The United States Popcorn Board estimates that American consumers eat around 14 billion quarts of freshly popped popcorn per year, with 70% of that popcorn consumed at home. 90% of popcorn purchased for domestic use is unpopped, including RTE popcorn. Convenience food demand is increasing at a faster rate as a result of shifting social and economic patterns, rising food and beverage expenditure, more awareness of healthier foods, alterations in meal patterns and ingrained eating habits, and the desire to try new flavors is driving the market, Key players offer healthy ready-to-eat popcorn packets in different flavors which is further boosting the popcorn market. Also, there is an increased demand for popcorn as the young population thrives on a snack readily available in the market with various flavors. Consumers are now interested in flavor innovation in the popcorn category because ready-to-eat popcorn’s pre-popped convenience makes it the ideal medium for multiple tastes and toppings. A large number of individuals purchase new and innovative flavors that include dried cranberries, candies, and ones with seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice and gingerbread, in addition to well-known flavors like cheese and chocolate or caramel-covered popcorn.

Additionally, in January 2022, in celebration of World Popcorn Day, INOX Leisure Ltd. (INOX), India’s largest multiplex chain, announced the release of two new popcorn flavors: Tandoori and Tiramisu. These two varieties complement INOX’s current selection of flavors, including Cheese, Caramel, and Classic Salted. It aims to provide delightful snacking options to improve the movie-going experience, strengthen its F&B offerings outside cinemas, and cater to a broader range of audiences.