10 International-Inspired Flavored Popcorn Recipes

Popcorn is a blank canvas you can paint with flavors decadent and sweet, intense and savory. 

Now that you’re a pro at making buttery movie theater popcorn, it’s time to venture beyond borders and take your tastebuds on a flavorful journey across the world. 

Join us in this article as we explore 10 international-inspired flavored popcorn recipes you can make with your Popsmith Popper. 

Ready to elevate your favorite snack? Let’s dive right in:

Truffle Popcorn

For the ultimate gourmet treat, indulge in this Italian-inspired truffle oil popcorn. 

Italian truffles are among the world’s best and are prized for their exquisite flavor. They’re earthy, nutty, and umami — needless to say, they turn any plain dish into a luxurious masterpiece.

A little bit of truffle oil already goes a long way with truffle popcorn. Use this secret culinary weapon during date night to impress your partner. 

Maple Popcorn 

Freshly popped stovetop popcorn coated in maple syrup is a match made in heaven. The sweetness of the maple syrup complements the crunch of the popcorn just as well as caramel does. 

The main difference? Maple syrup popcorn is healthier since it doesn’t use sugar. You can just drizzle some over your popcorn, mix everything well, and then serve. There’s also the option to add walnuts and pecans for extra crunch. 

Kettle Corn Popcorn

The tantalizing smell of sweet n’ salty kettle corn wafting through the air, mingling with cheerful laughter and the hot summer sun, encapsulates everything there is to love about county fairs — a deeply rooted American tradition. 

Traditionally cooked in a giant cast iron kettle, it’s now easier to make homemade kettle corn that instantly transports you to a county fair or carnival. All you need is our Classic Kettle Popcorn kit. With pre-measured kernels, coconut oil, and sugar n’ salt mix, it takes the guesswork out of creating that iconic taste.

Read more: How to Make Kettle Corn Easily at Home

Wasabi Popcorn

This Japanese-style popcorn is for the brave souls who can handle their spice.  

Wasabi is subtle at first, then builds up into a literal mouthwatering (and nose-burning!) sensation. While this green paste is normally used to bring out the flavor of sushi, adding just a bit to your popcorn will give it a fiery kick. Now you won’t have to worry about anyone dozing off during movie night. 

Just to be safe, don’t forget to have some milk ready! 

Furikake Popcorn

Furikake is a dry seasoning made up of seaweed, sesame seeds, fish flakes, herbs, and salt. This concoction is normally sprinkled onto rice, vegetables, and fish, but it works with almost any dish. Popcorn included.

Popcorn with furikake is salty, a little sweet, and heavy on the umami. If you can’t think of wasabi without your eyes tearing up, this may be the popcorn you’ll want to serve at your next Japanese movie marathon instead. 

Thai Coconut Curry Popcorn

Say “sawadee ka” to your new comfort food! 

Thailand’s cuisine is famous for its aromatic herbs and spices, with ingredients like lemongrass, chili, and galangal adding a zesty freshness to each bite. 

This popcorn inspired by Thai coconut curry is no exception. Combining curry powder with coconut flakes, ginger, lime zest, and a bunch of fragrant spices, it puts a tropical twist to the snack you know and love. It’s perfect after a long summer day!

Masala Popcorn

Like Thailand, India is known for its medley of spices. Indians actually have a word for it: masala. Masala is an intricate blend of spices and comes in different varieties. Most versions, though, include coriander, cardamom, cloves, cumin, and cinnamon.  

Try adding these spices to your popcorn and see what your guests think. We bet you’ll end up needing to make another batch (plus an extra one reserved only for you). Masala popcorn is just that irresistible. 

Gochujang Popcorn 

A fermented Korean chili paste, gochujang is packed with probiotics and has metabolism-boosting properties. 

But let’s be real — the biggest appeal is its complex flavor. Gochujang is spicy, but not overwhelming. Salty, but not too salty. It’s also got a hint of sweetness to balance everything out. We’d describe the combo as earthy and full of depth. 

Gochujang is a star ingredient in dishes like Korean fried chicken, so if you love that, gochujang popcorn won’t disappoint. A lot of recipes combine the paste with honey and some butter for a sweet & spicy pick-me-up.  

Elote Popcorn

Nothing captures Mexican street food quite like elotes. Picture grilled corn on the cob coated with mayo, lime juice, cheese, and chili powder. It’s a fiesta for your tastebuds that translates perfectly into a bite-sized snack. 

This Mexican street style popcorn is a fusion of sweet, tangy, savory, and spicy — with creaminess from the mayo. It’s something you can whip up for Cinco de Mayo or whenever you’re craving a tasty treat.

Brazilian Pipoca

Pipoca, literally popcorn in Portuguese, holds a special place in the hearts of Brazilians. Strolling down the streets of Brazil, you’ll see local vendors pushing pipoca carts filled with popcorn in fun colors — much like the country’s vibrant festivals. 

Though pipoca can be served savory, it’s most commonly known as a sweet and crunchy snack. Brazilians call this version pipoca doce. It’s a little similar to kettle corn or caramel popcorn, but what makes it unique is dulce de leche (cooked condensed milk). 

If you have a sweet tooth, you simply have to make your own pipoca at home!

Let’s Celebrate Pop Culture

That’s all we’ve got for you. We hope this gives you plenty of inspo for your future gatherings. 

Now go grab your Popper and bring these international flavors to life!

Which of these flavored popcorn recipes do you plan on making first? Let us know in the comments, and if you have any suggestions, be sure to share them, too. We’ve also got other ideas you should check out.