Popcorn lovers rejoice: October is National Popcorn Poppin’ Month, a seasonal celebration of one of America’s oldest and most beloved snack foods.

As farmers head into the fields to harvest crops, families and friends gather to honor this ever-popular treat. Whether stovetop, microwave or ready-to-eat, we consume 15 billion quarts each year of this wholesome, whole grain.

Having been long regarded as a sign of good times, popcorn has found a new appreciation by today’s lean and green consumer. Celebrated for its seed-to-snack simplicity, popcorn is also non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, and naturally low in fat and calories, which makes it an easy fit for dietary preferences—and it’s budget-friendly. A quart of popped popcorn costs as little as 15 cents. 

Add in popcorn’s irresistible smell, taste, and versatility and it’s easy to understand its popularity. With so many different ways to eat it—plain, buttery, or loaded with goodies—popcorn always fits the mood or occasion.

Pop up a bowl and join the Popcorn Poppin’ Month celebration. For a special seasonal snack, try the following recipes:

Toffee Almond Chocolate Popcorn

Ingredients

4 cups popped popcorn

3/4 cup chopped toasted almonds, divided

6 tbsp toffee bits, divided

6 oz milk chocolate, melted

1 oz dark chocolate, melted

Directions

1. In large bowl, toss together popcorn, 1/2 cup almonds and 4 tbsp toffee bits. Drizzle with melted milk chocolate; toss until well coated.
2. Transfer to parchment paper–lined baking sheet. Drizzle with dark chocolate; sprinkle with remaining almonds and toffee bits. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until set; break into clusters.

Tip:

1. Substitute dark chocolate for milk chocolate, if preferred.

Churro Popcorn

Ingredients

2 tbsp granulated sugar

1 tbsp powdered sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

2 tbsp butter

6 cups popped popcorn

Directions

1. In small bowl, mix together granulated sugar, powdered sugar and cinnamon.
2. In small saucepan, melt butter; stir in 1 tbsp cinnamon sugar.
3. Place popcorn in large bowl; toss with cinnamon butter until well coated. Sprinkle evenly with remaining cinnamon sugar; toss to coat well.

Tips:

1. For a spicy churro popcorn variation, add 1 tsp spicy chipotle seasoning.

2. Serve with hot chocolate for the perfect pairing.