Serving popcorn is an easy way to boost impulse sales at your movie theater, live event, or concession stand. It has one of the highest profit returns of all types of concession stand foods because of its low costs for supply and labor. Because popcorn comes in many different forms, it's important to identify which type best fits your needs. We'll outline the different types of popcorn below so that you can make informed purchasing decisions and satisfy your customers.
Mushroom popcorn is known for its large size and compact ball shape, sometimes referred to as mushroom-like. One of the key features that sets mushroom popcorn apart from other types is its strength. Its kernels have a dense composition, producing popcorn with a satisfying crunch and a generous surface area. The sturdy texture of mushroom popcorn allows it to maintain its shape and texture even when coated with sticky or liquid toppings, including caramel, cheese, and chocolate. It is also the popcorn of choice for making kettle corn.
Butterfly popcorn, sometimes called snowflake popcorn, is characterized by the irregular shape it pops into, which produces light, fragile wings protruding from all sides. It is one of the most popular types of popcorn, and its non-uniform shape allows you to fill serving sizes with less product. One of the distinguishing characteristics of butterfly popcorn is its softness. Unlike other types of popcorn, butterfly popcorn is known for its tender texture. This allows for a satisfying crunch without feeling overly heavy, making it an ideal choice for preparing movie theater popcorn. Once popped, butterfly popcorn is typically seasoned with salt, butter, and cheese.
White popcorn is a variety of popcorn known for its small and tender kernels, which pop to become small, crispy, and crunchy pieces of popcorn. It has a mild, subtly sweet flavor, offering contrast to other types of popcorn. Due to the size of its kernels, white popcorn is sometimes referred to as rice popcorn. Additionally, white popcorn's size allows it to pop more efficiently, saving operators money on oil. Being naturally low in calories, fat, and sugar, as well as a good source of fiber, it is considered one of the healthiest varieties of popcorn. It is important to note that it may require slightly higher heat to achieve optimal popping.
Yellow popcorn is one of the most commonly used popcorn varieties. Yellow popcorn kernels are typically larger and have a higher moisture content, resulting in more robust popcorn pieces. It is the least expensive type of popcorn available, making it a popular choice for businesses looking to offer a cost-effective snack option without compromising quality or flavor. Because of its appealing appearance and taste, yellow popcorn is commonly used for making movie theater popcorn.
Unlike regular popcorn, gourmet popcorn is handcrafted in small batches using high-quality ingredients, resulting in a delectable and distinctive flavor profile. Its artisanal nature ensures that each batch is crafted with attention to detail. Gourmet popcorn comes in a wide range of unique flavors, including savory options like bacon cheddar and sweet varieties like salted caramel. It is typically made using mushroom popcorn, which provides the sturdy base and texture needed to hold coatings.
Not only are there different types of popcorn, but there are also different types of popcorn kernels. These kernels come in several colors, adding variety to your selection. However, it's important to note that the popcorn itself is not always the same color as the kernel.
When it comes to choosing the best oil for popcorn, you must take smoke point and flavor into account. Smoke points, also called burning points, refer to an oil's resistance to heat and signify the temperature at which it will start to produce smoke. In terms of flavor, different oils can contribute to the overall taste of your popcorn. Some oils offer a rich and distinctive flavor that can enhance the popcorn experience, while others have a more neutral taste, allowing the natural flavor of the popcorn to shine through.
Coconut oil is commonly used to make movie theater-style popcorn. Coconut oil is rich in saturated fats, allowing it to withstand high cooking temperatures in your popcorn machine. When choosing a coconut oil, be sure to choose a refined oil. Unrefined coconut oil, also known as virgin coconut oil, has a significantly lower smoke point, which may not handle the internal temperature of your popcorn kettle.
Canola oil has a high monosaturated to saturated fat ratio, making it a healthier option than other oils. It is widely available and inexpensive, making it one of the most popular oils for use in popcorn machines and a cost-effective choice for commercial popcorn makers on a budget. It's important to note that canola oil may contain GMOs and can be high in linoleic acid, which may cause inflammation.
Sunflower oil allows the natural taste of popcorn to shine without overpowering it with additional flavor. This oil is recognized for its health benefits and comes at a lower price point than other healthy oils. It contains numerous vitamins, including vitamins D, A, K, and E, but is high in linoleic acid. Additionally, most sunflower oils are non-GMO.
Avocado oil has a high smoke point and has grown more popular in recent years. It comes in two main varieties: refined and unrefined. Refined avocado oil is processed to remove impurities, resulting in a neutral product. Conversely, unrefined avocado oil retains some of the natural flavor of the avocado fruit and is known for its slightly nutty or buttery taste. While avocado oil may be more expensive than other oils on the market, its exceptional flavor and health benefits make it a worthwhile investment.
There is a wide range of popcorn supplies, accessories, and condiments that you can invest in to elevate your service. We've outlined the most popular below.
If you've never sold popcorn or operated a popcorn machine, there are several terms you may not be familiar with. We'll outline the most important below so that you can make popcorn the right way.
Related Resources
September 2024 WebstaurantStore Coupon Code
Fall is here, and to celebrate Webstaurantstore is offering a selection of amazing deals! In September, you'll discover incredible prices on classic fall flavors, glassware, cold cups, and much more! Take a look at our selection of sale items below and don't forget to enter the code COZY24 at checkout to enjoy savings of up to 25%! We're also excited to introduce the new Webstaurant Rewards® Visa Business Card ! Sign up for a new card today and start earning rewards on every WebstaurantStore purchase. Discover the latest discounts on consumable food and beverage items with September's monthly coupon code. From ready-to-bake pastries to classic fall flavoring mixes, you can find great deals on essential consumables for your commercial kitche
Concession Stand Food Ideas
If you develop the right menu, opening a concession stand is a low start-up cost way to join the foodservice industry. Whether you want to revamp your existing concession stand menu or generate one from scratch, we developed a comprehensive concession stand food ideas guide filled with healthy items, profitable snacks, pre-made concessions, and spruced-up concession stand fare to help you increase your sales. Shop All Concessions Supplies Click below to learn more about concession stand foods: Classic Concession Stand Food Ideas Most Profitable Concession Stand Foods Healthy Concession Stand Food Ideas Pre-made Concession Stand Food Ideas Store Bought Snack Ideas Preparing Concessions On-Site vs Off-Site Classic Concession Stand Food Ideas
Popcorn Kits Guide
It's easy to pop fresh, buttery popcorn when you have an all-in-one popcorn kit ! These kits take the mixing and measuring out of making popcorn, so you can quickly make batches of movie theater-quality popcorn. There are many benefits to using a popcorn kit in your popcorn machine . Unsure which size kit works best with your popcorn popper? This guide will help determine which popcorn kit is right for you! There's no doubt that popcorn is a profitable concession food, and these popcorn kits make it easier than ever to increase sales and produce golden, flavorful popcorn for all of your patrons! Our featured brand, Carnival King, offers excellent all-in-one kits for popping delicious popcorn with quality kernels, oil, and salt seasoning in