Best Gourmet Popcorn Flavors to Try for a Delicious Snack

Popcorn is no longer just a snack for the movies—it’s become a gourmet experience much like a donut shop or artisanal ice cream store. There are so many new flavors available on the market popping up that popcorn fanatics never have to worry about running out of options. Whether you want sweet, savory, or spicy popcorn, gourmet popcorn of every flavor exists. 

And let’s be real—popcorn is as American as baseball, Fourth of July BBQs, and road trips down Route 66. Whether you’re munching on a bucket at a drive-in movie or whipping up a batch for a Netflix binge, there’s no denying its status as a staple snack in American culture.

Why Gourmet Popcorn?

• Americans consume 15 billion quarts of popcorn every year (Statista).

• Gourmet popcorn sales have seen a 9.2% growth in recent years (IBISWorld).

• The global gourmet popcorn market is expected to hit $11.2 billion by 2026 (ResearchAndMarkets).

Clearly, popcorn isn’t just a snack—it’s a booming trend. And with flavors getting bolder, it’s time to upgrade your snacking game.

Top Gourmet Popcorn Flavors You Must Try

1. Brazilian Cashew Caramel Popcorn – A Tropical Crunch

Drawing inspiration from the sensational flavors of Brazil, we have taken Clandestine Caramel Corn to the next level by mixing it with our creamy, house-made cashew butter and topping it off with whole, oven-roasted cashews for a sweet nutty crunch in every bite. It's the perfect snack for caramel lovers who like it a little bit more buttery.

2. Mango Habanero Kettle Corn – A Sweet Heat Sensation

A tropical take on heat – mango's sweetness, and other Caribbean flavors provides that perfect blend with a habanero pepper's bold heat. The combination of contrasting sweetness from the fruit with spicy heat is an exciting culinary experience that any adventurous eater will enjoy!

3. Hawaiian Macadamia Caramel Popcorn – A Taste of the Islands

Say Aloha to a popcorn experience filled with flavors of the Hawaiian islands. Small batches of our Clandestine Caramel Corn are infused with a rich macadamia nut butter, topped with whole, oven-roasted macadamia nuts for the perfect blend of sweet, creamy, crunchy. Each bite of this drink delivers a little island paradise.

4. Saigon Cinnamon Kettle Corn – Sweet with a Hint of Spice

This isn't your average cinnamon popcorn! Our artisanal kettle corn kicks things up with a generous swirl of pure Vietnamese cinnamon that is added at the right time, right, to create a beautifully balanced, warm, aromatic flavor. The end result? A crunch, sweet-spiced treat that feels like a cozy hug in every bite.

5. Moroccan Harissa Kettle Popcorn – A Bold & Exotic Adventure

Our original California Kettle Corn is combined with a true Moroccan Harissa blend that includes rich paprika, ancho chile, garlic, cumin, sea salt, and warm spices.  It delivers a smoky taste with some spice and deep umami flavor, perfect for those wanting to round out their snacking with a little taste of the world! 

6. Chili Lime Kettle Corn – A Zesty & Spicy Explosion

If you love spicy tangy flavors, you will love this! The tangy lime cuts through the smoky chili heat to create a delightfully bold refreshing and addictively subtle flavor! What could be better than combining the street-market game elote with kettle corn? For heat and spicy lovers, this is an exciting and new way to enjoy! 

7. Costa Rican Cocoa Kettle Corn – A Chocolate Lover’s Dream

Need chocolate?  We've got the answer!  We coat our original kettle corn in cocoa and include crunchy cacao nibs!  It's the perfect blend of sweet, slightly bitter, and decadently chocolatey.  It hits the spot whether you love traditional dark chocolate or just want a new spin on kettle corn.  It is simple but very rewarding!

8. BBQ Kettle Corn – A Smoky, Sweet Classic

A lovely BBQ experience in a bag! This sweet and smoky flavor uses the best flavor of BBQ seasoning—brown sugar, smoked paprika and the slightest hint of vinegar tang—for an unapologetically bold savory sweet snack any day, especially on game day.

Final Thoughts

Gourmet popcorn transcends the conventional snack—it's an event. You can enjoy sweet, savory, spicy, or all of the above—there's a flavor to fit your poppin' preferences. If America has taught us one thing about food, it's that food should be fun, filled with flavor, and enjoyable with family and friends.

So the next time you're looking for a snack, skip the traditional chips, pretzels, or standard popcorn and consider grabbing a gourmet snack in the form of gourmet popcorn. Your taste buds will thank you!  

What is your gourmet popcorn flavor? Please leave a comment and let us know because discussing food preferences is about as American as debating the best pizza city!