The Best (And Worst!) Popcorn Flavors of All Time, Ranked

Stephanie Osmanski

May 2, 2023 at 8:15 AM·8 min read

Popcorn purists might say there are only two kinds—traditional popped corn and buttered—but really, there are about as many popcorn flavors available as there are Pringles flavors. (Maybe even more.) There is popcorn for just about everyone's taste buds, from salty, sweet and decadent popcorn to pancetta and parm.

Where do you fall on the popcorn-loving spectrum? Do you go for buttered kernels at the movie theater or do you find yourself snacking on gourmet Double Goods popcorn flavors during family movie night?

How you choose to indulge in your popcorn is your business, but since we love a ranking, Parade rounded up and scored 25 popcorn flavors from worst to best.

Here at Parade.com, we're all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.

What is the most popular flavor of popcorn?

Popcorn flavors are extremely subjective and the more out-there you get, the more controversial said flavors become. Luckily, we had some help in finding out the popcorn flavor that reigns supreme. According to a poll done by National Today, butter is the clear winner when it comes to popularity. It's followed by white cheddar, caramel corn, kettle corn and cheddar cheese. Rounding out the bottom three were plain, red velvet and zebra (caramel corn drizzled with melted dark and white chocolate).

How many popcorn flavors are there?

There are so many popcorn flavors, it would probably be impossible to find out the true answer to that question. With more and more gourmet flavors coming out all the time, there might just be an infinite number of popcorn flavors!

25 Best Popcorn Flavors Ranked Worst to Best

25. Eggnog popcorn

The fact that eggnog popcorn even exists is troubling. Many of us find it hard to even choke down eggnog for the holidays, let alone for fun.

Related: How to Make Eggnog Popcorn

24. Cheeseburger popcorn

Another puzzling popcorn flavor that baffles us, cheeseburger popcorn might be more interesting than some of the most unconventional Jelly Belly jellybeans we've seen throughout the years. Still, plenty of people like the burger-meets-popcorn hybrid and you can even snag cheeseburger seasoning to apply that salty, savory, cheesy taste to regular popcorn.

Premium | Cheeseburger Popcorn Seasoning | Large Shaker | Calorie Free | Fat Free | Saturated Fat Free | Cholesterol Free | Sugar Free | Crafted in Small Batches

23. Red velvet popcorn

Red velvet is a heavy, specific flavor. If you don't go hard for red velvet cookies or cakes, it can be hard to swallow red velvet popcorn too.

Spinsters Popcorn Seasoning Cake variety pack Birthday Cake Cheesecake and Red Velvet Cake with Dip Recipes Popcorn Seasonings Sa Flavor variety gift pack

22. Bacon popcorn

Not sure why we need bacon-flavored popcorn but if you are a diehard bacon aficionado who also enjoys chocolate bacon and bacon in a bloody mary, knock yourself out.

Palo Popcorn Bacon Cheddar Popcorn, 6-ounce bags (Pack of 6)

21. Olive oil popcorn

Simple and straightforward, olive oil packs a flavorful punch when added to homemade popcorn. It's also a healthier option given that extra-virgin has healthy fats.

365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Sea Salt Popcorn, 5 Ounce

20. Chocolate popcorn

In most cases, a chocolate bar should settle any cravings, but when you need a good crunch, chocolate popcorn delivers a delicious, satisfying combination of both sweet and savory.

Plant Based Gourmet Chocolate Flavored Popcorn - Safe + Fair Dark Chocolaty Drizzled Kettle Corn Popcorn - Non-GMO Gluten Free Snacks (7.5 oz bag)

19. Cheese and caramel popcorn

An interesting combo for sure, but don't knock it 'til you try it.

G.H. Cretors, The Mix, Cheese & Caramel Flavor Popcorn (6 Pack - 7.5 Oz Each)

18. Garlic parmesan popcorn

Garlic parmesan-flavored popcorn might just be the best way to turn your favorite pasta flavors into popcorn form.

Kernel Season's Popcorn Seasoning, Garlic Parmesan 2.85 Ounce - Pack of 3

17. Sea salt popcorn

It's hardly groundbreaking, but sea salt popcorn is a not-broken-then-don't-fix-it kind of recipe. Tried and true, it's popular and beloved for good reason.

Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP Sea Salt Popcorn, Gluten Free, Party Size, 6.7 oz.

16. Dill popcorn

Calling all pickle lovers with a penchant for vinegary flavors! Dill-flavored popcorn isn't exactly a flavor we saw coming, but nonetheless, it is a fine addition to other various popcorn flavors out there.

Tastebuds Popcorn, Dill Pickle Flavored - Bulk Bag of Theater Quality Exotic Popped Corn Snacks for Your Next Movie Party Night

15. Doritos Nacho Cheese

This one is a little more specific than some other flavors on the list, but considering how Doritos is a lifestyle, Dorito's nacho cheese flavor had to be included. It's made by popcorn company SmartFood and can be found at Walmart, Kroger and sometimes on Instacart, but here's a seasoning you can use for an easy dupe:

Kernel Season's Nacho Cheddar Seasoning, 8.5 Ounce Shakers (Pack of 2)

14. Drizzled caramel popcorn

Drizzled caramel popcorn is just an elevated version of caramel popcorn, but it definitely deserves a shoutout. While it's richer than the original caramel, Drizzled caramel popcorn is ideal for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Amish Good Caramel Popcorn with Chocolate Drizzle Large Bag…

13. Cinnamon sugar popcorn

Cinnamon sugar popcorn sounds more promising than it actually turned out to be once tasted. It's kind of just meh.

Kettle Heroes, Cinnamon Sugar Churros Kettle Corn 5 Oz.

12. Oreo popcorn

Crushed pieces of Oreo cookie and white chocolate make this decadent popcorn hybrid almost impossible to resist.

Popcorn 2 x 149g (Oreo)

11. Pizza popcorn

One step up from garlic parm popcorn, pizza popcorn turns every night into Pizza Friday. Pizza flavoring can be tricky to perfect, but if you hit it just right, this flavored popcorn is the next best thing to a real slice.

Premium | PIZZA Popcorn Seasoning | Large Shaker | Calorie Free | Fat Free | Saturated Fat Free | Cholesterol Free | Sugar Free

10. Truffle popcorn

The complex truffle flavor can really shine when mixed with the simple crunch of plain popcorn. Is it the flavor to reach for whenever you're craving popcorn? Probably not. But as an every-once-in-a-while snack, it really gets the job done.

Regalis Microwavable Black Truffle Popcorn, Non-GMO Kernels, Real Black European Truffle, 3 Bags

9. Ranch popcorn

There's nothing ranch seasoning can't do. It's tasty with Pringles, Doritos, and chips (although we draw the line at ranch-flavored ice cream).

Palo Popcorn Ranch & White Cheddar, 6-ounce bags (Pack of 6)

8. S'mores popcorn

As long as your s'mores popcorn contains real marshmallows and real graham crackers, this tin of kernels tastes exactly like the campfire s'mores of your youth.

Chocolate S'mores Popcorn by Its Delish, 2 lbs Bulk Bag, Caramelized with Chocolate and Marshmallows Corn Snack, Parties , Kosher

7. Mexican sweet corn popcorn

Traditional Mexican sweet corn is a popular Mexican street food made from grilled corn on the cob, mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chile powder and lime. Even as a popcorn mixing, it's delicious popcorn.

herrs Herr's Fire Roasted Sweet Corn Flavored PopCorn 0.625 (Pack of 30)

6. Plain popcorn

If you thought plain popcorn was going to end up in the #1 or #2 spot, prepare to be surprised. Even if the polls, plain doesn't compare to either buttered or white cheddar-flavored popcorn. It's good, but just not as good as some others.

Black Jewell Gourmet Microwave Popcorn, Healthy Popcorn Snack, No Salt No Oil, 8.7 Ounces (Pack of 3)

5. Chocolate peanut butter popcorn

Another flavor that satisfies the sweet tooth, chocolate peanut butter popcorn is both a chocolate- and peanut butter lover's dream.

Emma's Gourmet Popcorn - Chocolate and Peanut Butter Popcorn - 18 Oz. Bag

4. Jalape?o popcorn

Love a little kick? If the jalape?o popcorn is done just right, it's an A+. But if you get a bag from a company that doesn't know what they're doing, you might find yourself disappointed.