Flavored popcorn product, and methods

#The present disclosure relates to microwave popcorn. The disclosure particularly relates to methods and compositions for flavoring microwave popcorn.

#Microwaveable popcorn (sometimes referred to as microwave popcorn) is a popular consumer item. A package of microwaveable popcorn, as obtained by the consumer, includes a disposable package having a charge of unpopped popcorn composition enclosed therein. This popcorn composition generally includes unpopped popcorn kernels, in many instances oil or fat, and any flavoring. In many instances, a microwave susceptor (microwave interactive construction) is provided on or within the package to facilitate collection of microwave energy and heat transfer to the popcorn composition during popping. The package, having the unpopped popcorn therein, is placed inside a microwave oven and after exposure to microwave energy for about 1-5 minutes, typically about 95% of the popcorn pops, producing the edible form known by the consumer.

#Many consumers prefer that their microwave popcorn be flavored. One typical way to provide a flavor is to include appropriate flavoring materials within the popcorn composition before popping, so that, as popped, the microwave popcorn is provided with the desired taste, without the need to add a post-pop flavoring step. For example, a salty taste can be provided by including appropriate levels of a salt, typically sodium chloride (NaCl), in the microwave popcorn composition. Butter flavor is another common and popular flavor. Some consumers enjoy a sweet flavor to their microwave popcorn. One method of providing a sweet flavor in the microwave popcorn is to include a sweetener within the popcorn composition prior to popping. There are also consumers that enjoy the combination of the two flavors, for example, a sweet and salty taste.

#FIG. 1 is partial, cross-sectional view of a schematic view of a first embodiment of a popcorn product having a package construction a microwave popcorn composition of the present disclosure retained therein.

#FIG. 2 is a partial, cross-sectional view of a schematic view of a second embodiment of a popcorn product having a package construction with a microwave popcorn composition of the present disclosure retained therein.

#FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an arrangement incorporating a microwave popcorn composition, such as the arrangement of FIG. 1, depicted closed in a storage overwrap and oriented standing on an edge.

#As indicated above, the principles disclosed herein concern the preparation of a flavored popcorn composition that includes: unpopped, popcorn kernels; optionally and preferably, a distribution component; and at least two flavorants, in the form of a first flavorant fixed on the surface of the kernels, and a second flavorant not fixed to the surface of the kernels.

#Unpopped Popcorn Products

#Typical consumer popcorn products according to the present disclosure are illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. In general, a typical consumer product includes a package containing a microwaveable popcorn composition, which the consumer can place in a microwave oven and, through exposure to microwave energy, pop. The flavor is present in the composition and would be provided on the popcorn without further operation by the consumer. That is, the consumer need only to open the package to consume the flavored popcorn. The package need not be shaken to distribute flavor, and the flavor will generally be well adhered to the hulls and/or flakes of the popped popcorn. It is noted that some consumers are in the habit of shaking the package after popping, although generally this is not needed.