U.S. leading brands of ready-to-eat popcorn based on dollar sales 2016
Ready-to-eat popcorn
Ready-to-eat (RTE) popcorn belongs to the snack food category. In comparison to microwave popcorn, the pre-popped corn does not have to be preheated before consumption and is therefore perceived as a convenient alternative. The category features health and low-calorie aspects as product attributes and comes in a large variety of new and exciting flavors to attract consumer appeal. Popular trends, such as natural, organic and gluten-free, were incorporated as better-for-you qualities. Another way to attract consumers seeking better snack choices is to promote the product category with the attribute “permissible indulgence”. Indulgent savory and sweet varieties can sometimes add to the calorie count, but all in all, American’s all-time favorite popcorn is marketed as a satisfying health snack, based on whole grain and fiber-rich qualities.
The retail landscape of ready-to-eat popcorn in the United States saw tremendous growth over the past year. The category was long dismissed as a mature food category with low growth potential, but has now rebounded with skyrocketing sales. Popcorn companies are experimenting with innovative flavors to give consumers a new spin on popcorn. It can be sweet, savory, or salty. The leading U.S. ready-to-eat popcorn brands included SkinnyPop, Smartfood, and Angies Boom Chicka Pop in 2016, based on generated dollar sales.