Every year, Americans consume about 13 billion quarts of popcorn on their own. People can’t go to the movies without ordering a large soda and concessions.
It’s part of the entire experience. Everyone knows that. What you might not know is that there are different types of popcorn.
Yellow is the most popular option, but it’s not the only one you can pop in your microwave. This snack comes in a variety of colors and shapes that you and your family can enjoy.
Are you ready to learn what the best popcorn is? We’ve got a whole list prepared for you. Keep reading to learn more.
Yellow
When you head to the grocery store to pick up a box of popcorn, yellow is what you’re getting. It’s the most common type of buttered popcorn that you can buy.
The taste stands out in a crowd, which is why movie theaters use it as well. Once popped, you’ll find that the pieces can vary in size.
Baby yellow looks exactly like it sounds. It’s tiny pieces of popcorn. It has that distinct taste that comes from yellow popcorn, but it’s not the best for toppings.
If you enjoy caramel and other drizzles, you’ll want to go with gourmet yellow or mushroom.
White Popcorn
Whereas yellow popcorn gets its name from the slight yellow shade it has to bring to the table, this type of popcorn pops up white.
It has a subtle natural flavor that you can’t get from any other type of popcorn. That makes it a great option for toppings. As far as texture goes, it’s a bit softer than yellow popcorn.
Hulless Popcorn
Hullless is less of a type of popcorn and more of a characteristic of the snack. Let’s start from the beginning.
Every kernel that you put in your popcorn machine has a hull. It’s the hard yellow layer that gets stuck in your teeth.
Some popcorn has fewer hulls than others. The general rule of thumb is that if you have an issue with that layer, you should go with smaller pieces of popcorn. They don’t have as much of it as their larger counterparts.
Mushroom Popcorn
Mushroom popcorn has a round top that resembles its namesake. It’s some of the largest and fluffiest popcorn you can get. It melts in your mouth and pairs well with candy coatings and chocolate drizzles.
Despite it being so soft to the touch, it doesn’t fall apart easily, so you can make it into caramel popcorn without any trouble.
Snowflake Popcorn
Many people mistake snowflake popcorn for mushroom. It’s about as tender, but it doesn’t have the same distinct shape.
Snowflake popcorn is also a lot flakier than mushroom popcorn. It’s for this reason that it’s not that great for toppings.
If you try to drizzle chocolate or hot caramel on the sensitive kernels, they’ll fall apart.
Butterfly Wings
Butterfly wings are another common shape that popcorn tends to take. If you’re the type of person that likes to put a bunch of granulated seasonings on your popcorn, it will be your favorite.
The wings are perfect for catching all that tasty cheese and butter. The nooks and crannies hold it in.
Ladyfingers
Do you always find yourself seeking out the small kernels of popcorn at the bottom of your bowl? If so, ladyfingers will be your jam.
They’re the smallest yet most delicious snacks you can buy. Many people use them in baked goods. They also make a great topping for your soup.
Red Popcorn
Yellow and white aren’t the only colored popcorns you can buy. There are also red, blue, and purple varieties. We’re going to talk about the red ones first.
The kernels are a reddish-purple color. It’s not an easy type to find, but if you can locate it, you won’t want to go back. It’s got an amazing crunch and taste.
It’s also healthier than other types of popcorn that you can get on the market. Due to its unique flavor, it’s best to enjoy this snack without any toppings.
Purple Popcorn
This type of popcorn is white with purple specks all over it. It’s got a nutty sweet flavor that people can’t get enough of.
It’s tender, and despite being larger than red and blue popcorn, it doesn’t have as many hulls.
It’s not bad for you as long as you don’t pair it with oils and butter. It’s packed full of more antioxidants than some fruits.
Blue Popcorn
Blue popcorn is pretty similar to the red version. There are some varieties that are smaller than the red ones. These pack plenty of crunch.
If you’re looking for something a bit larger, there’s a brand of blue popcorn that can provide.
It’s as healthy as the other colored popcorns on the market. It has protein and doesn’t contain too much starch.
Different Types of Popcorn That You Can Pop at Home
Are you looking for a tasty snack to enjoy with all your favorite late-night shows? There’s no better option than popcorn. There’s a reason why it sells so well at movie theaters.
The problem comes with choosing from one of the many different types of popcorn. While the yellow variety is the most common, there are plenty of other options.
There are kernels that are better for toppings than others. Then there are the varieties that pack big taste and health benefits.
We hope that you’re able to use this guide to pick the right snack for you. For more delicious food ideas that you’ll enjoy, visit the Lifestyle section of our blog.
