National Popcorn Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Popcorn Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Popcorn Day is observed on January 19th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Popcorn Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as amusing facts you may want to know about National Popcorn Day.

📅 What day is National Popcorn Day 2024?

In 2024, National Popcorn Day is on Thursday, January 19th. It is the 3rd Thursday in January; in 2024, it is Friday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all the fun details and facts about January 19, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Come and join us on January 19th to celebrate National Popcorn Day! Popcorn is a delicious snack that can be enjoyed in various ways, such as with butter, salt, kettle corn, or even caramel drizzle. It’s perfect for enjoying while on the go, at the movies, or at home in your living room. Just be ready to remove some of it from your teeth afterwards!

📜 National Popcorn Day History

In 1948, Herbert Dick and Earle Smith found small kernels of Zea mays everta, commonly known as popcorn, in the Bat Cave of west central New Mexico. These kernels were estimated to be around 4,000 years old and ranged in size from less than a dime to almost two inches. Additionally, several popped kernels were also discovered and carbon-dated to be 5,600 years old. This provides further evidence that people in Peru, Mexico, Guatemala, and other Central and South American countries consumed popcorn.

The Aztecs used popcorn not only for nutrition but also for decorative purposes and ceremonial ornaments. Similarly, Native Americans were found to have incorporated popcorn into their daily lives. A cave in Utah, believed to have been inhabited by Pueblo Native Americans, yielded popcorn dating back over 1,000 years. French explorers in the Great Lakes region encountered Iroquois Natives making popcorn while exploring the New World.

As North America was colonized and the United States formed, popcorn became a popular and healthy food choice for many people.

✅ National Popcorn Day Facts

🔖 Popcorn was popular during World War II
During the sugar shortage in World War II, Americans consumed triple the amount of popcorn than they typically would.

🔖 Old Maids
Old maids are the leftover, uncooked popcorn kernels that settle at the bottom of a bag of popcorn.

🔖 Popcorn is healthy
Popcorn is a type of food that does not contain gluten or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

👍 Why Is National Popcorn Day Important

Popcorn cooks in minutes, whether on the stovetop or in the microwave, and you can customize it with your favorite toppings, including classic butter, spices, and even sriracha! Yum.

Popcorn is a whole grain with a starchy center fluffed by heat and air. The carbohydrates and air combine to make a great snack option for those watching their waistlines.

Consider a morning matinée with your father or a charming (and uncomfortable) first date at the movies. Popcorn is commonly associated with special celebrations and important times.

🙂 How To Observe National Popcorn Day

⚡ Put on the Popcorn Olympics at Your Office

⚡ Make Popcorn Jewelry
Create a long necklace that you can wear or gift to your loved ones, including friends, family, or even people you don’t know. By doing so, you will surely become the center of attention and popularity during company happy hours.

⚡ Plan a Movie Marathon
What about popcorn basketball, popcorn air hockey, and popcorn relay races? Get competitive with your coworkers to burn off the pent-up energy from sitting in a chair all day. And when you become hungry, snack on some popcorn to keep the party going.

📅 When is National Popcorn Day?

Discover all 🔗 January holidays, including 🔗 Food & Beverage and other 🔗 Food holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about National Popcorn Day. So be sure to check back soon.