I usually buy the cheap (for us) 2.79 CAD bag of 1kg popping corn. the 850g Orville Redenbacher is 5.79.
However, they were out of the cheap stuff so I was forced to get the ol’ Orville’s stuff. And I found it there were less kernels unpopped, the popcorn was fluffier and weirdly, it sounded louder too. (same stove, pot and everything)
So my question is why is there such a quality difference? Is there a difference in how it’s prepared before shipping? Anyone know?
a lot of it has to do with the thickness of the kernel hull.
some people have a preference for “mushroom” style kernels which have thick hulls and make big, round, robust pops.
other people prefer “hulless” popcorn for a smaller more tender pop.
so you just have to identify what attributes you like/dislike most and look for popcorn that gives you more/less of that.