The current popularity of ready-to-eat popcorn is leading snack food developers to experiment with popcorn as an ingredient in other products. It also fits well with better-for-you products, like snack bars. Popcorn Indiana released a line of Popcorn Bars in Chocolate Fudge and Chocolate Lover’s in 2015. Bakers have also added popcorn as an ingredient to muffins and breads.

Popcorn is an unexpected ingredient that adds an element of whimsy to products, yet it is a whole grain, so it adds needed fiber to the diet. There’s a sense of nostalgia and familiarity to popcorn, which has appeal. Also, popcorn adds a crunchy and chewy texture to a product.

This concept for Blueberry & Pomegranate Power Bars builds a better-for-you snack profile with the use of whole-grain popcorn and oats, fruit and almonds, with clean-label appeal through use of honey as the sweetener. The bars then gain appeal through a bottom-enrobing of chocolate.

By: The Popcorn Board