National Popcorn Day

A smiling family surrounded by colorful popcorn kernels, wearing casual clothes, in a cozy living room setting.. — National popcorn day illustration

Don't you just l-o-v-e the sound of popcorn kernels bursting into fluffy goodness? It’s almost like nature’s little way of saying, 'Get ready for a treat!' Well, you're in for a full bucket of fun as we dive into the story of National Popcorn Day which, get this, had the kernels popping all over the internet to a record-breaking 50457 mentions back on 19 Jan 2016!

When is Popcorn Day?

It's national popcorn day on the 19th January.

A Bit of Pop-history

Popcorn has been a beloved snack for thousands of years, having been discovered by Native Americans who, bless them, passed the mouth-watering tradition to us. Dated back to more than 5000 years ago, popcorn is a testament to our ancestors' knack for finding deliciousness in the most unexpected places. I mean, who'd have thought that tiny little seed could explode into such a flavour-packed treat?

That’s a Pop-tacular Day!

National Popcorn Day – and that's a mouthful to say when you're mid-chew – became a 'pop'ular sensation on 19th January 2016 when it caught the internet's attention and 'pop'ped its way to a record high of 50,457 mentions! Talk about taking kernel fame to a whole new level!

Flicks and Popcorn – Made for Each Other

Is it even a proper movie night without popcorn? Let's face it, there's a certain magic that only a buttery, salty bucket of popcorn can bring to our life. Sport games, social gatherings, lazy binge-watching, or even a good read – popcorn is the faithful companion that adds just the right crunch to our moments.

Pop the Fun, Not Just the Corn!

National Popcorn Day isn't just about gobbling down loads of popcorn, although, to be fair, that alone sounds like a great plan! It's also about fun games, creative recipes, and new ways to 'pop' that corn!

History behind the term 'Popcorn'

1600

Discovery of Native American snack

Popcorn can be traced back to around 1600 when Native Americans in what is now known as Mexico and Central America discovered that when heated, certain types of corn explode and create a crunchy, edible snack. They would pop the corn by placing it on hot stones or in clay pots, creating the first-ever popcorn.

1885

Invention of the popcorn machine

The first commercial popcorn machine, known as the steam-powered popcorn maker, was invented in 1885 by Charles Cretors. This invention revolutionized the way popcorn was made, as it allowed for larger quantities of popcorn to be produced quickly and efficiently. The popcorn machine became a popular fixture at fairs, circuses, and other events, introducing popcorn to a wider audience.

1920s

Popcorn's rise in popularity

During the 1920s, popcorn's popularity soared as it became a favorite snack of moviegoers. Movie theaters were looking for a low-cost snack to serve to their customers, and popcorn quickly became the snack of choice due to its affordability and delicious taste. Popcorn stands started popping up outside theaters, and it became an essential part of the movie theater experience.

1938

Introduction of microwave popcorn

Microwave popcorn, the convenient and easy way to make popcorn at home, was introduced in 1938. It marked a significant milestone in popcorn's history, offering a quick and mess-free method of popping corn. The invention of microwave popcorn made popcorn even more accessible to people worldwide and further increased its popularity as a beloved snack.

1981

National Popcorn Day

In 1981, the Popcorn Board, an organization dedicated to promoting the consumption of popcorn, declared January 19th as National Popcorn Day in the United States. Since then, popcorn enthusiasts have been celebrating this day by indulging in their favorite popcorn flavors and enjoying various popcorn-related activities.

Did you know?

Did you know that popcorn kernels can pop up to three feet in the air? That's like a little corn-kernel-graph representing how much you love popcorn on National Popcorn Day!