Kettle Corn vs. Popcorn – What’s The Difference?

Whenever we hear the word popcorn, all we can think of is watching a movie and enjoying popcorns all along with it. Do you want to consume something with low calories, tasty and fulfilling: well, we have popcorns for you!

Just like popcorn, you might be familiar with the term kettle corn. Kettle corn is another type of popcorn produced or prepared in the kettle. The question arises what the difference between popcorn and kettle popcorn is?

The main difference between popcorn and kettle corn contains: The major difference between popcorn and kettle corn is that kernels used in popcorns are butterfly ones while the kernels used in kettle corn are mushrooms. Kettle corn is sweet while popcorns are savory in taste; Kettle corns contain more varieties and flavoring as compared to popcorns.

In the article below, we have mentioned further details related to popcorns and kettle corn.

Kettle Corn

Kettle corn is a type of popcorn categorized into sweet corn varieties. The ingredients added in kettle corn preparation are sugar, salt, and oil, giving a light color in appearance and salty taste. It is called kettle corn as it is made in cast iron kettles and pans.

Flavor

Kettle corn has a sweet flavor with the addition of salt. The addition of oil in the kettle corn gives additional flavoring to the kettle corn. So, it’s difficult to differentiate or pinpoint the specific flavor of kettle corn, but you can say that it gives a mixed sweetness flavor with a pinch of salty taste. The caramel popcorns are also made from kettle corn with the addition of caramel on it.

Preparation Method

The preparation of kettle corn is very simple; all you have to take is a iron kettle, or sometimes a Dutch oven is used. Add the corn kernels to the kettle with oil, salt and sugar. Place all the ingredients all together and let the kettle get heated.

The trapped heat inside the kettle allows the corn kernels to pop up and turn into a sweet treat. One important factor contributing to kettle corn’s making is that it requires constant stirring. Sometimes microwaves and pans are also used for making kettle corn.

Nutritional Facts

Talking about the nutritional facts of kettle corn, it contains a higher sugar amount and an optimum amount of fats as oil is present in it. Kettle corn is not a high caloric or nutrient-dense diet but can be consumed as a side dish or appetizer.

One cup serving size of kettle corn or 16 grams of kettle corn contains:

• 98 Kcal Total Calories
• 8 g Fats
• 0 mg Cholesterol
• 4 mg Sodium
• 24 mg Potassium
• 11 g Carbs
• 2 g Dietary Fiber
• 5 g Sugar
• 1 g Proteins

Health Benefits

Some of the health benefits of kettle corns are that kettle corn is made from whole grains containing high fiber. Kettle corns are also enriched in antioxidants that help fight against cell damage and prevent cancer. The antioxidant polyphenol is present in abundance in kettle corn which improves blood circulation and digestive health.

Kettle corn also helps in weight loss as it keeps you feel fulfilled for a longer time period and is low caloric. It satisfies your hunger, provides low calories in return, and helps you overcome your food craving. As we have talked about kettle corn in detail, now lets see what popcorn is.

Popcorn

Popcorn is corn kernels that pop up when heated. Popcorn contains hard to see, shell endosperm having a 14- 20% moisture and a sweet and salty taste. Popcorns are consumed as appetizers and snacks.

Flavor

The popcorn flavor is savory as it is made in oil and salt. The flavor of the popcorn depends upon the oil used, such as coconut oil, seed oil or sesame oil which affects the flavors of the popcorns. For the preparation of popcorns, it is mostly recommended to use neutral-tasting oils.

Previously, people used to consume natural flavored popcorns, but vinegar, cheese, chili, and cinnamon flavors are used with the increased varieties. The texture of the popcorns is very fluffy and soft with the touch of crunch.

Preparation Method

The corn kernels should be exposed to heat for the preparation of popcorn, and it pops up, turning into salty, delicious popcorns. The kernel corns are added to the pan in little oil and a pinch of salt. The lid is tightly placed on the pan so that the heat.

Due to intense heat inside the pan, the popcorns are made. There are many methods by which popcorns are made out of which some people prefer to make popcorns through oil, or in a machine or butter. All these methods lead to the preparation of a tasty little snack.

Nutritional Facts

A 100 grams serving size of popcorn contains:

• 7% RDI of Vitamin B1
• 12% RDI of Vitamin B3
• 8% RDI of Vitamin B6
• 18% RDI of Iron
• 36% RDI of Magnesium
• 36% RDI of Phosphorus
• 21% RDI of Zinc
• 13% RDI of Copper
• 56% RDI of Manganese

Health Benefits

Popcorns is an enriched source of fiber and contains phenolic acid, an antioxidant. Consuming popcorn reduces the risk of diabetes and hypertension. As popcorn is whole grain, it reduces the diabetes type two risk and benefits adults.

The glycemic index of popcorn is low, which means that it helps maintain the blood sugar level in the body and improves metabolism. Many of the low glycemic index foods help overcome diabetes by improving glucose and lipid levels in the body.

So, What Is the Difference Between Kettle Corn and Popcorn?

Concluding the article mentioned above into key points:

1. The major difference between popcorn and kettle corn is that kernels used in popcorns are butterfly ones, while the kernels used in kettle corn are mushrooms.
2. Kettle corn is sweet which plop corns are savory in taste,
3. Kettle corns contain more varieties and flavoring as compared to popcorns.

Sources:

• Foodsguy
• Bestdarnkettlecorn
• Mspopcorn