We Ranked 10 Wild Flavors for National Popcorn Day

You know what gets way more attention than it should on National Popcorn Day? Buttered popcorn. Don’t get me wrong—classic is classic for a reason. But the real party starts when popcorn flavors go rogue.

Sweet, savory, spicy, boozy (yes, really), and downright bizarre—gourmet popcorn has completely left the movie theater and marched straight into the snack spotlight. So, we decided to do something very serious and scientific (okay, maybe not that scientific): a full-blown gourmet popcorn taste test, ranking 10 of the weirdest, wildest flavors we could find.

So buckle up, friends. Get your taste buds ready, because some of these popcorns slap—and others? Well… let’s just say they’ll make your mouth question your life choices. Let the Gourmet Popcorn Taste Test begin.

1. Farmer Jon’s Popcorn – Dill Pickle Ranch

Initial reaction: “Okay, Farmer Jon. You did something here.”

This flavor was next level. The combination of dill and ranch might sound strange at first, but it WORKED. The kernels had a solid crunch, and the flavor balance was chef’s kiss. Not too salty, not too funky—just right. Plus, it tasted fresh. Like, oddly fresh for packaged popcorn. We were impressed.

Rank: 10/10
(Keyword used: farmer jon’s popcorn)

2. Buffalo Ranch Explosion

Initial reaction: “Whoa. This popcorn bites back.”

Imagine wings and ranch dip had a crunchy baby. This flavor hits you with a fiery kick of buffalo sauce, then cools things down with a creamy ranch finish. Honestly? We were hooked from the first handful. It’s spicy enough to make you reach for a drink, but not so intense that you regret your snack decisions. A total crowd-pleaser.

Rank: 9/10

3. Cotton Candy Swirl

Initial reaction: “This tastes like a carnival exploded in my mouth.”

It’s pastel. It’s sweet. It’s a sugar-lover’s dream. This pink-and-blue treat was polarizing—half of us were obsessed, the other half said it was a cavity in a bag. If you like sweet popcorn, you’ll dig it. If you think popcorn should stay savory, you might need a minute to recover from the taste shock.

Rank: 7/10

4. Jalapeño Cheddar Firestorm

Initial reaction: “Okay, who brought the heat?”

We weren’t ready. This one is for all the spice addicts out there. Each piece is coated with bright orange cheddar and a real kick of jalapeño. Not a hint, not a whisper—an actual punch. But we loved it. It’s the kind of snack that sneaks up on you and suddenly you’re sweating but smiling.

Rank: 8.5/10

5. Peanut Butter Cup Drizzle

Initial reaction: “Shut up and take my money.”

If popcorn and dessert had a baby and it wore a tuxedo, this would be it. Crunchy popcorn drizzled with dark chocolate and creamy peanut butter? Yes, please. It’s rich, indulgent, and tastes like movie night got a serious upgrade. We nearly got into a forkless fight over the last few pieces.

Rank: 10/10

6. Pickle Punch

Initial reaction: “Wait, is this legal?”

This popcorn is aggressively pickle-flavored. Like, it doesn’t gently suggest pickles—it screams PICKLES!!! in your face. If you’re a dill devotee, you’re gonna lose your mind. If you think pickles should stay in jars, keep walking. This one was weirdly addictive, and we couldn’t stop going back for more.

Rank: 8/10

7. Cookies and Cream Dream

Initial reaction: “Dessert popcorn is the best popcorn. Period.”

White chocolate? Check. Crushed chocolate cookie bits? Double check. A satisfyingly sweet crunch? Triple check. This one was like dipping Oreos into popcorn form. It’s indulgent but not overly rich, making it easy to finish an entire bag before you realize what happened. We are not sorry.

Rank: 9.5/10

8. Sriracha Lime Madness

Initial reaction: “Oooh. This one’s fancy and feral.”

Spicy and citrusy, this popcorn flavor felt like it belonged at a hipster bar with artisanal cocktails. The sriracha brought the heat, while the lime added a sharp, zesty twist that cut through the spice. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s definitely for the flavor chasers.

Rank: 7.5/10

9. Birthday Cake Bliss

Initial reaction: “Wait, are those sprinkles?”

Yes, yes they were. And you know what? We loved it. This one was basically a party in a bag. It had a vanilla cake flavor, colorful candy pieces, and enough sugar to fuel a kindergarten class for a week. Is it popcorn? Is it dessert? Who cares. It’s fun.

Rank: 7/10

10. Bacon Maple Glaze

Initial reaction: “Brunch vibes… but crunchy.”

This one smelled like breakfast and tasted like Sunday morning. Salty, smoky bacon notes with a maple-syrup sweetness that clung to every kernel. It felt luxurious, like a gourmet brunch buffet shrunk down into a snack. A little sticky, but worth it.

Rank: 9/10

Honorable Mentions (Because We Couldn’t Stop at 10)

Let’s be real. Once we started testing these flavors, we couldn’t stop. Here are a few bonus mentions that didn’t make the top 10 but still deserve a shoutout.

• Hot Cocoa Crunch – Sweet, chocolatey, and had tiny marshmallows. Basically winter in a bag.
  
• Wasabi Soy Pop – Nose-clearing and oddly addictive. Not for the spice-shy.
  
• Lemon Zest Confetti – Tangy, tart, and sprinkled with sugar. Bright and bold.
  
• Pumpkin Spice Popcorn – You know what this is. It’s fall in kernel form. Basic but beautiful.
  

Our Totally Biased Final Rankings Gourmet Popcorn Taste Test

Here’s how the main 10 stacked up, based on snackability, flavor originality, and whether we’d sneak it into a movie theater again:

So… Which One Should You Try First?

That depends on how wild you’re feeling. Want to play it safe but tasty? Go with the Buffalo Ranch Explosion or Jalapeño Cheddar Firestorm. Feeling adventurous? Give Sriracha Lime Madness or Pickle Punch a whirl. Got a sweet tooth that won’t quit? Cookies and Cream Dream or Peanut Butter Cup Drizzle will absolutely hit the spot.

And if you want something a little special, Farmer Jon’s Popcorn really blew us away. Trust us—it’s worth tracking down.

Final Thoughts on Gourmet Popcorn Taste Test (Not the essay kind, don’t worry)

Look, popcorn is more than just a buttery snack to stuff your face with during a Marvel marathon. It’s versatile, it’s fun, and the gourmet flavors out there are getting wild in the best way. National Popcorn Day is the perfect excuse to ditch the plain stuff and treat your taste buds to something totally unexpected.

So grab a few weird bags, invite your favorite snack-loving friends over, and turn your taste test into a popcorn party. Just… maybe have some water nearby. And napkins. Lots of napkins.