Popcorn Consumption

We often associate popcorn with movies theaters and ballparks, but nearly 2/3 of popcorn consumption happens in the home. Popcorn is produced and eaten mainly in the US with - more than 80% of the popcorn grown in the US is consumed there. Microwave popcorn, of course, is a dominant player with most households and work places having microwaves to accommodate this healthy and affordable snack.

Popcorn consumption has roots in North America being used by Native Americans and noted by early explorers. It became most popular during the depression as it was a very inexpensive snack. Today we can buy popcorn pre-popped in many flavors as well as in kernel form to pop ourselves.

Interestingly enough, popcorn consumption in the US reached it's peak in the mid 1990's and has fallen a bit and stabilized since. Luckily, for popcorn manufacturers, it is increasing in other parts of the world especially Brazil and Asia. Americans consume 1.12 billion pounds of the fluffy snack per year with peak consumption time being in the fall.

Popcorn consumption as a snack can be a healthier way to eat. It contains plenty of fiber as well as potassium and vitamins A, B1 and B2. There are no additives or artificial preservatives and it is handy - it can be popped at home and carried around in bags without going bad. Without butter, it is much less fattening than potato chips or other snacks having no fat and between 31 and 50 calories per cup.