Changes

Popcorn has become one of the best known snack foods. Its history, however, has shown that it has been associated with many things. These associations include its use in religious ceremonies, consumption as a breakfast food, use in soup, and even made into a type of beer. The modern popularity of popcorn was sparked by a few key events. The first was the development of an automated popcorn maker in the 1880s. The second was that it was cheap, making it popular during difficult economic circumstances. Finally, its association with events, such as watching movies and, initially, with carnivals, fairs, and outdoor events solidified its position as a leading snack. The introduction of household appliances that make popcorn also helped to spread its use beyond public events. Today's popcorn comes in many varieties and is made using many different methods, ranging from roasting on the stove, to air popping machines, and microwave popcorn being among the most common.