Popcorn is a variety of corn that expands and puffs up when heated. By the mid-1800s, popcorn was beloved by families as a late-night snack in front of the fire, or at picnics. Mass consumption of popcorn took off in the 1890s after Charles Cretors built the first popcorn machine in Chicago.
Oldest Popcorn Companies
The American Pop Corn Company, founded in 1914, is the oldest popcorn company in the United States. Its only brand, Jolly Time, created by founder Cloid H. Smith, is sold globally. Jolly Time was America’s first branded popcorn available on the grocer’s shelf.
Leading Popcorn Brands
Orville Redenbacher is the biggest popcorn brand, followed by Pop Secret and Act II. Despite containing less sodium than some brands, Pop Secret has the most butter flavor and best salt taste out of the bag. Act II launched in 1984, becoming the primary mass-traded microwave popcorn.