State of the Industry Report: Popcorn, Corny Competition
Simple salt just won’t cut it in the competition for consumers’ popcorn-craving palettes. Unique ingredients and flavor profiles are helping popcorn manufacturers go for their personal best in the great snacking games.
Low in calories, high in fiber—popcorn may just be the perfect natural snack. Of course, that doesn’t stop manufacturers from trying to up the ante by enhancing all the whole grain has to offer. Now, popcorn can be found competing with chips, pretzels and even candy in the snacking Olympics.
Many companies are finding that the way to enhance their popcorn products is to mix the kernels with other unique—and sometimes unusual—ingredients. Competing in the chocolate-added category Too Haute Cowgirls, Carbondale, Colo., creates a creative popcorn confection called Have Bacon Will Travel.