There is perhaps no other sound in the culinary world that evokes immediate recognition quite like the noise popcorn makes when it’s popping, whether in a pan on the stove, a bag in the microwave or some kind of popping machine. But while we know the temperature at which popcorn pops*, why exactly corn makes that popping noise when turning itself into those fluffy kernels is a question science hadn’t quite answered yet… until now [cue suspenseful music]. [More]
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Who Knew Popcorn Was The Secret Crunchy Slayer Of Movie Ads?
By 10.15.13
You’re settled in your seat at the movies, nice and early because maybe you like the previews and don’t like to hunt for just the right seat. But you got there a little bit too early and now you have to sit through the theater’s commercials. Hope you got some popcorn to snack on, because it could help make you immune to the onslaught of marketing, according to a new study. [More]
Why Is Popcorn Such A Popular Snack At The Movies?
By 10.3.13
It’s buttered, it’s salted, it’s plain but it’s always hot and delicious (or it should be) — but why do we all hanker for popcorn at the movies, and pop it when we watch at home? Popcorn itself has been around for nigh on 8,000 years since corn was first cultivated, but it’s been a movie theater staple for far less time. [More]
That’s Not Extra Butter Inside This Microwave Popcorn Bag
By 7.1.13
Mike is pretty laid-back about the curious substance that he found inside a bag of Pop Secret popcorn. “Things happen. When one makes millions of something, there will be issues with a few,” he observes. That’s true. He’s disappointed, though, because Pop Secret hasn’t kept him updated him on what the heck it was. [More]
Microwave Popcorn Not So Convenient Anymore Compared To Just Opening A Bag
By 5.29.13
You know how when you have to walk aaaalll the way over to the microwave and stick a bag of popcorn in it, and then press aaaaalll those buttons and wait for aaaaaalll those slow minutes to tick by until your snack is ready? It’s the worst, right? So inconvenient, which is apparently why premade popcorn is gaining on microwave popcorn. [More]
Chowing Down At The Movies Can Add Up To Thousands Of Calories
By 2.8.12
Like to snack at the movies? That tub of popcorn and large soda can amount to almost a full day’s calories, two days’ worth of fat and a cup of sugars. [More]
Orville Redenbacher Uses New Fancy Bowl To Disguise Shrink Ray Effects
By 8.9.11
Looks like old Orville Redenbacher has been working on his sleight of hand technique. He wants you to focus on how his kettle corn popcorn is in a new easier to use “pop up bowl,” and ignore how it’s been downsized to 2.9 oz per bag from 3.3 oz. Worse, writers tipster Derek, the popcorn doesn’t pop as well. [More]
Grocery Shrink Ray Zaps Pop Secret Popcorn
By 7.25.11
Consumerist reader Bryan says he tends to buy a new box of Pop Secret microwave popcorn every month or so. But while he was putting away his groceries the other day he noticed that the new box seemed a bit thinner than he’d become accustomed to. [More]
Movie Popcorn Is Really, Really Bad For You
By 11.20.09
If you’re one of those people who munches on movie popcorn and placates yourself by rationalizing that as snacks go, it’s not all that bad for you, you’re just deluding yourself.
5 Big Retail Mark-Ups To Watch Out For
By 4.7.09
The Lansing State Journal has put together a list of 5 marked-up retail categories to be aware of when you’re making purchasing decisions, most of which you hopefully already know. If you can’t find wholesale sources or DIY replacements, then at least make sure you do a lot of comparison shopping to get the best deal.
$1 Popcorn and Drinks On Stimulus Night At Movie Theater Chain
By 3.5.09
Carmike Cinemas, which operates 2,276 screens in 36 states has declared Tuesdays “stimulus night” and will be offering $1 popcorn and drinks.
Medium Bags Of Popcorn Often Hold More Than Large Tubs
By 6.15.08
If you’re in a cinema which gives you a choice between buying a medium bag of popcorn and a large tub of popcorn, there’s a greater-than-50% chance that the medium bag will actually contain more popcorn than the large tub.
9 Ways To Save At The Movies
By 6.7.08
Summer means movies, but don’t get stuck paying $12 per ticket or $7 for a bag of popcorn. Instead, check out these nine ways to slash your movie budget without missing any summer blockbusters.
Which Popcorn Pops The Most Kernels?
By 6.5.08
I can’t help but feel a little ripped off when you finish a bag of popcorn only to find a bunch of unpopped kernels at the bottom. Am I really paying for defective popcorn? Which is I’m glad reader Wade, a popcorn junkie, conducted a home experiment to see which brand of popcorn pops the most kernels, and which one is the best to buy. They’re not the same. In his test of Newman’s Own, Pop Secret, Jolly Time, Best Choice, Act II, and Orville Redenbacker popcorn, Newmann’s popped the most kernels, but Wade dubbed said Act II the winner. Why? It’s the cheapest, came in 2nd for popped kernel percentage, it comes decently close to providing the claimed amount of servings, and his subjects said it tasted the best. Check out his site for the full results and methodology.
Microwave Popcorn Makers Vow To Remove Diacetyl
By 12.19.07
“We want to assure our consumers they can continue to enjoy their favorite popcorn with complete confidence,” said Stan Jacot, who oversees popcorn marketing for ConAgra.
Although there has been one consumer case of “popcorn lung,” there’s no real danger to consumers who don’t eat microwave popcorn several times a day. The real concern is for those people who work in popcorn plants. Soon, however, you’ll be able to eat your popcorn totally guilt-free. We’d hate to see that nifty “popcorn” button go unused on your microwave.
First Consumer With Popcorn Lung Speaks Out
By 9.7.07
Wayne Watson, the man who loved microwave popcorn so much he ate it twice a day for 10 years is speaking out about his condition for the first time.
Comcast: We're Sorry, Have Some Popcorn!
By 5.23.07
I have attached a photo of something that arrived in the mail for me from Comcast. I had a problem with a bill where they had charged me twice for something. After exhausting the normal channels, I e-mailed the CEO. The very next day a nice woman from his office called me and said someone from the local office would be in touch. Not half an hour later did I get a call from the local office. Of course, it wasn’t just that easy, but eventually the situation was sorted out. So I was surprised to see a box with a big tin of popcorn waiting for me when I got home along with a card that says “Thank you for being a Comcast customer. We’re sorry for any inconvenience you may have experienced. Our goal, as always, is to give you our best service. We appreciate your understanding.”
