Chicago-Style Popcorn

Chicago-style popcorn is a popular snack mix originating from Chicago, Illinois, that combines two distinct flavors in one container: buttery, caramel-coated popcorn and white cheddar cheese-flavored popcorn. This sweet and savory combination is a signature offering from Garrett Popcorn Shops, a beloved local institution founded in 1949.

🍳 View the full Chicago-Style Popcorn recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This snack is high in carbohydrates from the corn and sugar, and moderate in fat from the butter and oils used in the caramel and cheese coatings. A typical serving (about 1 cup of the mix) contains roughly 150-200 calories, providing quick energy but minimal protein or essential nutrients.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	150 kcal
Protein	2 g
Carbs	18 g
Fat	8 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	1 g
Sodium	300 mg
Potassium	90 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Magnesium	40 mg
Phosphorus	80 mg
Zinc	0.8 mg
Thiamin (B1)	0.1 mg
Niacin (B3)	1.5 mg
Folate	15 mcg

Per 1 cup (about 30 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The mix is culturally iconic to Chicago, often referred to as 'Garrett Mix' or 'Garrett Popcorn,' and represents a unique American regional food tradition. Nutritionally, it's a classic example of a hyper-palatable 'bliss point' food, engineered to perfectly balance sweet and salty flavors to maximize craving and enjoyment.