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Popcorn is a tasty snack, and part of the fun is adding flavors! You can easily add a bit of salt, spice, or sweetness to your popcorn by using seasonings. There is a range of flavors available to suit any palate, whether you prefer classic butter or spicy pickle. With so many flavors, however, it can be challenging to find one that you will love.
To help you make a confident choice, we found the best popcorn seasonings in a variety of flavors. Kernel Season's Seasoning Variety Pack is one of our favorites since it contains eight crowd-pleasing favorites, like kettle corn and cheesy jalapeño. For more options, check out the other products on our best 10 list. Be sure to read our buying guide as well for all the information you need, including tips on how to get seasoning to stick to popcorn.
Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef that loves everything food-related and the tools both big and small to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-quast-59769011/
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Table of Contents
Keep reading this buying guide for more details and suggestions on how to choose the best popcorn seasonings.
Popcorn seasonings come in many flavors, including salty, sweet, and spicy. Salty and sweet seasonings are simple and popular, and they pair well with most movie snacks. Some classic flavors are butter, sea salt, white cheddar, and salted caramel. If you have a sweet tooth, look for rich flavors like caramel kettle corn or chocolate.
However, there are tons of more unique options available! If you love spice, consider sriracha, jalapeño, ghost pepper, or spice-based blends. Some flavors, like tacos, barbecue, garlic, pizza, ranch, and nacho cheese, are more complex. If you're undecided or like to switch it up, consider a multi-pack that contains many different flavors.
If you're enjoying popcorn with friends or children, consider classic crowd-pleasing flavors like butter or ranch. Or, if you're enjoying popcorn with other snacks or drinks, make sure the flavors go together. For example, garlic-seasoned popcorn might not pair well with hot chocolate.
If you're looking to have popcorn on hand, consider sets that come with kernels! Popping your own popcorn can be done in the microwave or over the stove, and it allows you to use the oil and seasoning you prefer. Plus, some sets come with different popcorn kernels, allowing you to try several varieties!
Check the serving size and the total servings in the package to ensure that the amount of seasoning will be sufficient for the amount of popcorn you prefer. If you often make big batches of popcorn, a small jar might not be practical. You also want to make sure you can achieve the strength of flavor you like!
Remember that larger packaging doesn't always mean more servings per container! A two-ounce jar can have 80 quarter-teaspoon servings, while a 12-ounce jar may offer only 30 or so servings of three teaspoons.
If you're searching for a one-time use seasoning, look for single-serving packets. However, if you eat popcorn regularly, have a large family, or plan to make popcorn in party sizes, containers with over 100 servings will be the most practical.
There are four main types of packaging: packets, jars, and cartons. Small packets are ideal for trying a flavor out or single-use. You can also use packets to fill jars for easier dispensing and storage.
Jars or bottles are portable, easy to store, and easy to use. Plus, unlike packets, jars can be reused or recycled. Smaller jars often have shaker-top lids for easy dispensing. However, make sure the holes are actually large enough to dispense the seasoning!
Seasonings in large plastic jars are great for big families or parties because they usually contain many serving sizes. However, BPA is a potential concern in plastic containers. If you're worried about BPA, choose BPA-free plastic or glass. Glass is also a durable option if you like to refill your jars!
Unlike bottles and jars, cartons don't have a lid and may be difficult to store after opening. To maintain freshness and prevent spills, consider storing them in an airtight container or bag. However, cartons are ideal if you want something lightweight and eco-friendly.
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This set includes eight crowd-pleasing sweet and savory flavors, ranging from classic butter to sweet kettle corn. The variety makes it an excellent choice for parties or movie nights. Plus, the bottles are available individually if you want to repurchase your favorites.
Some reviewers note that certain flavors are stronger than others. However, most confirm that these are great to have on hand for events and parties since there's a flavor to suit everyone's taste, including kids. They also like being able to mix seasonings to create custom popcorn flavors.
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This ranch seasoning from Hidden Valley is a versatile choice. You can use it on all sorts of foods, like popcorn, veggies, or pasta. It's made with salt, buttermilk, garlic, and onion for a flavorful, classic ranch taste.
A few users note that it doesn't taste exactly like bottled ranch, but the vast majority say its traditional flavor is a hit with kids and adults. They confirm that it goes well with many foods and recipes, especially popcorn. Plus, they like that the jar makes it easy to dispense as much or as little as they need.
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Flavacol seasoning offers a buttery salt flavor that tastes exactly like the popcorn you eat at the movie theater. It's made of four ingredients, and each carton has over 100 servings. However, it should be noted that the artificial flavoring source isn't specified.
Although a few reviewers are concerned about its high sodium content, many say it's still worth it since it's very delicious and addictive. Many suggest using it with coconut oil for the best results! They also note that a little goes a long way.
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Craving cheesy popcorn? This powder is made with real white cheddar cheese and plant-based rennet. Plus, it's made in the USA and comes in a two-pound jar, giving you plenty of powder to season popcorn, make mac and cheese, or sprinkle on veggies.
A few reviewers note that it's prone to clumping. But overall, many confirm that it has excellent cheese flavor and tastes great on popcorn. They like that it's versatile and can be added to many other foods like soups, potatoes, mac and cheese, and dips. They also appreciate that the big container will last for a long time.
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How could we forget this classic brand? This canister contains over one pound of fine-grained non-iodized salt made especially for popcorn. It can also be used for potatoes, salad, nachos, and more. It's certified kosher and made in the USA.
Many reviewers say it tastes just like movie theater popcorn and sticks to popcorn much better than regular salt. They also like the big container, saying it lasts a long time and is good for refilling smaller containers. Plus, users note that a little goes a long way.
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This set comes with five flavorful seasonings and three types of kernels, making it a great choice for a gift or movie night. The seasonings include sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, including chili lime and kettle corn.
A few reviewers report mixed success with the kernels, saying some didn't pop as well. However, many confirm that this kit makes an excellent gift! They also enjoy the variety of tasty flavors, saying it's fun to try them during movie nights.
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If you prefer sweet popcorn, consider this chocolate caramel powder. It's made of three simple ingredients for a natural cocoa flavor. Plus, you can use it to add sweetness to your coffee or oatmeal!
We also like that it's made in the USA and comes in a variety of sizes. You can add popcorn kernels to your order, too! Once the seasoning bag is empty, you can send it back to the company to recycle. As thanks, they will send you a 15 percent off coupon.
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Craving something salty and spicy? This seasoning is made with garlic, paprika, and cayenne pepper, adding heat and flavor to your popcorn. Plus, the lid makes it easy to sprinkle over popcorn.
A few reviewers note that it can get clumpy. However, most others appreciate that it gives a nice kick without being too spicy. Reviewers like the small shaker bottle, saying it's convenient to use and store. They love this seasoning on popcorn, but they also like using it on chicken wings, potatoes, and eggs.
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This unique seasoning draws inspiration from elotes, a type of grilled Mexican street corn. It includes a blend of flavors that complement popcorn well, like salt, sugar, Parmesan cheese, and spice. It also includes corn flour for a hint of corn on the cob flavor!
Reviewers on Amazon note that the price is marked up online, but many are still thrilled to find this spice since they don't have a Trader Joe's nearby. Overall, most reviewers love its complex yet balanced flavor, saying it's addicting on popcorn. They also appreciate its versatility, saying it's great on chicken, eggs, and corn on the cob.
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This blend contains a dill-forward mix of seasonings for spicy pickle popcorn! We love that it's handmade with simple ingredients, like dill, buttermilk powder, lime juice powder, and pepper.
This size comes in a glass jar that will keep the seasoning fresh. Other sizes are available, including a one-ounce size that's great for sampling. Reviewers confirm that this seasoning is delicious, and one user reports that it's not too spicy.
Whether you want to make popcorn from scratch or use pre-packaged microwave bags, we've got you covered. Take a look at our articles below for some suggestions!
If you're looking for more tasty popcorn seasoning options, check out Amazon's best sellers below!
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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