Popcorn seasoning facts for kids
Popcorn seasoning is any ingredient used to add flavor to popcorn. It helps make your popcorn taste even better! In the United States, many companies make popcorn seasoning for people to buy and use at home or in movie theaters.
Some seasonings are used to give popcorn a buttery flavor. Because popcorn is light and fluffy, you often need a good amount of seasoning to cover all the pieces. Seasoning can also add coloring to popcorn, making it look more appealing. Some popcorn seasoning might contain monosodium glutamate, which is a flavor enhancer. You can even find some really fun and unusual flavors, like chocolate or bubble gum! Sometimes, popcorn seasoning is just called "popcorn salt."
Some oils used to cook popcorn already have seasoning mixed in. These are called "popcorn seasoning oils" or "liquid popcorn seasoning."
Since the 1960s, many movie theaters in the United States have used a special seasoning called Flavacol. It's made of salt, butter flavor, and artificial colors to make their popcorn look and taste great.
What's in Popcorn Seasoning?
Dry popcorn seasoning is usually made into a very fine powder. This helps it spread evenly when you sprinkle it on your popcorn. Common ingredients you might use at home for popcorn seasoning include salt and melted butter.
Popcorn seasoning is also used in big machines that make large amounts of popcorn for people to buy.
In the 1950s in the United States, many liquid popcorn seasonings were made with a coconut oil base. They also often used artificial coloring to make the popcorn look brighter.
