Popcorn is one of the easiest snacks to make. Just preheat the pot, add a few kernels, and allow them to pop. However, one of the exciting possibilities in the popcorn world is seasoning. Individuals who want to up their popcorn game use it to transform ordinary popcorn into a mouth-watering experience. Popcorn seasoning comes in different flavors. As a result, each offers a unique twist that ranges from sweet, savory, spicy, all the combination of everything. Let us show you some of the best popcorn seasonings for every mood and occasion.
How to Use Popcorn Seasoning
The popcorn-making process is simple, so seasoning is light work for anyone, regardless of the experience level. If you want to increase the appeal, below are a few tips on how to use popcorn seasoning:
Dust or Sprinkle
Popcorn dusting involves coating freshly popped popcorn with powdered seasoning. Likewise, you can sprinkle your spice over warm popcorn and shake it gently to ensure even distribution.
Layering Mix
Another creative way to season your popcorn is to combine different seasonings. For instance, you can mix paprika with parsley and white cheddar cheese. Of course, the extent of layering depends on your preference.
Spray Bottles and Bag Shaking
Seasoning adheres better when you spray the popcorn with light olive oil to form a mist before adding the spice. Apart from this, it makes the final result less greasy. Alternatively, place the seasoning and popcorn in a plastic bag. Then, shake it to get an even coat.
The Spices that Go Well with Popcorn and Why
There are different ways to spice your popcorn. However, the following seasonings are the most popular:
- Garlic powder has a rich umami flavor that enhances the popcorn’s taste. The best way to use it is with butter and create a classic seasoning.
- Sea salt is a fundamental seasoning that balances other seasonings. Examples include California sea salt and Chile sea salt. Some products combine sea salt with dried chipotle pepper and Japanese wasabi root to create more appeal.
- Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness by creating a caramelized flavor. Like salt, some products feature cane sugar or a combination of red cayenne cane sugar, spicy chocolate cinnamon cane sugar, and more to create a spicy kick.
- Butter adds a creamy and rich flavor. It is ideal for creating sweet and savory popcorn and is a classic topping.
- Paprika, whether smoked or sweet, adds a mild, smoky flavor to your popcorn. You can use it as part of a savory spice mix or with buttered popcorn.
- Jalapeno adds heat and a fresh, spicy kick to the final result. If you prefer a bit of heat, combine it with other ingredients.
- Onion powder is useful for creating a garlic-onion popcorn mix without dealing with the onion flesh.
- Cheese powder like parmesan and cheddar adds a salty, creamy, and umami-rich flavor.
- Parsley gives a fresh and mild herbaceous flavor and is great for individuals who enjoy a subtle popcorn taste.
- Lime juice provides a citrusy and tangy flavor. When used as a zesty seasoning, it brightens sweet and savory popcorn.
Best Popcorn Seasoning
Buying each seasoning individually is an arduous and time-consuming task. An alternative is to purchase a popcorn seasoning that combines multiple ingredients into one. Explore the best products to buy below:
-
Ultimate Popcorn Seasoning Set $38.50 on Virginia Boys Kitchens
This ultimate set of six contains every gourmet seasoning you need to make delicious popcorn for a movie night. It is handcrafted in small batches with only natural ingredients. Apart from popcorn, the seasoning set is ideal for roasted veggies, side salad, and more.
Products in the Collection
- Everything But The Popcorn Seasoning: Garlic, Sea Salt, Onion, Cane Sugar, White Cheddar Cheese (Milk, Salt, Cultures & Enzymes), Parsley, Paprika, Butter (Sweet Cream, Salt, Annatto Color, Non-Fat Milk Solids), Jalapeno).
- All Natural Cool Ranch Seasoning: Sea Salt, Onion, Sugar, Sour Cream Powder, Blue Cheese Powder (Milk, Salt, Cultures, Enzymes), Dill Tips, Chives, Garlic, Basil, Chervil, Tarragon, White Pepper, Parsley.
- Crystallized Honey Sea Salt: California Sea Salt, Honey.
- Spicy Habanero Sea Salt: Sea Salt, Habanero Powder, Chili de Arbol, Black Pepper.
- Caramel Creme Brûlée Cane Sugar: Cane Sugar, Coconut Palm Sugar, Natural Flavor, Natural Caramel Color, Vanilla Bean, and Less Than 0.5% Silicon Dioxide Added as A Processing Aid.
- Chili Limon Seasoning: Chili Peppers, Sea Salt, Dehydrated Lime Juice.
-
Spicy Sea Salt $38.50 on Virginia Boys Kitchens
Salt is a traditional seasoning for enhancing the overall popcorn flavor. Spicy salt on the other hand provides a subtle or intense spicy kick and depth. The collection contains 6 different salts. So, whether you want to heat it hard and liven up your popcorn with full tangy heat or desire simple flavor amplification, there is something for you.
Products in the Collection
- Sriracha Sea Salt: California Sea Salt and Sriracha Powder.
- Red Cayenne Sea Salt: California Sea Salt and Red Peppers.
- Indian Tandoori Sea Salt: California Sea Salt, Coriander, Cumin, Nutmeg, Red Pepper, Garlic, Paprika, and Onion Powder.
- Ancho Chile Sea Salt: California Sea Salt and Chili Peppers.
- Wasabi Sea Salt: California Sea Salt, Japanese Wasabi Root.
- Chipotle Sea Salt: California Sea Salt, Dried Chipotle Peppers.
-
Fiery Flavors Gourmet Seasoning and Rub Collection $23.10 on Virginia Boys Kitchens
The fiery flavor of gourmet seasonings gives your popcorn bold and unique flavors. The spices are inspired by Morocco, Jamaica, and Louisiana Cajun cooking. So, it’s a way to taste Cajun’s bright and spicy flavor and is an excellent duster for popcorn. The cans have a magnetized backing that sticks to metal surfaces, and the ingredients are free from artificial colors and flavors.
Products in the Collection
- Taste of Cajun: Oregano, Thyme, Black Pepper, Ground Celery Seed, Red Pepper, Paprika, Salt, Onion, and Garlic.
- Taste of Morocco: Ginger, Basil, Red Pepper, Cumin, Cardamom, Black Pepper, Garlic, Sugar, Onion, Red Bell Peppers, Cilantro, Turmeric Extract, and Garlic Oil.
- Taste of Jamaica: Garlic, Thyme, Black Pepper, Cumin Seed, Cinnamon, Allspice, Ginger, Red Pepper, Nutmeg, Sage, Onion, Paprika, Sugar, Salt, and Jalapeno.
-
Sweet & Spicy Cane Sugars Collection $28.60 on Virginia Boys Kitchens
Artisan cane sugars give the popcorn a natural taste and introduce a sweet and slightly caramelized flavor. The collection of four pairs well with other seasonings and allows you to experiment with different flavors. Instead of plain old sugar, the product contains a blend of red cayenne & pumpkin spice cane sugar for popcorn dusting.
Products in the Collection
- Red Cayenne Cane Sugar
- Smoky Chipotle Cane Sugar
- Spicy Chocolate Cinnamon Cane Sugar
- Pumpkin Spice Cane Sugar
Conclusion
The popcorn seasoning landscape is broad. Don’t embark on a flavorful journey without the best popcorn seasonings. From creating classic popcorn to innovative flavor blends, feel free to experiment and create the unique, sophisticated taste you crave.
See Virginia Boys Kitchens On Amazon
We are on Amazon, see our storefront here. Use coupon code VBKBLOG10 for 10% off your entire purchase of any Virginia Boys Kitchens on Amazon. Apply the code at checkout.
