Pop goes the flavour mix

Popcorn moved out of the cinema and into the living room a long time ago and has, according to several manufacturers, become a regular favourite for the big night in.

But it’s no longer just a choice between sweet and salty. Popcorn brands are steadily introducing new flavours.

butterkist-tenacre

Butterkist has launched its Discoveries range in Hickory BBQ Pulled Pork, Sweet Chilli & Zesty Lime and Salted Caramel flavours.

Anjna Mistry, senior brand manager at Butterkist, said: “With British popcorn culture on the rise, Butterkist Discoveries will offer a new experience for popcorn lovers looking to cater for a sociable snacking occasion like a picnic, barbecue or gathering with friends and family.”

The new flavours are available in 160g bags with an RRP of ÂŁ1.49.

Mistry continued: “Butterkist is driving category growth and invigoration with a £2m investment in marketing and an exciting pipeline of developments on the way later this year.”

Ten Acre says that flavour innovation is playing a big part in the popcorn renaissance as is the suggestion that it is a healthy alternative to crisps.

Tony Goodman, chief executive officer of Yumsh Snacks, said: “Consumers’ tastes are ever changing and they are much more willing to experiment – so they are demanding more sophisticated, more exciting flavours.

“Ten Acre is ticking off all of these trends and much more with flavour combinations like Fennel & Lemon and Lime & Sea Salt as well as Sweet & Sour and Chicken Soup. Our products also have unrivalled free-from credentials.”

He said consumers often used free-from products as a lifestyle choice rather than necessarily for medical reasons. “Ten Acre offers a unique proposition in the snacking category. Our products are gluten, dairy and MSG -free as well as being vegan, vegetarian, halal and kosher.”