Popcorn is one of the most popular go-to snacks enjoyed by people all over the world. It’s easy to make, inexpensive, and delicious, making it the perfect snack to keep stocked in your kitchen cupboard. The humble popcorn can also be found at movie theaters, fairs, and carnivals. Fond memories of visiting the movie theater or going to the carnival will be awash with the nostalgic smell of freshly popped popcorn.
Kettle corn is one of the most popular types of popcorn thanks to its sweet flavor. This sweet treat is miles apart from the salty snack that we all think of when we think about regular popcorn.
With an increasing trend for gourmet snacks, kettle corn is fast becoming a fan favorite among popcorn lovers. But how does kettle corn differ from regular popcorn? Keep reading to uncover the key differences between kettle corn and regular popcorn.
What Exactly Is Kettle Corn?
While kettle corn and traditional popcorn may have the same texture, it is their flavor profile that really sets them apart. Compared to traditional popcorn, kettle corn is more sweet than savory. Just like regular popcorn, kettle corn is easy to make thanks to unseasoned popcorn having a neutral flavor.
Classic popcorn is often seasoned with a hint of salt and butter creating the traditional savory taste we all know and love. Meanwhile, kettle corn kernels are cooked in melted sugar to give kettle corn a caramelized coating and sweet flavor profile.
Despite the flavor difference, kettle corn uses the same type of corn and kernels as traditional popcorn. It is a staple snack that is enjoyed by people of all ages. However, it does have a higher sugar content — so make sure you enjoy this staple snack in moderation.
Key Differences Between Kettle Corn & Popcorn
Put kettle corn vs. popcorn head to head and you will notice some key differences between the two types of popcorn. While they are both made from the same type of corn, the way they are prepared and how they taste differs.
Here, we’ll go over the different flavor profiles and preparation methods for kettle corn and regular popcorn, so you can make great-tasting popcorn whatever you choose.
Flavor: Sweet vs. Savory Popcorn
The biggest difference between regular popcorn and kettle corn recipes is the flavor profile. Regular popcorn is seasoned with sugar and buttle to create a savory flavor while kettle corn has a sweeter taste.
With a traditionally sweet flavor, kettle corn offers a similar taste to caramel corn. Kettle corn recipes often call for white caster sugar which lays the foundation for its sweet flavor. As the sugar melts down during the cooking process and cools, it coats the popcorn in a sweet caramelized layer. However, the heating process can sometimes prove to be tricky as many people burn the sugar on the stovetop. Avoid burning the sugar with constant stirring — practice makes perfect so keep trying until you perfect your kettle corn recipe!
Preparation: Air Popped vs. Oil Popped
Another notable difference between kettle corn and popcorn is the way you prepare it. When preparing traditional popcorn, you can usually choose between air popped and oil popped popcorn. However, kettle corn is traditionally prepared in a cast iron kettle or dutch oven.
If you want to make homemade kettle corn, grab your cast iron kettle (or dutch oven) and add sugar, coconut oil, and your popcorn kernels. Cook on high heat until the kernels start popping then remove from heat and allow to cool before eating.
Traditional popcorn, on the other hand, can be made in a popcorn machine, with an air popped popcorn popper, or on the stovetop. Regular popcorn offers a wide range of preparation methods making it an easy homemade snack. You can also make microwave popcorn in a matter of minutes using a microwave popcorn popper.
Where Does Kettle Corn Come From?
You would be forgiven for thinking kettle corn is made using a different type of corn to regular popcorn — but that isn’t the case! Both kettle corn and traditional popcorn use the same type of kernels. So, if kettle corn doesn’t come from a different type of popcorn, where does it come from?
Kettle corn gets its name from the cast iron kettle it is traditionally made in. While the exact origin of kettle corn can’t be pinpointed to a specific date, history shows that kettle corn has strong Germanic roots. In the 18th century, the first German and Dutch settlers brought this great-tasting snack to America — as revealed by diary entries from early settlers. At the time, kettle corn was made using dutch ovens or in a large iron kettle over an open fire.
This sweet flavored popcorn recipe was pioneered as a sweet alternative to traditional popcorn. Kettle corn was one of the most popular snacks of its time because it was easy to make in large batches, inexpensive, and widely accessible. Even today, kettle corn still reigns supreme as a sweet homemade snack.
Nutritional Value of Kettle Corn: Is It Good For You?
Popcorn is widely regarded as a healthy snack. But, the exact nutritional value of popcorn comes down to how it is prepared. Popcorn kernels are made from whole grains which make for a healthy, savory snack. Yet, that doesn’t mean kettle corn is good for you.
Popcorn kernels contain healthy antioxidants known as polyphenols. Because of popcorn’s high fiber content and low energy density, it can offer many other individual health benefits. Yet, that doesn’t mean kettle corn is good for you.
Kettle corn is traditionally made with sugar, butter, and salt. As such, the nutritional value of kettle corn will be based on the quantity of these ingredients used during the cooking process. Having too much sugar, butter, or salt in your diet could be a recipe for poor health. By opting for a low calorie kettle corn recipe, you may be able to limit the fat content of this much-loved snack while still enjoying the traditionally sweet taste of kettle corn.
Upgrade Your Popcorn Snacking Recipes
There you have it — not all popcorn is made equal. There are many key differences between kettle corn and regular popcorn and it all comes down to how you make it.
Many people associate popcorn with savory flavors but kettle corn offers a sweet alternative that satisfies sugar cravings. Simply swap your popcorn maker for a dutch oven, add sugar, coconut oil, and popcorn kernels, and you will be on your way to making delicious kettle corn.
Whether you are a lover of sweet popcorn or a fan of savory snacks, you will find plenty of snacking inspiration on the Sweet N Savory Life hub. We have an array of healthy snack ideas and recipes for you to tuck into. Alternatively, you can visit the hub to brush up on your snacking knowledge and learn more about popcorn.
