National Caramel Popcorn Day

National Caramel Popcorn Day is an annual American holiday dedicated to this delightful sweet treat, celebrated on April 6. Most people closely associate popcorn with movie theaters or simply watching movies at home. It’s an excellent snack that is also quite healthy for the body. However, today’s holiday celebrates its caramel version, which is sweeter and more calorie-dense.

History

The origins of popcorn date back to ancient times, with fossilized popcorn balls found during excavations in areas once inhabited by ancient American tribes. Historians believe that popcorn was cooked over an open fire back then and was used more for decoration than food. To make such a delicious snack, certain varieties of corn must be used, with Zea mays L. var. Everta being one of the most popular.

Popcorn began to gain popularity in the 19th century, and a caramelized variety of the sweet snack appeared in the 1870s. Its creators were brothers L. and F. Rückheim, natives of Germany who opened a popcorn production store in Chicago after emigrating. Their passion for experimentation led to the creation of caramel popcorn, which, in addition to its sweet sticky coating, was also mixed with crushed peanuts.

Interesting Facts

• The Rückheim Brothers’ popcorn was produced under the brand Cracker Jack, with industrial-scale production beginning in 1896.
• The explosion of corn into popcorn is caused by a small amount of starch and moisture inside the kernels. When heated, the kernels burst from the inside.

How to Celebrate

Buy some caramel popcorn to enjoy with your family or friends. Plan a movie night at home or visit a theater. You can also make your own popcorn, with plenty of recipes available online.

Spread the word about the holiday on social media. Ask others when they first tried caramel popcorn and what their impressions were of this sweet snack.

When is National Caramel Popcorn Day in 2025?

National Caramel Popcorn Day is observed on April 6 each year.

Observations