We’re all ears for flavored popcorn varieties from all over the state

Celebrate National Popcorn Day on Jan. 19 by poppin’ on over to one of Indiana’s many popcorn shops that specialize in fun flavors of everyone’s favorite movie-time — or actually anytime — munchable.

Here are just a few spots to check out:

SHIRLEY’S GOURMET POPCORN COMPANY

Goshen, Indiana
Shirleyspopcorn.com

This gourmet popcorn got its start in the movies! The Shannon Theatre in Bluffton, Ohio, was famous for its hot buttered popcorn, so much so that people wondered if they could just buy the popcorn without the movie ticket! They got their wish and now there are two Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn storefront locations and one pop-up location in Ohio, one store in Virginia and one shop in Goshen, Indiana, all selling the craveable traditional theatre-style popcorn that can truly be called “classic.” Shirley’s (named after a Shannon Theatre employee) also sells fun flavored popcorn like Buckeye, Chocolate Almond, Dark Salted Caramel, Caramel to Die For, and Jelly Bean.

CHICAGOLAND POPCORN

Merrillville, Indiana
Chicagolandpopcorn.com

Open since 2013, Chicagoland Popcorn produces 250 handcrafted flavors including Banana Pudding, Chocolate Covered Banana, Blueberry Muffin, Crab Legs and Cherry Cola as well as the addictive Chicagoland Mix (caramel and butter popcorn mixed together as a sweet and salty snack). The company has been a title sponsor of the Valpo Popcorn Fest since 2014 and has been highlighted in Food Network Magazine. It was selected Knot Magazine’s “Best of the Knot” in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

POP AROUND THE CLOCK

Vincennes, Indiana
Poparoundtheclock.net

Though this small shop produces over 50 different flavors of popcorn as well as popcorn treats, owners Chris and Amy Bruggeman will also make custom batches for its clients. Sweet flavors include Birthday Cake, a 10-Flavor Confetti Mix, and the Superman Mix (featuring red and blue candied popcorn, and caramel corn). Among the savory choices are Bacon Cheddar, Pizza, and Cajun. Pop Around the Clock uses premium gourmet popcorn grown just down the road from them.

POPPIN’ FLAVORS GOURMET POPCORN

Jeffersonville, Indiana
Poppinflavors.com

At Poppin’ Flavors, popcorn is more than a snack, it’s a “gourmet delicacy.” Besides unique flavors like Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Hot Dill Pickle, Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Honey BBQ Chicken, Poppin’ Flavors offers alcohol-infused flavors. Those include Caramel Bourbon Peanut, Caramel Apple (Crown Royal Apple liquor-infused on candy corn mixed with caramel corn), and Maple Bacon Bourbon.

JUST POP IN!

Indianapolis, Indiana
Justpopinpopcorn.com

Twin sisters Carly Swift and Mandy Selke opened Just Pop In! in 2003. It’s now so successful that they have two locations — one in Indianapolis’ Broad Ripple neighborhood (which also boasts a bar and café) and another at Terminal B at Indianapolis International Airport. Just Pop In!’s client list includes IndyCar, PGA, NCAA and designer Christian Dior. Fancy popcorn flavors include Sun King Cheese and Ale Pretzel, Smoking Goose Bacon and Cheddar, 4 Birds Oats and Maple Cookie and Tomato Basil Pizza.

POPCORN TRIVIA

• Popcorn is the official state snack of Indiana.

• Van Buren, Indiana, is the popcorn capital of the world.

• Weaver Popcorn Bulk, headquartered in Van Buren, is the largest bulk popcorn producer in the world, selling under the Pop Weaver brand as well as co-packing for both domestic and international customers.

• Indiana is the top popcorn producing state in the country, producing over 20% of the United States’ popcorn supply.

• According to a poll by National Today, the top five popcorn flavors are butter, white cheddar, caramel corn, kettle corn and cheddar cheese.