The Minnesota Origin of Chicago Mix: A Snack Revolution

This week, two members from MPR News, arts editor Max Sparber and arts reporter Jacob Aloi, had an engaging chat about a beloved snack: Chicago Mix popcorn. Even though Jacob was in Chicago, he couldn’t get his hands on the mix. But does it even matter? After all, the name might say ‘Chicago,’ but its roots are pretty much in Minnesota.

Max pointed out that while mixed popcorn has been around forever, the name ‘Chicago Mix’ was actually coined right here in Minnesota by Candyland. Candyland has stores in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Stillwater, making it a staple in the local treat scene.

Jacob chimed in that while ‘Chicago Mix’ definitely has a nice ring to it, maybe the MSP area should be proud of its own version instead. But Max agreed it just sounds tastier as ‘Chicago Mix,’ something that just makes you want to dive right in.

Now, what exactly is Candyland’s Chicago Mix? Well, it’s a delicious combination of cheese popcorn, caramel popcorn, and what they call ‘seasoned’ popcorn. Max clarified that the cheese is made with cheddar powder, and that seasoning? Just popcorn oil and salt, which are both harmless to spice-wary Midwesterners.

They both appreciated how well the flavors mix together—the savory cheese, the sweet caramel, and the saltiness from the seasoning. Max mentioned that this snack has been a staple in his home, and even his dog demands some treats from it!

Jacob noted that he used to think of Chicago Mix as a winter treat, but now it seems to pop up everywhere, especially during meetings at MPR. Max, who lives near downtown Minneapolis, gets to Candyland often, as there’s a location just a few blocks from their St. Paul office.

He also buys other versions of Chicago Mix at the grocery store, but he feels they just don’t compare. Most of those lack the seasoned popcorn, which makes a big difference in balancing the flavors.

The two shared a humorous moment, suggesting that despite its name, the Candyland version really represents the Minnesota vibe. Max likened it to the way Prince once told Matt Damon he lived in his heart—unique and rooted in Minnesota.

They jokingly declared the Chicago Mix to be “the Prince of snack foods,” comparing it to local foods that gain renown like the Jucy Lucy burger. But unlike the Jucy Lucy, which got its fame here in Minnesota, the Chicago Mix doesn’t seem to have the same hometown hero status.

Max explained that the main issue is the confusing name, which makes it sound more marketable, but also steps away from its Minnesota identity. They pondered what might have happened if the Jucy Lucy had been called something different, like ‘Santa Fe Lucy;’ perhaps it wouldn’t have gained the same popularity either.

In the end, Jacob and Max wrapped up their conversation on a fun note: Chicago Mix gives, and Chicago Mix takes. It’s all about how we see the snacks that bring us joy!