We’ve Got Plenty of Popcorn Trivia

by Priscilla Schrubb on January 11, 2022

There’s no denying that American’s love their popcorn! But did you know we love it so much that we created National Popcorn Day? Celebrated annually on January 19th it’s been official since 2005 or maybe it was 1999?

You see, no one seems to agree on exactly when or how National Popcorn Day began.  Some people say it was originally, Jan. 31st to coincide with the Super Bowl. (And why not? We can’t think of a better game-day snack.)  

Other’s claim the holiday originated in the 1970s during the month of October. This also makes sense seeing as the American Secretary of Agriculture, Dan Glickman officially proclaimed October as National Popcorn Month in 1999.  

A third school of thought is that National Popcorn Day spent a number of years being moved to whatever day the Super Bowl was played. Sometimes occurring in late January or even early February.  

No matter when or how it began, we can’t think of a snack more deserving of its own national holiday than popcorn! To celebrate, we thought we’d share some of our favorite popcorn facts with you. Enjoy!

  • The first commercial popping machine was invented in 1885.
  • Movie theaters in Europe often sell sweet popcorn in bags at movie theaters instead of freshly popped and buttered popcorn. (We think this should catch on in the states. Imagine enjoying your favorite Popcorn Friday flavor right at the movies!)
  • Americans eat roughly 17 billion quarts of popcorn every year!
  • Popcorn is the official snack of Illinois (Hmmm… maybe we can get Texas to follow suit this National Popcorn Day.)
  • Popcorn kernels can fly up to 3 feet in the air when they pop.
  • Popcorn has more iron than eggs.
  • There are about 1600 popcorn kernels in 1 cup.
  • By volume, popcorn is America’s favorite snack. (As it should be!)
  • People tend to eat more popcorn in the fall and winter. (Maybe that’s why National Popcorn Day is in January.) 
  • Popcorn is a specific type of maize and it comes in 3 shapes.
  • Popcorn kernels store a small amount of water. The water is what causes it to pop when heated. 
  • Unpopped kernels are often referred to as “old maids”.
  • The Aztecs used popcorn in ceremonies as decoration in ceremonial headdresses and necklaces.
  • We still use popcorn today to dress our Christmas trees and homes during the holidays.
  • Popcorn kernels come in 4 different colors: yellow, red, white, and blue.  Each of these colors has a slightly different size and flavor.
  • Nebraska is the country’s largest producer of popcorn.
  • The state of Illinois has been celebrating an annual Popcorn Day since 1958.
  • The popcorn business was one of the few businesses to thrive during The Great Depression. Its low price made it an affordable treat for poor families. 
  • Native Americans used popcorn to make beer and soup. Mmmmm...
  • Movie theaters started selling popcorn in 1912.

These popcorn facts might have made you hungry. Pick out your favorite tasty treats from over 30 delicious flavors of popcorn to enjoy on National Popcorn Day and every day. You can even have it delivered right to your door!

Looking for the secret code to earn 50% OFF when you order online? It’s POPCORNDAY. (Use between now and Jan. 29th. Online orders only.)

Get ready to celebrate National Popcorn Day!

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