How much popcorn is sold annually? According to the Popcorn Board (a non-profit national commodity promotion and research program), Americans consume over 14 billion quarts each year. That's the equivalent of 43 quarts per person in the U.S. annually!
How Much Popcorn is Sold Annually
Affordable Snack
Seeing how this healthy snack rose to popularity during challenging times is fascinating. During tough years, people often looked for ways to escape their worries, and one of the best diversions during the Great Depression was undoubtedly the movies. With popcorn available in affordable 5 and 10-cent bags, it became an accessible treat for many, leading to a remarkable surge in sales!
Candy Sales Decline
Nearly a decade later, popcorn sales saw another surge during World War II, but this time for a unique reason. As sugar was rationed and candy became scarce, people turned to enjoying savory popcorn as a delicious alternative to sweets. This shift not only kept the snack industry alive but also introduced a newfound appreciation for popcorn, making it a beloved treat during challenging times.
1980s Microwave
In the 1980s, microwaves became more common, causing a shift in where and how people consumed snacks. Instead of going to the movies to enjoy handfuls of popcorn, people could eat it almost instantly in their own homes.
#1 Consumer of Popcorn
Until two decades ago, each year since 1945 showed an increase in annual popcorn sales, hitting an all-time high in 1993 at about 1,158,000,000 units. While America remains the top consumer of popcorn globally, sales have declined.
Popcorn Exports
Despite sales fluctuations in the U.S., many countries are keen to incorporate popcorn into their diets. Countries like Argentina have dramatically increased their popcorn cultivation from just 1,000 acres to over 10,000 in recent years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that popcorn exports surged by more than 39 million pounds from 1999 to 2000.
Consumption Decline
It’s believed that the rise in bagged snack consumption is linked to the decreased popularity of popcorn. Snacks like potato chips are rapidly surpassing popcorn in retail sales. With a bag of potato chips, you simply open it to enjoy, while a bowl of popcorn requires popping beforehand. Many people favor quick snacks that don't need any preparation. Our desire for instant gratification can make even the two minutes it takes to microwave popcorn seem inconvenient.
Fun Fact
Air-popped popcorn has only 30 calories per cup! Yet another reason to choose popcorn as your preferred snack.
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