FAQ

Is the Valley Popcorn store front open?

Unfortunately, our store that customers were welcomed to come into at our plant is closed indefinitely.

Is popcorn healthy?

Yes! Popcorn is a whole grain; a 100 percent natural source of fiber. One cup of our famous, original Big Bag recipe popcorn contains:

Is coconut oil healthy?

Coconut oil has many benefits, which is why we use it when cooking our bags of popcorn. Coconut oil:

• is cholesterol-free
• serves as a natural preservative to maintain the freshness of the popped corn
• provides a buttery, yet natural flavor

However, like all oils, it is still a fat and should be used in moderation.

Does your popcorn contain nuts or does your factory handle nuts?

Our white and yellow popcorn is peanut-free; however, our flavored popcorn is not. A list of our peanut-free items can be found at the following links:

• Bags of Popcorn
• Popcorn Seeds & Oil

Contact us if you require further information.

How do I pop popcorn on the stove?

To make stove-top popcorn:

• Place a large pot with lid, or one of our stovetop poppers, on your stove.
• Place three parts popcorn seed to one part oil (or no oil at all!) in the bottom of the pot. (For example, one cup of popcorn seeds would require 1/3 of a cup of oil.)
• Not sure which oil to use? Try our coconut oil or sunflower oil, but any edible oil will work.
• Add salt to taste.
• Set the burner to medium-high heat.
• Shake the pot continuously to prevent burning; listening for the pops to slow to one every couple of seconds.
• Serve up your popcorn in a large bowl or bags, with the toppings of your choice.

Want to take the guesswork out of the measuring process? Try one of our pre-measured popcorn kits!

How do I make popcorn in the microwave?

The simplest way to make popcorn in the microwave is by using fresh popcorn seeds and popping them in a paper bag or Microwave Multi-Popper.

• Place the seeds in the bag or popper.
• Place them in the microwave for 2-4 minutes.
• Listen closely and stop the microwave when the popping slows to one pop every couple of seconds.
• Serve up your popcorn in a large bowl or bags, with the toppings of your choice.

If you want stove-top popcorn with all the simplicity of making popcorn in the microwave, consider purchasing one of our pre-measured popcorn kits.

How do I make popcorn in a popcorn machine?

To pop popcorn in a popcorn machine:

• Place three parts popcorn seed to one part oil in the popcorn machine’s cooking chamber. (For example, one cup of popcorn seeds would require 1/3 of a cup of oil.)
• Not sure which oil to use? We offer coconut oil and sunflower oil, but, any edible oil will work.
• Turn on your popcorn machine.
• When the popcorn is done popping, serve up your popcorn in a large bowl or bags, with the toppings of your choice.
• Don’t forget to clean your machine after each use!

At Valley Popcorn, we sell a variety of Cretors® popcorn machines and carts which come with individualized cleaning and popcorn popping instructions. If you’ve lost your instruction manual, you can download the manual here.

If your popcorn machine has stopped working, contact us for further assistance.

Is a popcorn kernel a seed?

The terms “popcorn kernel” and “popcorn seed” are interchangeable and can be used for popcorn seeds for popping and popcorn seeds for planting.

If you want to grow popcorn, you’ll have a much better chance of it growing if you use seeds sold for planting.

Why does popcorn pop?

There are two types of seeds for popping:

• Butterfly seeds: The butterfly popcorn kernel is large and fluffy with many white, fluffy “wings” sticking out from each kernel – this is the most common type of popcorn.
• Mushroom seeds: Mushroom popcorn seeds are shaped like a mushroom head when popped. They are generally used for popcorn snacks that require heavier toppings of the seeds, like caramel corn.

Each popcorn seed contains a drop of water stored inside a circle of soft starch. As the popcorn seed heats up, the water begins to expand.

Pressure builds against the starch until it gives way and the popcorn explodes. The soft starch inside the popcorn becomes inflated and bursts, turning the kernel inside out.

How do I store popcorn seeds?

Popcorn seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. When stored properly, they will last almost indefinitely. In fact, some popcorn seeds were once discovered on the coastal deserts of North Chile that were still able to be popped after 1,000 years in storage.

How long do your bags of popcorn keep?

All our bags of popcorn have a “Best if Used By” date that ensures you’ll be eating food with maximum freshness.

Where can I buy Valley Popcorn’s famous “Big Bag” of popcorn?

If you’re looking to purchase a Big Bag of popcorn in a brick and mortar store, our Store Locator can help you find the closest location.

Or, order online today! Try our famous Big Bag of Popcorn, or select from our variety of bags of popcorn or popcorn seeds.

How do I make caramel topping for popcorn?

If you want to make your own caramel popcorn, try this easy recipe provided by All Recipes.

If you would like ready-to-eat caramel popcorn, try our bags of caramel popcorn

How do I get my popcorn to have a movie theater butter flavoring?

Valley Popcorn offers Supur-Kist Popcorn Topping Oil, which is the same type of flavoring oil used in many movie theaters.

Valley Popcorn also offers a variety of other popcorn toppings.

Can dogs and cats eat popcorn?

According to the ASPCA, popcorn is safe for dogs and cats. However, dogs and cats can have an adverse reaction to large amounts of coconut oil and salt, so it’s best to limit the amount you feed them.