What Is Kettle Corn? (2024)

Put the kettle to the metal and try to keep up because we are about to pop off on America’s favorite snack! Well, I don’t know if it’s America’s very favorite, but it’s definitely up there. I’m talking of course about popcorn, the snack that combines everyone’s favorite action, popping, with that food the corn kid from that meme loves, corn! There are countless varieties of popcorn: salty, plain, sweet… actually, those are pretty much the main ones. Today we’re focusing on the sweetest of sweets, the treat that intrigues us and beckons our noses to its booth at state fairs, kettle corn. Is kettle corn sweet? You bet kettle corn is sweet! We’ll also answer questions like why is kettle corn sweet? How is kettle corn made? And is kettle corn vegan? Sorry to keep all the vegans in suspense…stay tuned and read on!

What is kettle corn?

Kettle corn is a variety of popcorn that is seasoned and mixed with light colored refined sugar, salt, and oil, giving it a sweet flavor. Back in the day it was made in cast iron kettles, hence the name “kettle” corn. Why is kettle corn sweet? Because there’s sugar in there! Yes, there is sugar and salt, but the caramelized sugar in the recipe becomes the prominent flavor over the salty notes. Kettle corn is like the lovechild of regular popcorn and caramel corn. It gets a nice sugary, light brown caramelization, but doesn’t go fully to the sweet side, while also retaining some of its salty character.

Is kettle corn vegan?

Kettle corn is just popcorn kernels, sugar, salt, and a neutral oil, usually vegetable. There is no butter called for in any type of kettle corn recipe. So, no dairy, no meat, and not even any palm oil means kettle corn is vegan. My cousin will sometimes eat a garbage bag of kettle corn and meatballs but that’s just a family thing.

How is kettle corn made?

These days, huge vats of kettle corn are made in large copper kettles at state and county fairs, and those weird carnivals that pop up in mall parking lots across the country. But kettle corn is easy to make at home as well. All you need is vegetable oil, popcorn kernels, granulated sugar and salt. You also need a working stove top and a pot or skillet, but I guess I’m kind of assuming you have those things. Originally, kettle corn was made in cast iron kettles. Those are like the big, black, cauldron-looking pots hanging over a fire often used by fairytale witches. As the kettle corn origin story goes, either German or Dutch settlers around the Pennsylvania area popularized cooking sweet popcorn in kettles around the 16th or 17th century. There are Dutch diaries from that time that mention kettle corn. Most of these stories about kettle corn’s origin are anecdotally told on various kettle corn brand websites. The truth is we don’t know much about when and where this sweet delicious snack comes from other than it’s been around a long time. Corn is native to the Americas, so it’s likely popcorn was not brought here by Europeans. In fact, French explorers wrote about Iroquois people popping corn kernels in pottery jars filled with heated sand. But how far back they were popping corn, and whether or not they had a sweet version, we’ll never know. All I know is that I’m glad someone invented kettle corn so that I can eat it while I ride questionable rollercoasters in abandoned mall parking lots!

What Is Kettle Corn? (1)

Best Kettle Corn

Now that you know all about kettle corn, find out what the best kettle corn is. We tasted the top bagged and microwave kettle corn and found the best ones.

What Is Kettle Corn? (2024)

FAQs

What Is Kettle Corn? ›

Kettle corn is a variety of popcorn that is seasoned and mixed with light colored refined sugar, salt, and oil, giving it a sweet flavor. Back in the day it was made in cast iron kettles, hence the name “kettle” corn.

What is the difference between popcorn and kettlecorn? ›

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.

Which is healthier, kettle corn or popcorn? ›

While both varieties of popcorn have similar nutritious benefits, sugar added to kettle popcorn is more likely to cause you to gain weight (due to its higher calorie count and addictive nature). However, there is no reason to worry if you consume kettle popcorn every now and then.

What is kettle corn made of? ›

Popcorn kernels: To make about 10 cups of kettle corn, you'll need ½ cup unpopped popcorn kernels. Oil: A neutral oil, such as vegetable oil, gives the sugar something to stick to without imparting flavor. Sugar: This kettle corn recipe is simply sweetened with just white sugar.

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.

What is the healthiest popcorn to eat? ›

The 10 Best Healthy Popcorn Brands of 2022, According to...
  • Bjorn Qorn.
  • Pipcorn Truffle Mini Popcorn.
  • Newman's Own Organic Touch of Butter.
  • Whole Foods 365 Organic Yellow Popcorn Kernels.
  • Trader Joes Organic Popcorn With Olive Oil.
  • Anthony's Organic Yellow Popcorn Kernels.
  • How to Choose a Healthy Popcorn.
Sep 27, 2022

What's so special about kettle corn? ›

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!

Can diabetics eat kettle corn? ›

Instead, people can look for packets of popcorn with light, unsalted butter or fewer calories. People with diabetes should avoid kettle corn varieties, as the extra sweetness comes with additional sugar.

Is popcorn the healthiest junk food? ›

Popcorn is a healthy snack when it's air-popped and served without ingredients high in fat, salt, or sugar. Popcorn is high in important nutrients, including fiber. Popcorn is one of the world's healthiest and most popular snack foods. It is loaded with important nutrients and offers a variety of health benefits.

Why is kettle corn so high in calories? ›

The sugar content in kettle popcorn contributes to its sweet flavor but also adds to the overall calorie count.

Why is kettle corn so addictive? ›

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.

Why do Americans call it kettle corn? ›

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.

What makes kettle corn taste the way it does? ›

Kettle corn is a variety of popcorn that is seasoned and mixed with light colored refined sugar, salt, and oil, giving it a sweet flavor. Back in the day it was made in cast iron kettles, hence the name “kettle” corn. Why is kettle corn sweet? Because there's sugar in there!

Can dogs eat popcorn? ›

Is Eating Popcorn Safe for Dogs? Yes and no. Plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. Buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings is not safe for your dog on a regular basis, although eating a few dropped pieces here and there probably won't hurt them.

What is the difference between kettle corn and regular popcorn? ›

Flavor profile is an obvious difference between kettle corn and popcorn. Classic popcorn is salty, often flavored with butter or cheese — just like that popcorn bucket you munch on at the movie theater. Meanwhile, kettle corn is distinctly sweet with a dash of salt.

Can dogs have kettle corn? ›

Kettle corn and caramel popcorn are not good snacks for dogs. In addition to the butter and salt, both types of popcorn have tons of sugar and other preservatives that are very unhealthy for our fur babies. They may give your pup stomach issues like gas, stomach pain, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Why do Americans call popcorn kettle corn? ›

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.

Is kettle corn just caramel popcorn? ›

Kettle corn is a combination of sweet and salty flavors. It is lighter in flavor and texture than caramel corn as the sugar and salt are mixed in during popping rather than coated.

Is popcorn different than corn-on-the-cob? ›

Those kernels pop under pressure, turning into the popcorn snack you know and love. Popcorn kernels are much drier than regular corn kernels — you wouldn't want to take a bite out of an ear of popcorn. It lacks the moisture levels and flavor of sweet field corn. Regular corn also has a different type of endosperm.

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