How Businesses Can Cash In on National Popcorn Day

Alright, let’s talk about popcorn profits. Not just the crunchy, buttery snack we can’t stop eating once we start (because seriously, who eats just one handful?), but the goldmine it becomes for businesses every January 19th – aka National Popcorn Day.

This isn’t just some random food holiday – it’s a legit opportunity. Whether you’re a food truck owner, retail shop manager, digital content creator, or local café barista, there’s a way to ride the popcorn wave and boost your profits. Yep, popcorn can be that powerful.

So grab a snack (might as well be popcorn), get comfy, and let’s walk through how your business – no matter how big or small – can turn a fun national holiday into real, cash-in-hand success.

First Things First: Why Popcorn Profits on National Popcorn Day?

You’re probably wondering, “Is this really a thing people care about?”

Short answer: Yup.

Longer answer: Americans consume around 15 billion quarts of popcorn every year. It’s tied to movies, cozy nights, carnivals, and now even gourmet food trends. National Popcorn Day taps into all that nostalgia and love for this simple snack. And every year, more and more brands – big and small – hop on board with promos, themed events, limited edition products, and social media campaigns.

It’s fun. It’s easy. And it’s surprisingly effective at pulling people in. Want in? Let’s break down the how.

1. Host a Popcorn Giveaway – In-Person or Online

People love free stuff – and popcorn is cheap and cheerful enough that it won’t break the bank. If you’ve got a physical store, hand out mini popcorn bags to customers walking in on January 19th. Add your logo on the bag and boom – you’ve just created a walking, munching billboard.

If you’re an online-only biz, you can still play the game. Run a giveaway on Instagram or TikTok. Something like:

“GIVEAWAY TIME! It’s National Popcorn Day and we’re popping off with a chance to win a popcorn gift basket + $50 store credit! Follow us, tag 3 friends, and tell us your favorite movie snack!”

You’d be surprised how much traction one bag of popped popcorn can get when it’s paired with a little creativity and a social media nudge.

2. Create a Limited-Edition Popcorn Product

Gourmet popcorn is having a moment. Think beyond butter and salt. What about:

• Caramel Apple Popcorn for your bakery
• Popcorn-Infused Ice Cream at your dessert shop
• Popcorn-Top Donuts at your café
• Spicy Jalapeño Popcorn Mix for your bar or brewery
• Popcorn Soap (yes, it’s been done!) for your handmade goods store

Even if popcorn isn’t your main thing, you can still create a popcorn-themed version of your existing products. Limited edition means urgency – and urgency means sales.

3. Partner Up With Local Popcorn Makers

Not all businesses can or should start popping their own kernels. If you run a boutique, salon, or bookstore, consider partnering with a local popcorn maker to offer samples or small packs at checkout. You both benefit: they get exposure, and you get a fresh, seasonal treat to offer customers.

You could even turn it into a “pop-up popcorn stand” in your store for one day only. Add some signage, decorations, and maybe even a TikTok dance challenge (because why not?).

4. Turn Your Business Into a Popcorn Paradise

It’s not just about selling popcorn – it’s about creating an experience. Deck out your place with popcorn-themed décor: think retro movie signs, red-and-white stripes, fun popcorn trivia on the walls, and that irresistible buttery smell wafting through the air.

For cafes or restaurants, consider a themed menu for the day. For gyms or wellness brands, how about a healthy popcorn challenge: “Guess how many calories in this cup of air-popped popcorn and win a prize!”

If you’re an online business, go heavy on themed graphics, GIFs, email blasts, and maybe a popcorn pun or two. (“We’re poppin’ deals all day long!” never gets old.)

5. Launch a “Pop and Shop” Deal

Here’s a fun promo idea: customers get a bag of popcorn for every $10 spent. Or maybe you offer 10% off any purchase when they bring in a bag of popcorn (real or prop – you decide).

Got a loyalty program? Offer double points on National Popcorn Day. Or create a one-day only coupon code like POPCORNPARTY that rewards your most engaged customers.

Make it easy. Make it rewarding. Make it fun.

6. Share Fun Popcorn Facts and Content

Engagement doesn’t always mean selling – sometimes it’s just about building a vibe. Post popcorn trivia or “Did you know?” facts on your socials:

• Did you know popcorn kernels can pop up to 3 feet in the air?
  
• The oldest popcorn ever found was over 5,000 years old!
  
• Nebraska grows more popcorn than any other state in the U.S.
  

You can also ask questions to drive engagement:

• What’s your weirdest popcorn flavor combo?
  
• Team sweet or team salty?
  
• What movie must be watched with popcorn?
  

The goal? Get people talking, tagging, and remembering your brand next time popcorn comes up.

7. Run a Popcorn-Themed Contest

Contests work. Period. Here are a few ideas you can tweak to suit your brand:

• Photo Contest: “Show us how you’re celebrating #NationalPopcornDay with your best popcorn photo. Winner gets a $100 gift card!”
  
• Flavor Challenge: “Invent your dream popcorn flavor. Best idea wins free goodies!”
  
• Popcorn Art: “Draw, paint, or digitally design a popcorn masterpiece. We’ll post our favorites!”
  

These kinds of interactive campaigns can go viral if done well – especially if you incentivize sharing, tagging, and using your branded hashtag.

8. Bring in the Popcorn Puns

If your content game has a playful side (and it should on January 19), don’t hold back on the puns. People love them. They’re funny, shareable, and pop (pun intended) on feeds.

Try stuff like:

• “You’re the butter to our popcorn!”
• “We’re all ears – kernels, that is!”
• “Pop in and celebrate with us!”
• “Let’s get this poppin’!”
• “Kernel of truth: this is our best sale yet.”

Slap those on a graphic, caption, email subject line, or even product packaging.

9. Sell Popcorn Bundles or Kits

Whether you’re a popcorn brand or not, there’s room to get creative. Sell a movie night bundle – popcorn, a blanket, a drink mix, and maybe a cute candle or snack bowl.

If you’re in e-commerce, put together DIY popcorn kits with flavored oils, toppings, and instructions. Make it themed – “Spicy Night In,” “Rom-Com Pop,” or “Family Flick Feast.”

Got a bookshop? Add a “Popcorn & Pages” combo – a book + a bag of popcorn. It’s quirky, thematic, and gets people spending a bit more for something unique.

10. Use It to Build Your Email or SMS List

“Celebrate National Popcorn Day With Us – Sign Up & Get a Free Mini Bag of Gourmet Popcorn!”

Easy. Effective. Delicious.

If you’ve been trying to grow your email or SMS marketing list, this is a low-barrier incentive that appeals to almost anyone. You could even offer early access to popcorn promos or an exclusive giveaway just for your list.

11. Highlight Employee Favorites

Get your team involved and showcase some behind-the-scenes fun. Ask your employees their favorite popcorn flavors or movie memories and share them on stories or posts.

• “Here’s what Carla from Customer Support is snacking on today: Hot Cheeto Popcorn!”
• “Our team’s top 3 movie picks for Popcorn Day.”

It humanizes your brand and boosts internal engagement too.

12. Get Creative With Merch or Printables

If you’re in design, digital goods, or handmade products, National Popcorn Day is a fun theme to explore. Sell (or give away) printable popcorn-themed art, stickers, greeting cards, or recipe sheets.

Ideas:

• Popcorn pun Valentine’s cards
• “Popcorn & Chill” wall art
• Printable popcorn bar signs for home movie nights

This works great if you’re on Etsy, Creative Market, or even just trying to grow your Pinterest traffic.

13. Collaborate With Influencers or Content Creators

Micro-influencers LOVE themed content days. Send them a popcorn box, challenge them to create a popcorn recipe, or just have them share your promo.

Some might do it in exchange for free product, others might charge a fee – but the reach, especially if your audience is under 35, is totally worth it.

You could even host a live “Popcorn Tasting Party” on Instagram with 2-3 influencers comparing your products or reviewing popcorn recipes.

14. Don’t Forget the Kids (Or Parents!)

Parents are always looking for something fun to do with their kids. Host a popcorn crafting station at your store. Or put together a “DIY Popcorn Necklace Kit” or “Popcorn Bingo” printable activity for families.

This is especially great if you’re in retail, education, hospitality, or childcare.

15. Keep It Going After January 19

Just because the holiday ends doesn’t mean the opportunity does. Take all the content you created – the photos, videos, testimonials, contest entries – and re-use them later.

You’ve got:

• User-generated content
• Data on what your audience loves
• A head start on planning for next year
• And possibly a new product you can keep selling

Keep the popcorn party going all year long if it clicks with your brand.

Let’s Wrap This Up (Like a Bag of Fresh Popcorn)

If you’re still thinking National Popcorn Day is just another goofy food holiday, think again. It’s the kind of low-stakes, high-reward event that businesses can use to create buzz, boost traffic, connect with customers, and – yep – make money.

It’s flexible. It’s fun. It smells amazing. And people love it.

So whatever your business is – whether you’re selling lattes, leggings, or luxury cars – there’s a way to make National Popcorn Day work for you. Get creative. Get poppin’. And don’t forget to snack while you work.