Fairground Kettle Corn

Fairground kettle corn is a classic American snack made by popping corn kernels in a large kettle with oil, then coating them in a mixture of sugar and salt as they cook. The result is a delightful mix of sweet and salty flavors, often enjoyed at carnivals, fairs, and outdoor events across the United States.

🍳 View the full Fairground Kettle Corn recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Kettle corn is primarily a source of carbohydrates from the corn and added sugar, with a moderate amount of fat from the cooking oil. A typical serving (about 1 cup) contains roughly 120-150 calories, along with small amounts of fiber and iron.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	140 kcal
Protein	2 g
Carbs	22 g
Fat	6 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	10 g
Sodium	120 mg
Potassium	45 mg
Iron	0.8 mg
Magnesium	15 mg
Phosphorus	40 mg
Thiamin (B1)	0.03 mg
Niacin (B3)	0.5 mg
Folate	5 mcg
Zinc	0.4 mg

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

💡 What's interesting

What makes kettle corn unique is its balanced sweet-and-salty flavor profile, which originated from traditional popcorn-making methods in the early 20th century. Nutritionally, it offers a lighter alternative to heavily buttered popcorn, though the added sugar still makes it an occasional treat rather than a health food.