Popcorn Market By Product Type (Unpopped Popcorn, Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Popcorn, Gourmet Popcorn), By Flavor (Sweet {Caramel, Chocolate, Toffee, Fruity flavors}, Savory {Butter, Cheese, BBQ, Spicy and herb-infused varieties}, Natural {Lightly salted or unseasoned popcorn}, Exotic {Truffle oil, Matcha, Unique regional flavors}), By Distribution Channel (Retail Stores, Online Stores, Specialty Stores, Theater and Entertainment Venues, Foodservice), Global Market Size, Segmental analysis, Regional Overview, Company share analysis, Leading Company Profiles And Market Forecast, 2025 – 2035

Industry Outlook

The Popcorn Market accounted for USD 6.95 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 15.88 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 7.8% between 2025 and 2035.  The popcorn market covers pre-packed, ready-to-eat popcorn, microwaveable popcorn, and raw popcorn kernels. The growth is due to the increasing consumers’ interest in tasty, healthy, and easily portable snack products.

New additions like flavors, Organic/non-GMO products, and better packaging have widened the market even further. This has boosted the entertainment industry and the increased snacking rates are also a main driver of its expansion. Industry leaders rely on obscured health-related trends and sustainable strategies to attract multiple groups of people.

Report Scope:

Market Dynamics

Increasing health awareness fuels demand for low-calorie, high-fiber snacks like popcorn

The popularity of popcorn is attributed to the growing consumer awareness of health is a major factor in the growth of the popcorn market. Since people are becoming more conscious of choosing a healthier lifestyle, the demand for snack foods such as popcorn with reduced calories, and high fiber content is growing. Naturally, popcorn is high in diabetic-friendly dietary fiber and low in calories, making it a perfect snack for people who are consciously seeking healthy snacks. That said, the focus on snacks that are minimally processed, but retain their whole-grain quality, adds to this trend.

Based on the data from the CDC, over forty percent of American adults are currently choosing to promote healthier options, which is indicative of the global trend in the increase of health-conscious eating that includes snacking. The changing population’s awareness of health and the consequent changes in lifestyle have made popcorn a more preferred snack both in domestic and commercial settings.

Urbanization drives demand for convenient, ready-to-eat snacks for busy lifestyles

Consumers’ busyness and changing lifestyles have been influenced by urbanization and are expected to drive the popcorn market. Because most people have little time to prepare their meals, they prefer snacks that can be easily prepared such as popcorn. This change in the trend benefits products that have attributes that require little effort in preparation and are easily ingestible and portable.

A recent report by the United Nations estimates that more than 55% of the world population is now living in urban areas and this is set to rise. Therefore, the growth in the market is due to factors such as increased urbanization, leading to constant on-the-move consumption of easily consumable snacks such as popcorn.

Synthetic flavorings and preservatives may deter health-conscious consumers from purchasing

Synthetically produced flavors and additives are the limitation of the popcorn market, particularly in light of the growing demand for natural and clean-label products. Most people are paying much attention to what they take to enable them to avoid the effects that come with many artificial ingredients used in foods. Therefore, popcorn brands that incorporate artificial additives in their products may be equally ill-fitted to capture this enlarging consumer niche.

Consumers prefer food items that are not highly processed, and products with natural components therefore shifting their tastes puts pressure on manufacturing companies. This change in preference poses a threat to established popcorn brands while at the same time compelling the creation of healthier popcorn further reducing the market for popcorn with artificial flavors or preservatives.

Growing demand for premium, gourmet-flavored popcorn attracts diverse consumer preferences

The opportunity for growth in the market is the increased preference of consumers for better-tasting gourmet popcorn. The consumer trends are shifting to healthier and more diverse snacks, gourmet, and premium products that are differentiated from traditional products.

This has made new popcorn species flavored in an extraordinary manner such as truffle, cheddar, caramel, and spicy among others. As type preference increases and with the change in the market preferences, popcorn producers can aim at covering a larger market by coming up with new and better-quality popcorn. The diversification into gourmet popcorn gives the company another new product with great profit potential that aligns with the organic growth of the firm, market needs, and luxury popcorn business.

Rising demand for organic, non-GMO popcorn caters to health-conscious consumers

It has been seen that with health consciousness growing, particularly in the developed economies, there is a growing consumer preference for organic or non-GMO popcorn which is an opportunity for the popcorn market. These consumers are becoming conscious of the side effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and synthetic chemicals and are shifting to organic, non-GMO products.

Hence, popcorn brands have the opportunity to develop new product lines to include organic and or non-GMO popcorn that meet the needs of a new generation of conscious consumers. The rise of this trend is presented by opportunities in the differentiation of product portfolios, as well as new opportunities in the natural foods segment.

Industry Experts Opinion

“Snacking is one place where consumers love to play around with new combinations, and we see a lot of creativity from our consumers in different flavors they like to mix.”

• Meredith Schaffner, Head of Popcorn Portfolio & Innovation, Double Good

Segment Analysis

Based on the Product Type, the Popcorn Market is classified into Unpopped Popcorn, Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Popcorn, and Gourmet Popcorn. Out of all the types, Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Popcorn is the largest portion of the Popcorn Market. They make use of consumer convenience since RTE popcorn does not need cooking or pre-cooking as this segment of the population embraces convenience food as more people consume snacks on the go. Faster and more customized lifestyles have also supported the growth of RTE popcorn since consumers have embraced healthy snacks. Also, RTE popcorn has been produced in various flavors and packaging, satisfying various customer market segments. The flexibility offered by this segment, as well as the number of offers, makes it the market leader. This is further complimented by its availability in both physical and online centers called stores. 

Based on the Flavor, the Popcorn Market is classified into Sweet, Savory, Natural, and Exotic. The largest segment in the Popcorn Market is the savory flavor segment. Plain and savory cheese flavors are the most popular popcorn flavors because they meet the conventional tastes of consumers. These flavors are well accepted and the demand for them has considerable acceptance in various markets. This segment is popular since movie theatres and home movie nights have made buttery and cheesy popcorn favorite snacks. It also turns out that savory popcorn is easily accessible to consumers and has a versatile choice in a variety of flavors. This segment has an established market in both the retail and food service channels further enhancing its position.

Regional Analysis

Currently, The North American region is the largest Popcorn Market due to the growing demand from consumers for convenient, healthy, and snackable food options. As consumers become more health conscious, they tend to purchase low-calorie, high-protein, organic varieties, including air-popped and flavored popcorns lacking additives. Market expansion is also supported by a growing trend of snacking on the go as well as the rising popularity of popcorn being consumed either at a movie theater, at sports events, or even among friends.

Furthermore, captivating a larger demographic is growing innovative packaging and the ability to include gourmet popcorn flavors. On the other side, a rise in retail penetration and e-commerce platforms is also helping the market. For instance, the region is still a key to the manufacturers of popcorn, and there are going to be promising opportunities not only in traditional but also in emerging ones.

The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing in the Popcorn Market. This has been attributed to emerging consumer preferences, urbanization, and a rise in disposable income. Besides being healthier than its peers, popcorn is a trending snack whose popularity stems from its perceived health benefits in a world where low calorie, and high protein options are all the rage. The market is also witnessing innovation in the flavor, including various local and regional variations from spicy to savory speaking to diversified taste.

Countries like India, China, and Japan are also seeing a consequent rise in the demand for Western-style snacks, which is helping to expand the market. In addition, packaged popcorn demand is growing in line with the rising trend of in-home entertainment and online retail. New product launches, as well as region-specific packaging, are tapping into these trends. Together, the Asian popcorn market is expected to continue its steady growth as a result of shifting lifestyles, and evolving snack habits.

Competitive Landscape

The popcorn market is very competitive and there are existing global players and emerging brands. Key players such as ConAgra Foods Inc., PepsiCo Inc., Grupo Bimbo, and Garrett Popcorn Shops — all have a long track record of innovative popcorn products. However, unlike other companies, these companies keep on diversifying the product with different flavors, healthier options, and packaging formats and are targeting a growing health-conscious consumer base that is always keen on trying new products. SkinnyPop has become popular because it offers low-calorie, gluten-free products, and Angie’s Boomchickapop’s expansion is centered around launching new flavors and packaging formats.

 Recent developments are denoted by the competitive nature of the market, as brands are investing in marketing and strategic acquisition. For example, Popcornopolis decided to further complement its already dominant position in the market by adding more presence in more than 1,800 Kroger stores. At the same time, Jolly Time has introduced its ‘Simply Popped,’ a product with only a few ingredients to appeal to health-conscious consumers. Moreover, e-commerce as a sales channel has been making significant traction, and prominent players have been riding this wave to grow their online presence and capture the growing appetite for in-home snacking. We expect the popcorn market to be characterized by the continuous introduction of new and unique flavors and healthier alternatives, fueling innovation and competition.

Popcorn Market, Company Shares Analysis, 2024

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Recent Developments:

• In October 2024, A gourmet popcorn line containing flavors based on a well-known Netflix series was introduced by 4700BC in collaboration with Netflix. "Caramel & Cheese," "Spicy Jalapeno," and "Truffle & Cheese" were among the selections. By providing distinctive snacks that matched their favorite episodes, this partnership sought to improve Netflix users' viewing experiences.
• In June 2024, to expand beyond streaming, Netflix launched its popcorn brand, "Netflix Now Popping." The popcorn came in two varieties: "Cult Classic Cheddar Kettle Corn" and "Swoonworthy Cinnamon Kettle Corn." Each bag costs USD 4.50. Along with plans for "Netflix Houses" and a pop-up restaurant in Los Angeles serving food inspired by its series, this project was a part of Netflix's larger campaign to boost its brand presence.

Report Coverage:

By Product Type

• Unpopped Popcorn
• Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Popcorn
• Gourmet Popcorn

By Flavor

• Sweet
  • Caramel
  • Chocolate
  • Toffee
  • Fruity flavors
• Savory
  • Butter
  • Cheese
  • BBQ
  • Spicy and herb-infused varieties
• Natural
  • Lightly salted or unseasoned popcorn
• Exotic
  • Truffle oil
  • Matcha
  • Unique regional flavors

By Distribution Channel

• Retail Stores
• Online Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Theater and Entertainment Venues
• Foodservice

By Region

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• GCC Countries
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

List of Companies:

• ConAgra Foods Inc.
• Campbell Soup Company
• PepsiCo Inc.
• Grupo Bimbo
• Eagle Family Foods Group LLC
• Garrett Popcorn Shops
• Popcornopolis
• SkinnyPop
• Jolly Time
• Pop Weaver
• Act II Popcorn
• Orville Redenbacher's
• The Hershey Company
• Angie's Boomchickapop
• Boulder Canyon

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)