Why is popcorn so popular

Early treat - The first mention of popcorn as we know it was recorded in the mid-19th century.

Sidewalk snack - In 1890, a Chicago entrepreneur named Charles Cretors invented the first popcorn-popping machine.

Out and about - Eventually, vehicles like the one pictured, equipped with candy kiss and popcorn-making machinery, were familiar sights on city streets.

Cracker Jack - Cracker Jack is a well-known American brand of popcorn and peanut snack food that first appeared on candy store shelves in 1896.

Prize packet - For many years, Cracker Jack popcorn was known for including a token prize in the packaging.

Orville Redenbacher (1907–1995) - Another major name in the history of popcorn is Orville Redenbacher, who began his career selling popcorn from the back of a car.

The "perfect kerenel" - Redenbacher spent nearly 40 years crossbreeding 30,000 popcorn hybrids to develop what became known as "the perfect kernel."

The 1930s - By the late 1920s and early 1930s, popcorn had become a favorite fireside snack.

Popcorn and the movies - Popcorn and cinema, the ying and yang of the movie business, became popular in the 1930s.

Microwave popcorn - The microwave cooking oven had been patented as early as 1945, invented by Percy Spencer.

Popcorn maker - Today, popcorn is a cinch to make at home using a popcorn maker.

Eye-popping sales - According to Statista, 232.51 million Americans consumed popcorn products in 2020. This figure is projected to increase to 238.4 million in 2024.

Favorite flavors - Data released in 2019 by National Today and published by Bakery and Crumbs revealed that popcorn's number one flavor is butter, followed by white cheese.

'The Masked Singer' - "Popcorn" (singer Taylor Dayne) helped promote season four of the American television series 'The Masked Performer' in 2020.

Raw ingredient - Did you know that some corn is specifically grown for use as popcorn? Nebraska and Indiana are the principal "popcorn" states, with Texas a close third.