When you think of movie theater popcorn, you probably think of the buttery goodness that is the quintessential movie theater concession stand treat. However, what do they actually put on that popcorn to give it its unique flavor?
The answer is surprisingly simple: movie theater popcorn is made with a combination of oil and butter flavoring. There are several different types of oil used, including coconut oil, canola oil and palm kernel oil. The butter flavoring is usually a combination of butter-flavored oil and artificial butter flavoring.
The secret to the delicious taste lies in the exact proportions of the ingredients used. Most theaters use a mix of coconut oil, canola oil and palm kernel oil to give their popcorn a light yet flavorful taste. The ratio of these oils varies from theater to theater, but they usually range from 50/50 to 1/3 coconut oil, 1/3 canola oil, 1/3 palm kernel oil.
Once the oils are heated to their optimal temperature (usually between 375°F and 400°F), then it’s time for the butter flavoring. This is typically a combination of melted butter-flavored margarine or vegetable shortening and artificial butter flavoring. The exact ratio varies from theater to theater but it’s typically about 1 part melted margarine or shortening for every 2 parts artificial flavoring.
To sum up, movie theaters make their popcorn by combining different types of oils (coconut, canola and palm kernel) and then adding in melted margarine or vegetable shortening with artificial butter flavoring. The exact proportions vary from theater to theater, but this combination gives moviegoers that classic movie theater popcorn flavor we all know and love.
Conclusion:
Movie theaters create their signature popcorn flavor by using a mix of oils (coconut, canola and palm kernel) along with melted margarine or vegetable shortening combined with artificial butter flavoring. Each theatre may have its own secret recipe, but in general this combination gives us all the classic movie theatre popcorn that we know and love.