There’s popcorn at Starbucks now! Did I miss the flood of customers pounding on the doors of MyStarbucksIdea.com begging for popcorn at their local Starbucks? It never crossed my mind, until I actually saw it in the store, that Starbucks should sell popcorn. Yes. I really am talking about popcorn. Even stranger, it is Starbucks-branded popcorn. Did some mad coffee roaster in Kent throw some popcorn kernels in the roasting oven and listen carefully to it popping? I was in total surprise to find popcorn at Starbucks. And even more stunned to realize that the butter popcorn is totally and absolutely addictively delish.
Over the nine months of blogging at StarbucksMelody, we’ve covered coffee and pastries. We’ve talked about 3 Region Blend, Mexico Chiapas, Verona, Sumatra, Christmas Blend, and Casi Cielo. But now it really is time to talk about the popcorn launched on May 4, 2010. It comes in two flavors: (1) Butter and (2) Salt and Pepper . The butter popcorn is the one that is toe-curling good. Okay, to be honest, I haven’t tried the salt and pepper version because that sounds like an odd combo, and so far, trusted tweeps and real-life green apron friends are giving the salt and pepper version a thumbs down. However, everyone is raving about the butter flavor. It’s so good. It’s light, but very buttery, with the right amount of salt flavor, and few kernels at the bottom. Run, don’t walk, and get some popcorn. I imagine this is a hit if you happen to be at a Starbucks located very close to a movie theater.
I did a quick search on MyStarbucksIdea.com and looked to see if there has been a crowd of people demanding popcorn at Starbucks. Here’s what I found:
Coffee infused chocolate covered popcorn
New snack – already produced and marketed
This delicious new snack is available for $1.25 a bag. Look for it in the ‘snack aisle’ of your local Starbucks.
And now for a Public Service Announcement: Don’t forget that healthy gums are pink and stippled. Be sure to brush and floss daily. Get your teeth cleaned once every six months, or once every three to four months if you have periodontal disease. Don’t miss your regular dental check ups! Popcorn easily gets caught in deep periodontal pockets! Many a periodontal abscess started with that innocent bag of popcorn. I wonder if I end up with a gum abscess out of this, can I send Howard the bill? LOL (j/k)
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I didn’t even know about this…how did they slip it past me? I need to go to stores other than 1&Pike more often…
I’m thinking movies on the patio are sure to follow! LOL LOVE the Public Service Announcement. You’re Awesome Melody! 🙂
I’m thrilled that we are carrying it. It’s really good. Event the salt & pepper is good.
That is interesting…you have so many incredible products branded by Starbucks in the United States. Just a dream for a European…but popcorn?!
WOOOW!
I am so curious to taste it the next time I am in the US, but i think it will be the regular good Starbucks quality we all expect. Most of the popcorn you can buy in retail is worse quality, but I think this will be pretty well. The price is also well chosen…so do we all take a bag of Starbucks popcorn into the cinemas now? Perhaps!
But what will come next? Will they start opening grocery markets? Will they even start forcing against Whole Foods, Walgreens and Co with opening their own grocery business?
You never know what will come next in Howard’s mind…who knows. Starbucks is a mistery…:D
This is interesting!
The part of the last of this article made me laugh. lol
I was really surprised at the quality of our popcorn. It’s quite possibly the best I’ve ever had.
As for the salt-and-pepper, it’s actually really good. I think I may like it better than the butter popcorn. It’s got a hint of garlic salt, which is what I think really makes it great. It is rather peppery, though; it’s got some heat to it, so if you don’t like black pepper or stuff that’s heavily spiced, you might not like it.
Seriously, who would have thought “Starbucks” for popcorn?
Ya know, I kind of like this idea. Will have to grab a couple bags for the road on my way to the farm this weekend.
If the salt and pepper popcorn is anything like salt and pepper kettle potato chips, then it will be a hit!
salt and pepper might be good. Salt and pepper potato chips are yummy. Do you have those? Sometimes I forget the different types of chips we have here…as if I didn’t grow up in the US, but you just get used to things, ya know?
All that to say, yay , I love popcorn (or something) (although we don’t have this)
Had the butter popcorn last week – very good!
Sounds yummy! Not sure if I need ANOTHER lovely product from Starbucks to be addicted to… But I bet it’s worth a try anyway! 😀
The Salt and Pepper popcorn has been a big hit at my store with partners, and I personally can’t get enough of the Butter popcorn! It’s a pretty cheap snack too!
haven’t seen the popcorn yet, but i have noticed the influx of new little snack bits.
very weird…
Mmm, now I’m craving salt & pepper chips that Target carries.
Popcorn=good. Coffee=good. Popcorn and coffee together=not so sure about that. Maybe I’ll get some next time I get an iced tea or something, or buy some to take home.
@GAStarbucksGirl – Glad you liked the PSA. I have a confession: I’ve worked as a dental assistant before.
Love the popcorn. My partners’ favourite is the Salt & Pepper. I’m partial to the butter popcorn myself….though that could be because I’m on WW, and while the popcorn is low in calories, the butter popcorn doesn’t taste it at all.
We’re sold out after only one week, I hope more comes in our next order.
Oh, I forgot something. Sorry for the double comment.
I imagine the idea behind the popcorn is probably a) To make a healthier snack and b) To help with an add on to the lunch sandwiches. It’s easy to think about grabbing a bag of the sweet potato chips or a bag of popcorn when you’re buying a panini. Especially as the basket is right beside you when you stand at the register. Personally I don’t care for the chips, so I’m glad we have the popcorn now. I’m definitely a fan of salty snacks!
Melody, I’m just not seeing you as a dental assistant 🙂 BTW, yesterday we sold just 8 Fraps short of 300 at my SBUX! WHEW!
Is this really any different than Akeelah and the Bee, CD spinners, or any of the many, many non-coffee-related retailing ventures we’ve embraced in the last 5 or 6 years?
I really don’t think Starbucks needs a snack aisle. When an entire pastry case and chilled lunch assortment doesn’t quite cut it, we need to rethink our reason for being in business.
I really don’t get the popcorn idea. not at all. I thought (think) the whole 7-11-looking stand of snacks in bags is bad enough. now popcorn. No wonder we only have about 5 (maybe) coffees to choose from (beans)…..seems to decline everyday. (to make room for the popcorn and more blenders, I guess:(
I’m really not sure, if we can sell popcorn, why can’t we sell things like the VIA earrings? I really like them, and maybe some sort of recycled, reusable tote bags with the whole bean logos– that would be really cool! 🙂
Man, I looked at all the Starbucks I have been in since this post and no popcorn 🙁 I’ll keep looking everyone makes it sound delicious
Hi Mel- popcorn?! I can’t find via around here- shoulda brought some. Grrrr! Can’t wait ti try it when I get home.
@GAStarbucksGirl If the earrings were made at a corp level I think they would! i mean I’ve seen all sorts of other misc. (note cards) – I think selling recycled totes and decorations / jewelry would fit in with their push for more “green” with all the LEED stores coming around
@Michelle do you remember the calorie count on these? I just always assume most of this stuff is up there in calories and fat, but it would be nice to have something lo-cal and indulgent.
I wasn’t a big fan of the popcorn unfortunately…every time I see a rave review by Melody I always go check it out. I had the butter one today, but wasn’t a fan, oh well! I haven’t gotten a chance to try any of the new pastries yet…the new loaf cake looks good!
i found the popcorn this afternoon while at seattle center. oh my gods.
the butter is so buttery i kind of was super overwhelmed at first. the second bite was *much* better 🙂
and the salt and pepper? good, as far as gourmet popcorns go, but far too peppery for my tongue! holy caw.
i definitely think they could add some more flavours, but if i ever need a quick popcorn fix on the go, i’ll get the butter.
i have non-blog news for you, mel, but i can’t share it here yet. maybe i will catch you one of these days at 15th 🙂
wait what?! okay okay I thought the actual lunch and breakfasts (although the oatmeal is decent) were totally random but now popcorn. I don’t typically think of popcorn when I think coffee but I guess starbucks is really angling for being the ultra treat place?
Popcorn? Seriously? And I can’t get decaf drip after 12 p.m.? And I have to wait for special promotions to get a basic “bold” drip. Seriously, Starbucks, what business are you in?
It really does look like they’re trying out just about everything! What will be next?
Will try the salt & pepper popcorn tomorrow…
At first I thought this was an odd snack for a coffee shop to have and honestly the more I think about it the more I like it – now to taste the buttery goodness myself 😉 Just what I need more temptation to go inside Starbucks LOL
Ok Melody just because you wrote this I had to try some. I bought one of each and Stephanie and I had them for brkfst at 4:30 am. Well let’s say I tasted them but she snarked them down, LOL I found them to be good, tasty, light, and all around a good snack depending on what a person’s diet needs would be. I must admit I didn’t know this was a new item either until I saw your blog. There just seems to be so much new stuff so often that from an employee view point, we just can’t keep up with knowing what is in our own stores. It reminds me of my days as a checker in a grocery store back in the 80’s when there were no scanners and everyday after you clocked in you had to fill out a produce price list for the next ten minutes to know what to charge for that day. When I walk into work, it’s more hit the ground running and don’t stop till time for you to leave. Thanks for letting me know and I will try my best to get it to sell since it is Starbucks branded(not sure really what that means). Cheers and I can’t wait to talk to @CamSpi about your former dental career.
Wow! I would have never guessed that Starbucks would start selling popcorn! I like the idea though because it’s cheap and would be a nice salty finish after a sweet drink. I will definitely be looking for this in my local store and try it out!
Sounds like a nice addition in Starbucks. Do you know whether they’ll be selling the popcorn in other franchises around the world? Or is it just concentrated on the US for now?
You have a very eye catching blog here, and it is amazing the amount of information you have on Starbucks. I praise you for what you are doing, and I can feel your love for the brand. 🙂
[…] Melody Starbucks popcorn now in stores: It’s a new and surprising snack Now, I’ve heard everything. I don’t really think coffee and popcorn goes together, but […]
Well i nabbed both flavors today while at Starbucks Frap Happy Hour! I got a soy dark cherry mocha-chai (yum! though everyone else was ewww), MilitiaJim got a mocha, extra chocolate and we got the popcorn to munch with them.
The butter was good
the salt and pepper was unique and def. a strong kick
i wouldn’t have expected popcorn at starbucks, and i find all the little snacks and other tchotchkes distracting.
I don’t think they’re delicious enough for me to keep buying regularly (and there are some really great snack places near me in center city phila) but it might be good for when i travel as a known yummy snack.
thanks for tipping me off to look for these!
The a la natural granola bar things that have bird food in them taste like lavender hand soap.
@Nicole Two Mom’s in the raw? I agree on the taste is only flax seed, but the name we all thought sounded like an adult film production company, LOL
I bought, tried and loved them both!! (although my personal fav is the salt & pepper) Only 150 calories per bag and lots of whole grain, gluten free deliciousness! I’ll be stopping by for a bag (or 2!) on my way to the movie theater tonight!
(Reply to irishstew) – Hi Welcome to the site! I just tried the Salt and Pepper version of the popcorn last night. It’s a little too peppery for my tastes, but I’m not a huge fan of pepper and don’t even eat spicy foods really. Glad you dropped by here. It’s interesting to see what people think of the popcorn. I still think the butter popcorn is an amazing delicious small treat!
I’m a popcornaholic! It truly is an addiction! I’ve tasted many brands of popcorn and have never been really pleased with the butter popcorn taste until I tried Starbucks! Honestly it is the best!
@Kath – Welcome to this Starbucks community! Did you find me through google? I really like the butter popcorn too. It is so good. It is the best. I’m trying to cut back on junk food a bit, but this is a great treat. Please stay a while here at the blog – Take a look at the mug contest (most current blog post right now) and follow instructions to get a $5 gift card. Hope you’ll “like” the Facebook page too. Okay that might have been a bit much from me, but I am glad you are here and WELCOME again. ~Melody
First, sorry for thread digging lol. Anyways, I was a little skeptical when we rolled out the popcorn, but to my surprise it’s actually really good! I like the salt and pepper better than the better just because I’m a fan of black pepper! In fact, it’s way more popular than the butter one at our store. Last time I checked, we had absolutely no salt/pepper popcorn left and the whole basket was just butter popcorn. I bought a bag of the butter once and it was good, but the bottom of it has SO MUCH POWDERED BUTTER! But maybe I just got a defect bag? Who knows…
Overall, for $1.05 after partner discount, it’s a good snack 🙂
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! I cant find pepper popcorn anywhere anymore !!!!!!!!!!!!
I really like it. I wonder if I can order big bags of this versus the snack pack at the stores. Yes yes?