Kettle Corn vs Caramel Corn (2024)

FAQs

Kettle Corn vs Caramel Corn? ›

While both caramel corn and kettle corn are sweet, caramel corn is richer in flavor and texture. Historically sweetened with molasses, caramel corn is most-often candy-coated. The thin, crunchy, sweet coating is derived from melted sugar.

Kettle corn is made by placing kernels in a metal bowl, covering them with oil and sugar, and then cooking the mixture on the stovetop until it reaches a high temperature. Caramel corn is made by combining sugar, butter, and corn syrup in a pot over low heat.

Kettle corn gets its name from its preferred method of preparation, which is in a cast-iron kettle. Another key difference is kettle corn's use of sugar. Along with oil and salt, sugar is added to the kettle and requires constant stirring to avoid burning the sugar. A little bit more work for a little sweeter treat!

Caramel corn or caramel popcorn (toffee popcorn in the UK) is a confection made of popcorn coated with a sugar or molasses based caramel candy shell that is normally less than 1mm thick.

Kettle corn is a sweet variety of popcorn that is typically mixed or seasoned with a light-colored refined sugar, salt, and oil. It was traditionally made in cast iron kettles, hence the name, but in modern times other types of pots and pans are used.

Classic popcorn is mostly popped with oil and butter, while kettle popcorn is traditionally air-popped in an iron kettle. Regular popcorn is considered a healthy snack. While kettle popcorn has similar health benefits, you should watch the sugar.

One of the reasons people enjoy kettle corn so much is its sweet flavor. The addition of sugar makes kettle popcorn very addictive, so it's no surprise that you can't stop eating it until you've finished the entire bowl.

Frederick and Louis Rueckheim, two brothers from Germany, came to America and settled in Chicago. In the 1870s, they established a popcorn shop and started experimenting with varieties and toppings. They introduced a new mixture of popcorn, peanuts, and molasses that went viral quickly.

Baking soda is what makes caramel corn chewy with a bit of crunch and gives it the classic brittle texture. The baking soda also helps the mixture to increase in volume which ensures it covers all of the popcorn. It's an essential ingredient and without it you'll likely find the texture of the caramel corn to be off.

Once the caramel has cooled on your popcorn, the air bubbles inside the caramel create a softer texture. The softer texture means you won't be biting into hard-as-cement caramel. Rather, the caramel is melt-in-your-mouth chewy and only slightly crunchy.

Is kettle corn just sweet popcorn? ›

A typical kettle corn recipe is cooked with sugar and salt for a sweet and salty flavor, while regular popcorn is usually buttery and salty.

Kettlecorn has a dominantly sweet flavor, with just a hint of salt noticeable to the palate. Adding sugar to your mix during the cooking process is essential to crafting that perfect blend of sweet and savory taste. It's the flavor that has become a hallmark of kettle corn.

In the 17th century, Dutch immigrants are said to have brought kettle corn to the shores of America and settle in Pennsylvania. This is believed to be America's introduction to kettle corn because kettle corn is referenced in the diaries of Dutch Pennsylvania settlers.

Caramel: You will need brown sugar, butter, light corn syrup, salt, vanilla, and baking soda to make the caramel mixture. Popcorn: I prefer white popcorn in this recipe. However, you could use white or yellow.

What flavor is kettle corn? Kettle corn is sweet and salty, it's so addictive and is sure to please everyone! It's a blend of white and brown sugar and salt and pleases those with a sweet tooth and those that prefer savory.

A little sweet, a little salty—and a whole lot of yummy. Available Sizes: Classic Bag (3-, 6- and 12- bag pkg)