Popcorn Varieties Guide: Flavors, Textures + Best Uses

Not all popcorn kernels are alike. We’ve put together a kernel-by-kernel guide to help you choose the style you like best. From color and size to flavor and texture, each variety pops its own way.

Whether you’re making a big batch of caramel corn or planning a cozy movie night, the type of popcorn you choose can make a big difference. Let's find your favorite!

Does Mushroom Popcorn taste like mushrooms?

It’s the question we’re always asked and the answer is no, not at all. Despite the name, mushroom popcorn doesn’t have a fungi flavor. The name refers to the shape it takes when popped: large, round, and compact - kind of like the top of a mushroom.

This isn’t a new trend either; the term has been used in agriculture and popcorn production for decades.

Dell Cove's extra large Mushroom popcorn kernels also is sturdy enough to handle heavy coatings such as caramel, chocolate or cheese which makes it the favorite choice for kettle corn and other candied styles. It’s crunchy with a classic corn taste but needs high heat to fully pop big and round.

That durability comes from its tightly packed structure, which also gives it a serious crunch. It needs higher heat to fully pop into those rounded domes, so we've found that using a stove-top popping method works best.

Great for: Coating with caramel or chocolate, kettle corn, homemade popcorn balls

What is Butterfly Popcorn?

Butterfly popcorn is probably what you picture when you think about a big tub of movie theater popcorn. Once popped, the kernels have delicate, irregular wings—like little arms and legs sticking out from a puffy center. That’s where the name "butterfly" comes from.

Those winged shapes aren’t just cute, they’re also super practical. All those nooks and crannies are perfect for catching and holding onto butter, oils, or seasonings. This popcorn is light, fluffy, and easy to eat by the handful, making it the go-to choice for movie night.

Dell Cove's Movie Night popcorn kernels are a butterfly shape popcorn variety. A favorite among popcorn lovers, it’s easy to pop in a variety of ways, has a classic corn taste and a satisfying texture balance of crunch and fluff.

Great for: Classic movie nights, buttered popcorn, savory seasoning blends

Is Blue Popcorn actually blue?

The kernels are blue, yes. But the popcorn itself? Not really. Blue popcorn kernels get their striking hue from anthocyanins, the same natural antioxidants found in blueberries and purple cabbage. These pigments are naturally concentrated in the outer hull of the kernel.

When blue popcorn pops, that blue hull splits open and mixes with the white, starchy interior. The result is a popped piece that’s mostly white, often with a soft blue tint or a pale gray center. It’s beautiful in the bowl and makes for a fun Halloween snack or colorful addition to a holiday popcorn bar.

So why doesn't the popcorn pop blue? The reason is that the pigments in the hull stay in the hull itself when the kernel explodes, and any color is then mixed with the white starchy interior. That's why you'll see small dark blue or dark black centers in the middle of each popped corn.

While it's fun to show off the unpopped colors during Halloween, the real difference between the kernels is the texture and flavor, not the color.

Dell Cove's Midnight Blue popcorn kernels have a slightly sweet flavor and crunchy texture. It pops best under high heat conditions such as in a pan or microwave but might result in more unpopped kernels in an air popper.

Great for: Festive snacking, Halloween popcorn mixes, color-themed gift jars

What about Red Popcorn?

Red popcorn kernels are deep crimson and just as rich in antioxidants as their blue cousins. The red comes from a combination of anthocyanins and cyanidins - both naturally occurring plant pigments also found in berries, grapes, and red onions.

Like blue kernels, the color fades when popped, but you’ll still see a ruby-hued center surrounded by soft white popcorn.

Red popcorn is a butterfly-style variety that pops into a smaller, crunchier piece than the standard yellow kernel, making it a great all-purpose snacking popcorn. The smaller kernel size also means a more delicate hull, so it tends to be gentler on teeth and less likely to get stuck.

Dell Cove's Ruby Red popcorn kernels pop white with a dark red center and has a light corn flavor and a terrific crunch. The kernels are smaller but very flavorful!

Just like blue popcorn, red kernels prefer high heat. For best results, use a stovetop method or a microwave popper rather than an air popper.

Great for: Everyday snacking, gifting, smaller hands or sensitive teeth

What is Rainbow Popcorn?

Not just different colored kernels sold in the same bag, Dell Cove's Rainbow Popcorn kernels is a naturally growing heirloom variety, all naturally pigmented. This is our favorite variety, because it makes such a festive mix before the kernels even hit the heat.

When popped, the kernels all turn some shade of white, but many will retain a tinted center that hints at their origin. The fun is really in the variety of textures and subtle flavor differences you’ll notice with each handful. It’s a balanced mix of fluff and crunch that feels a bit more elevated than your average movie night batch.

Rainbow popcorn also makes for a beautiful edible gift. We’ve filled Mason jars with it as holiday hostess gifts, teacher thank-yous, and even wedding favors. It’s as pretty as it is tasty.

Great for: Holiday gifts, colorful party snacks, edible home decor

Is Baby White popcorn truly "hulless"?

It’s a common question, and while no popcorn is technically hull-free, Baby White comes the closest. All popcorn needs a hull to trap the steam that causes the kernel to explode—but some hulls are thinner and more delicate than others.

Dell Cove's Baby White popcorn kernels are smaller and have a very thin, fragile hull that shatters into tiny pieces that virtually disappear. That means no more scraping tough little shards out of your gums or worrying about hard bits cracking your teeth.

This variety is especially popular with families, dental offices (yes, really), and anyone who wants a tender, flavorful popcorn that’s easy to eat. It also has a clean, classic popcorn flavor with a soft bite and just the right amount of crunch.

Great for: Minimal-hull snacking, sensitive gums, kid-friendly popcorn

Choosing the Right Popcorn for the Occasion

Different popcorns shine in different settings. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Movie Night (Butterfly): Best for buttery, seasoned snacks
• Mushroom Popcorn: Ideal for caramel, chocolate, or cheese coatings
• Baby White: Tender popcorn with fewer hulls and more comfort
• Rainbow, Red and Blue: Eye-catching, flavorful, and fun to serve

Whether you're snacking solo or entertaining a crowd, the right kernel can elevate the experience.

The Bottom Line

Popcorn might seem simple, but every kernel tells a story. From bold colors and heirloom textures to fluffy shapes and subtle sweetness, there’s a popcorn variety for every mood, recipe, and craving. 

Whether you’re enjoying it plain, adding butter and seasoning or coating it in caramel, the type of popcorn you choose will make a big difference in both taste and texture. There’s a perfect popcorn variety for every occasion, so try experimenting with a few different kernels and popping methods to find your perfect bowl of popcorn.

FAQs About Popcorn Varieties

Q: What popcorn is best for caramel corn? A: Mushroom popcorn is your best bet. Its sturdy, round shape holds onto caramel without crumbling or getting soggy.

Q: Which popcorn has the fewest hulls? A: Baby White popcorn. Its ultra-thin hull shatters when popped, leaving fewer hard bits behind.

Q: Is colored popcorn artificially dyed? A: Nope! The blue, red, and rainbow kernels all get their color from natural plant pigments.

Q: Do blue and red popcorns pop in color? A: Not exactly. They pop mostly white but with tinted centers that hint at the original kernel color.

Q: Can I mix popcorn varieties together? A: Absolutely! Mixing kernels is a fun way to enjoy different textures and flavors in one batch.