Popcorn Improvements By Halfpops And Quinn Popcorn

We know better than to fix things that aren't broken.

So where our snacks were concerned, we were more than happy to leave popcorn–that age-old, movie-goers' crowd-pleaser–well enough alone.

But clearly, others weren't, since two new and delicious takes on the classic have emerged.

For the Seattle-based company Halfpops, large fluffy popped kernels are the nemesis. Using a patented technology that manipulates the moisture content of the kernel, Halfpops ($24 for 16 bags) pops its corn only partially, as the company's name suggests. The resulting popcorn is about half its traditional volume, and it boasts a more concentrated "corny" flavor. Think of it as the love child of popcorn and corn nuts.

Quinn Popcorn's  kernels ($15 for 3 boxes) are traditional, but its flavors are anything but. In an effort to update the unhealthy, hydrogenated mess of ingredients inside commercial microwave popcorn, the Quinn team sources non-GMO, organic kernels and seasons them with combinations such as Vermont maple syrup and sea salt, and Parmesan and rosemary.

Here's to the best kind of change.