various types of popcorns - popcorn facts

Fun Facts About Popcorn

Nov 07, 2023Thad Paul

While you are snacking on your favorite flavor of popcorn have you ever wondered if popcorn is healthy or what temperature is the best temperature to pop popcorn? Besides being a delicious snack perfect for any occasion, popcorn has an interesting history, and there are loads of fun facts about popcorn to make the snacking experience even better!

  

  1. Popcorn is over 5000 years old.
  2. The first commercial popcorn machine was invented by Charles Cretors in 1885.
  3. Nebraska produces the most popcorn in America, around 250 million pounds per year.
  4. Microwaveable popcorn was invented by Pillsbury in 1982.
  5. Popcorn is a healthy GMO-free and gluten-free snack.
  6. January 19th is National Popcorn Day.
  7. The hull of some varieties of popcorn shatters when it pops so it looks hull-less.
  8. Popcorn can reach up to 3 feet in distance when popping.
  9. In 1949, popcorn was temporarily banned from movie theaters for being too loud of a snack.
  10. During the World War II sugar shortage, Americans ate 3x more popcorn.
  11. Popped! Republic pops our popcorn at 400°F, which is the ideal temperature for popping popcorn.
  12. The unpropped popcorn kernels at the bottom of a popcorn bag are called old maids.
  13. Popcorn kernels are 4% water, and the water causes popcorn to pop when heated up.
  14. Popcorn has three common shapes: rice, South American, and pearl. Pearl is the most popular popcorn shape.
  15. In the 1800’s, popcorn was often eaten as a cereal with milk and sugar.
  16. Popcorn is a popular North American Christmas tree decoration. Popcorn is threaded onto a string and used as garland.
  17. When popcorn pops in a round shape it is called mushroom popcorn and popcorn which pops in unpredictable shapes is called butterfly popcorn.


With these fun facts, you can enjoy a bag of Popped! Republic popcorn and impress your friends with all sorts of popcorn knowledge!