Can You Freeze Popcorn?

To answer the question simply, yes you can freeze popcorn! Placing popcorn in the freezer doesn't actually make it frozen. It makes it last fresher, longer! Who knew?

To Freeze or Not to Freeze?

Movies, game nights, sporting events… Popcorn is always a must! Do you love popping and eating FRESH popcorn, but hate when the popcorn goes stale in just a few hours? Unfortunately, we’ve all been there. That’s why America’s Favorite Gourmet Popcorn is here to help your predicament! We’re going to let you in on a little secret…you can freeze popcorn and it will stay fresh for 3 months or longer!

The Science Behind the Freeze

Popcorn is not only a yummy snack but also somewhat of a science project! When popcorn is “frozen” it doesn’t technically freeze. Say what?! That’s right. The way popcorn stays good or goes bad all depends on the moisture levels in the places the popcorn is stored. If you leave it on the counter for a few hours, the popcorn will become stale due to the moisture in the air. However, when you put the popcorn in a sealed container in the freezer, it stays fresh and doesn’t become frozen because it is blocked from the outside air. It’s important to note to wait until the popcorn has fully cooled and is securely sealed before placing it in the freezer.

 

 

The opposite effect happens when you put unpopped popcorn in the freezer. Although you can freeze unpopped popcorn, once popped, the popcorn might not taste as delicious due to the kernel losing moisture and drying out.

Ever wonder why popcorn kernels pop? Every kernel has a moist center that is surrounded by a shell called the hull. When the kernel becomes hot the moisture expands until it breaks the hull and… POP! A delicious treat is created. Keep unpopped kernels stored in room temperature cupboards. Once the kernels have been popped, move them to the freezer for maximum freshness!

 

 

The next time you have a game or movie night have fresh popcorn for your guests in an instant by popping the corn ahead of time and keeping it in the freezer! If you don’t want to make your own popcorn, stop by an America’s Favorite Gourmet Popcorn location and pick up some of our delicious flavors such as dark chocolate drizzled and the classic kettle corn or order online. We don’t freeze our popcorn, but you definitely could!