The Secret Ingredient for Making Movie Theater Popcorn at Home

The best part of going to the movies? Hands down, it’s the popcorn. From the moment you step into the theater, the irresistible aroma of freshly popped kernels drenched in buttery goodness greets you and it's like stepping into a slice of heaven. It’s warm, salty and rich, with a crunch that’s absolutely satisfying.

Movie theater popcorn is the perfect balance of salt and buttery flavor that hooks you from the first handful, making it nearly impossible to stop munching. It’s not just a snack; it’s a tradition, turning every trip to the movies into a deliciously memorable event.

But if you have ever tried to recreate that taste at home, you know how frustrating it can be. J. Kenji López-Alt is a chef, food writer and author known for applying science to cooking and he recently took to TikTok with his pal and fellow food pro Deb Perelman (@kenjianddeb) to discuss how to make movie theater popcorn at home and it hinges on one ingredient you may not have heard of.

According to López-Alt, movie theaters pop their popcorn in oil (most often coconut oil) then season it with a product called Flavacol, which is actually something you can buy online. Here's what you need to know.

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What is Flavacol?

Flavacol is a popcorn seasoning salt widely used in movie theaters to create that signature buttery, salty flavor. It’s a fine, orange-yellow powder made with salt, artificial butter flavor (diacetyl), and coloring agents, which is what gives movie theater popcorn its vibrant color and rich, savory taste.

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How is Flavacol Made?

Flavacol is made by combining finely milled salt with diacetyl and yellow dyes for color. The salt’s extra-fine granules adhere well to popcorn to make sure it is evenly distributed. This seasoning is manufactured specifically for the popcorn industry to deliver the iconic movie theater flavor and look.

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Where Can You Buy Flavacol?

Flavacol can be purchased online through retailers like Amazon, specialty food suppliers or stores that sell concession or theater equipment. It’s generally affordable and comes in large cartons, which is great for frequent popcorn lovers who want to recreate that delicious movie theater flavor at home.

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Is Flavacol Bad for You?

Flavacol, like any seasoning, is fine in moderation but contains artificial ingredients and a high sodium content. If you have high blood pressure, you may want to avoid using too much of this seasoning because high amounts of sodium have been known to raise blood pressure.

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How to Recreate Movie Theater Popcorn at Home

To make popcorn that tastes as if it came from the theater, use a Whirley Pop—a stovetop popcorn maker with a hand-crank mechanism that stirs kernels for even heating—and cook the kernels in coconut oil. Once the popcorn's done, toss it with a tiny bit of Flavacol (you can always add more), using two bowls to toss the popcorn back and forth to ensure it's coated evenly. For more specifics (and to see what other folks love to do), check out the Reddit thread above.

This is a game changer for those who want that movie theater popcorn experience at home.

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