Taste test: the best gourmet popcorn

Which sweet popcorn flavour is the best?

Popcorn's popularity has skyrocketed in the last few years, making it Britain's fastest-growing grocery product in 2017. 

It's healthier than crisps, lighter than chocolate and it seems we just can't get enough. But which brand is the best? The loveFOOD team put seven flavours to the test. 

7. Nom: salted maple

Nom is a company on a mission. They’re organic, gluten-free, vegan and certified by the Soil Association, Vegan Society and the Ethical Company. Salted maple is one of their range of four popcorn flavours, made with coconut oil, organic maple syrup and Himalayan pink salt.

What we liked: You can taste the popcorn itself, without being overpowered by flavours.

What we didn't like: It's quite dry and the coconut oil is too dominant; it overpowers the salt and maple. 

Rating: 2/5

6. Proper Corn: peanut butter and almond

Proper Corn has quickly become one of the most successful brands on the market, already sold in more than ten different countries. Their popcorn is always under 130 kcals per serving and is made in the UK. They've just reformulated their peanut butter and almond to deliver "a rich nut butter hit".

What we liked: The peanut butter flavour is spot on and well distributed.

What we didn't like: The rough texture, which quickly becomes cloying, and the lack of flavour from the almonds. This might be one for peanut-butter fanatics only.

Rating: 2.5/5

5. Jimmy's Pure Popcorn: sweet

Netherlands-based Jimmy's have been making popcorn since 1992. Their most recent development is their "All Natural" range, including the sweet flavour below. At only 98 calories, this is the lightest popcorn we tried and free from artificial aromatic substances, colourings, sweeteners and flavourings.

What we liked: This is as close as you'll get to cinema-style popcorn at home. It's very moreish with a great texture and crunch. 

What we didn't like: It's a bit bland, and there's not much depth of flavour.

Rating: 3.5/5

4. Popcorn Shed: pecan pie

Family-run company Popcorn Shed aims to deliver great tasting popcorn with unique flavours. They received a Great Taste Award one month after launching and currently make three flavours: salted caramel, rich chocolate and pecan pie.

What we liked: The pecan pie coating has bags of taste and just the right level of sweetness. If you like toffee popcorn, you'll like this. 

What we didn't like: It's very sticky, so you lose the crunch of the popcorn and end up with slightly chewy kernels.

Rating: 3/5

3. Salty Dog: sweet and salty

Salty Dog is best known for making hand-cooked crisps, but have just relaunched and rebranded their popcorn range. They've been voted one of the UK's coolest brands for the last six years. 

What we liked: The salt and sweet flavours are well balanced, it's not too sugary and had a great crunch.

What we didn't like: The flavour isn't very well distributed and could be a bit punchier.

Rating: 3.5/5

1=. Portlebay: crispy bacon and maple syrup

Tied for the winning spot is Portlebay's crispy bacon and maple syrup flavour. Their trademarked "Kracklecorn" is made by adding raw cane sugar as the grains pop to give a brittle, crunchy texture. Their more unusual flavours include lemon sherbert, berry swirl and wasabi-ginger. 

What we liked: It tastes just like real maple syrup, with no hint of synthetic flavour. You definitely can't just have one handful.

What we didn't like: Other than a little saltiness, you don't taste quite enough of the bacon.

Rating: 4/5

1=.  Joe & Seph's: toffee apple and cinnamon

Makers of the first official Marmite popcorn, Joe & Seph's aren't afraid of bold ideas. This family business already has 34 Great Taste Awards and produces a range of sauces as well as punchy popcorn flavours.

What we liked: If you want the taste of autumn in popcorn form, look no further. The flavours are sharp, clear and distinct. 

What we didn't like: The flavours are intense and build quicky, making it one to share rather than eat alone.

Rating:4/5