique. With its light, crisp texture and addictive taste, this sweet and salty popcorn is a favorite at fairs and festivals across America. Just be mindful of portion sizes to keep it as an occasional indulgence. But when you’re in the mood for a sweet and salty crunch, kettle corn popcorn satisfies like no other snack.