Popcorn Taste Test Reveals Surprising Differences Among Brands

Popcorn, often considered a background snack at movies or gatherings, was put to the test by a group of taste testers led by journalist Nicholas Jordan. Aiming to determine whether any ready-to-eat supermarket brands possessed the quality to stand out, the group sampled 18 different products. These included nine unsweetened and nine sweetened varieties, rating them on aroma, texture, and taste.

The results highlighted a common perspective on popcorn: it is “six-out-of-10 experience” best enjoyed without much thought. Unsweetened varieties were described as underseasoned and lacking bold flavors. Surprisingly, only one brand used MSG or similar flavor boosters. Sweetened versions, in contrast, offered more diversity and stronger textural experiences, with some nearly crossing into the confectionery category.

Carman’s Sea Salt and Cider Vinegar Gourmet Popcorn scored highest among unsweetened options, drawing a 7.5 out of 10 from testers. Its bold flavor was compared to an intense sensory experience by one reviewer, who noted, “Fun and daring, and it pays off but not for everyone.” On the other hand, Macro Wholefoods Market’s Lightly Sea Salted Air Popped Corn, which scored 6.5, was seen as lacking personality but described as “bingeable” and a “cult classic.”

Among sweetened popcorns, Cobs Natural Popcorn Lightly Salted and Slightly Sweet also earned a 7.5 score. It was praised for its soft, caramel aroma and balanced sugar content, making it a crowd favorite. Woolworths Sweet and Salty Popcorn and Jonny’s Popcorn Delights Caramel shared the same score, admired for their crunchiness and addictive qualities.

Others, like Lolly Gobble Bliss Bombs Nutty Caramel Popcorn and Movietime Multi Colour Popcorn, received mixed reviews. The former was noted for its intense sweetness and salty flavor, polarizing judges, while the latter was described in less flattering terms. Sprinters Popcorn Butter Flavoured was criticized for its overpowering artificial butter aroma, with one reviewer citing its scent as “like butter cultured in a jockstrap.”

Serious Popcorn Certified Organic Sea Salt received lower scores, with reviewers finding both its sweet and unsweetened versions unremarkable. Comments ranged from “weak” and “cardboard-y” to “a cowardly attempt to be different.” The brand’s use of coconut oil was noted as unusual, but it did little to elevate its image in the panel’s eyes.