FAQs
The flavor all comes down to one ingredient: Flavacol. You've likely never heard of Flavacol because, really, only movie theaters use it. Essentially, it's butter-flavored salt. It's a really fine, bright orange powder that adds that buttery flavor you crave and the signature yellow color.
What makes movie theater popcorn taste so good? ›
In reality, most major theaters pop their kernels in coconut oil (via The New York Times), adding Flavacol as it pops to imbue the fluffy popped kernels with that signature yellow color and salty taste (via Extra Crispy).
How to make popcorn taste like the movie theater? ›
Flavor with butter and salt.
Pour half of the butter or ghee over the popcorn, cover, and shake the pot to coat. Pour the remaining butter or ghee over the popcorn and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon finely ground kosher salt, table salt, or popcorn salt. Cover again and shake. Serve immediately.
What is the ingredient in movie theater popcorn? ›
It contains only four ingredients: super-fine salt, artificial flavor and two synthetic yellow dyes that give the popcorn its vibrant buttery-ish color.
What is the butter topping in movie theater popcorn? ›
Movie theaters use butter-flavored oil, which has a lower water content than butter so it makes popcorn less soggy. Real clarified butter has the same effect. To make it, melt 2 sticks butter in a glass measuring cup in the microwave.
What is Flavacol made of? ›
there IS a “secret ingredient”. Or, more precisely, a sort of “trade secret”; and that's Flavacol. What's in it? “Salt, artificial butter flavor, FD&C Yellow #5 Lake (E102) and Yellow #6 Lake (E110)”.
How to make popcorn taste better? ›
For savory popcorn: Olive oil, kosher salt, and nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is the perfect seasoning if you want cheesy flavor but also want vegan popcorn seasoning. For sweet popcorn: Olive oil, cinnamon, and a dash of brown sugar. This will satisfy your sweet cravings without making your teeth hurt!
What do movie theaters use for popcorn seasoning? ›
2045 Flavacol popcorn salt.
What oil do movie theaters use for popcorn? ›
It's a personal preference—and there are certainly people who eat both and wouldn't even notice the difference.” AMC, Regal, and Marcus theaters use coconut oil, while Cinemark opts for canola, and other regional chains use a blend.
Why is movie theater popcorn so buttery? ›
The first ingredient in movie theater popcorn is one you've probably never heard of — Flavacol. It's manufactured by Gold Medal and is a butter-flavored seasoned salt that's specially processed to make it finer so it adheres better to the popcorn.
At about 35 calories per cup, air-popped popcorn is a whole grain and offers 1 gram of fiber per cup. But these benefits can be nearly canceled out. A large tub of movie-theater popcorn can ring in at more than 1,100 calories and contain 1,500 milligrams of sodium and 50 grams of saturated fat.
What popcorn do most movie theaters use? ›
Yellow Popcorn
It is the least expensive type of popcorn available, making it a popular choice for businesses looking to offer a cost-effective snack option without compromising quality or flavor. Because of its appealing appearance and taste, yellow popcorn is commonly used for making movie theater popcorn.
What popcorn does AMC use? ›
Pop Weaver Popcorn Kernels - Weaver Gold 50-lb Bag - Butterfly Style Popping Corn. This is the brand and type AMC theaters use for their popcorn. It is formulated to pop larger with more crevices to “grab” the seasonings.
How to make popcorn taste like the movies? ›
There are three things that make movie theater popcorn delicious: butter, salt, and COCONUT OIL. Bet you didn't expect that last one! Most movie theaters cook their popcorn in a coconut oil blend, which adds an interesting depth and sweetness to the popcorn.
How to get movie theater butter? ›
To make movie butter for your popcorn, first clarify some butter by melting it over low heat for 30-40 minutes and then straining it through a cheesecloth. Then, set the clarified butter aside and heat up some canola or coconut oil in a pan.
Why does movie theater popcorn taste better? ›
The flavor all comes down to one ingredient: Flavacol. You've likely never heard of Flavacol because, really, only movie theaters use it. Essentially, it's butter-flavored salt. It's a really fine, bright orange powder that adds that buttery flavor you crave and the signature yellow color.
Why is movie popcorn so addictive? ›
When we bite into a perfectly popped kernel, the crunch sends signals to our brain, triggering a release of dopamine, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter. This pleasurable response can create positive associations with popcorn, making it an enjoyable and comforting snack.
Why does movie theater popcorn taste better than microwave? ›
The movie theaters don't use the same seasoning and salt that you find at the grocery store. Their secret? Flavacol. Flavacol is a super-fine grained seasoned salt that - used sparingly - makes your popcorn taste as if it came straight from the Bijou.
Which brand of popcorn taste like movie theater? ›
In researching the brand, I found out that Orville is actually the brand of popcorn that most big movie chains carry — so it's no surprise that this one capture that movie theater magic so closely.
What kind of oil do movie theaters use for popcorn? ›
It's a personal preference—and there are certainly people who eat both and wouldn't even notice the difference.” AMC, Regal, and Marcus theaters use coconut oil, while Cinemark opts for canola, and other regional chains use a blend.