Long before it’s coated in butter, cheddar cheese dust or caramel, and before it’s scooped into a bag at a small-town shop or popped in a movie theater, popcorn begins in a field — often right here in Illinois.
Although Illinois may be best known for its field corn and soybeans, it’s one of the top popcorn-producing states in the country, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and in 2003, popcorn became the official state snack food.
Based on average sales from 2016-2020, Popcorn.org estimates Americans consumed 14 billion quarts of popcorn. According to the Illinois State Museum, popcorn is grown on 333 Illinois farms.
Where the popcorn trail begins
Steve Turner, a farmer in Mason County and member of Menard Electric Cooperative, has grown popcorn since 1989, continuing a tradition his father-in-law helped pioneer when the crop first came to the area in 1984.
“People may not realize that popcorn could be in their backyard,” Turner says. “If you go down the road in the fall, you may not be able to tell the difference between a popcorn field or cornfield, unless you look closely. If you look closely, you can tell the difference by the shape of it.”
For decades, Turner has cultivated popcorn on sandy, irrigated soil that’s uniquely suited to the plant’s needs. “Popcorn seems to like the sandy soils,” Turner says. “That’s why, in this area, in Mason and Tazewell counties, amazingly, you’ve got thousands of acres of popcorn.”
Turner’s operation typically grows between 250 and 400 acres of popcorn annually, depending on crop rotation. Popcorn is a non-GMO crop that thrives in the region’s sandy soils and benefits from irrigation — a crucial factor that helped the crop gain a foothold in central Illinois.
“When my father-in-law started, corn prices were low, and he was just trying to diversify and see what it would do,” Turner recalls. Popcorn ended up making sense and has been a staple of the farm ever since.
Turner explains that the growing and harvesting process mirrors that of a conventional cornfield, but with a few important differences. The popcorn ears are smaller, and the plants are less wind-resistant, which makes timing critical. Once it is ready, it is immediately harvested.
Most of Turner’s popcorn crops go to Weaver Popcorn Company, which has a presence in Illinois and processes millions of pounds annually for commercial use — everything from movie theaters to microwave bags.
Although the family considered branching into processing and selling their own brand at one time, they ultimately decided to stick with the farming side of popcorn.
And, while Turner is no fan of caramel or Chicago-style popcorn mix himself (“I’m a butter and salt guy,” he admits), he’s thrilled to see Illinois popcorn show up in a range of forms and flavors. As Turner puts it, “I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like popcorn.”
Places to pop into
Popcorn hit peak popularity during The Great Depression because it was an affordable, healthy snack, according to Popcorn.org. While most popular in association with movies, early theaters refused to sell the snack. Entrepreneurs at the time began selling out of popcorn carts in front of theaters so that moviegoers could eat while they watched.
Those early days of popcorn entrepreneurship paved the way for popcorn stores to offer a more rounded menu to customers. As a result, these days popcorn eaters have many more flavors to choose from.
Across the state, a variety of popcorn shops celebrate this beloved crop in creative and flavorful ways. Some popcorn stores boast more than 50 flavors, as well as seasonal options. Whether you like sweet, spicy or salty, there is sure to be a popcorn flavor for you. Although this is not an exhaustive list, here are some spots (in ABC order) where you can pop in (or order online) and experience the magic of Illinois popcorn.
Abe’s Gourmet Popcorn Shop
https://abesgourmetpopcorn.com
101 E Main St, Belleville, IL 62220
Abe’s prides itself on making “every batch the old-fashioned way: small batches, big flavor and a whole lot of love,” according to its website. The shop’s popcorn is sourced locally from Ella & Ollie Popcorn in Belleville. Abe’s offers more than 70 flavors, including its signature buttery caramel corn, which serves as the base of many of its most popular blends.
America’s Popcorn Shop
https://americaspopcornshop.com
126 S Main St, Morton, IL 61550
Morton’s hometown popcorn shop features more than 70 flavors of popcorn, including a flavor of the month. Not sure which flavor to try? Its website features a “Find Your Flavor” quiz. Answer five personality questions, and the website will provide a recommendation.
Chef’s Shoppe
https://chefsshoppe.com/popcorn
2320 Troy Rd, Edwardsville, IL 62025
Chef’s Shoppe started as a gourmet kitchen store in 1997 but has since added on a candy store and popcorn shop. The popcorn is popped fresh daily and can either be purchased at the store or shipped to your door.
Cool Bliss Popped Bliss Popcorn Shop
https://cbpbpopcornshop.com
1506 S Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820
For over 15 years, CBPB Popcorn has been serving sweets and gourmet popcorn in the Champaign area.
Cranky Mike’s Popcorn
https://crankymikes.com
227 Gladiolus St, Momence, IL 60954
Don’t go in asking to talk to Cranky Mike. Chris Doud is actually the owner, with her signature recipe being Cranky Mike’s Kettle Corn. In addition to the kettle corn, other popular flavors are regularly available, as well as rotating specialties.
Creekstone Kettle Works
https://creekstonekettleworks.com
509 S O’Bannon St, Raymond, IL 62560
Creekstone Kettle Works offers sweet, savory and premium flavors of popcorn and kettle corn. It also sells gift baskets and popcorn tins and can cater weddings. While customers are welcome to shop and smell fresh corn popping at the brick-and-mortar store, the popcorn is also available at several local businesses.
Donny B’s Gourmet Popcorn and Gifts
https://www.donnybpopcorn.com
1220 Towanda Ave., Bloomington, IL 61701
Donny B’s is a beloved local gem offering both classic and inventive popcorn flavors alongside other treats in a friendly neighborhood shop. It’s a great place for gifts and party snacks.
Downtown Popcorn Company
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090952900010
314 W Jefferson Ave, Effingham, IL 62401
Downtown Popcorn Company is a cozy, family-run popcorn shop located in the heart of Effingham. This charming store offers both bags and tins of freshly popped kernels — specialty popcorn balls are also a fan favorite. Its gourmet flavors range from sweet to savory, as well as unique seasonal popcorn varieties.
Fulton Ice Cream Shop
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558344587962
1104 4th St., Fulton, IL 61252
While primarily known for its ice cream, Fulton Ice Cream Shop also sells its own blends of flavored popcorn.
Great American Popcorn Co.
https://greatpopcorn.com
115 N. Main St., Galena, IL 61036
Great American Popcorn Co. is located in the heart of Galena. It offers wall-to-wall flavors of popcorn, as well as a sampling station. For those who like trying new things, the store offers a Flavor of the Month Club, delivered right to your doorstep.
Holland’s Caramelcorn
https://hollandscaramelcorn.com
127 Washington Square, Washington, IL 61571
Holland’s specializes in daily-made gourmet popcorn and can be found at a variety of stores in central Illinois. Check out its website for all the locations. Don’t worry, there’s a lot more than just caramel corn.
Luka Popcorn Co.
https://lukapopcorn.com
2651 N 2000 East Rd, Blue Mound, IL 62513
At Luka Popcorn Co., shop owner Morgan Luka shares her grandma’s famous caramel corn. At her shop and area events, she offers gourmet popcorn featuring classic and quirky flavors. Luka Popcorn can also be ordered online.
Mom & Pops Kettle Korn Stop
https://momnpopskettlekornstop.com
119 S Market St, Paxton, IL 60957
Mom & Pops began as a wrestling fundraiser in Paxton. It was such a hit the owners created a business of it. In addition to the storefront and mailed orders, the popcorn can be found at most summer festivals in the area. Veterans, firefighters, police officers and EMS workers receive free “Kettle Korn” as a thanks for their service.
Popp’n on Maine
https://quincypopcorn.com
917 Maine St., Quincy, IL 62301
Popcorn has been Popp’n on Maine since 2019 and is a family affair for the McKinneys, who own and run the business. In addition to the various flavor options, the popcorn shop will also pop in to cater your next event.
RiPoppedIt Popcorn
https://ricreatedit.com
2004 S Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820
RiPoppedIt doesn’t just have popcorn, it has “bougie” popcorn. You can find this popcorn at Hunny Bunny Bakes and at the Urbana Farmer’s Market during the spring and summer months. Make sure to check out the flavor of the month.
The Garlic Press
https://thegarlicpress.com/collections/popcorn
108 North St., Normal, IL 61761
The Garlic Press is a long‑standing specialty cookware and gift shop founded in 1976. It offers cookware, kitchen gadgets, cooking classes, artisan gifts and popcorn, of course.
The Original Del’s Popcorn Shop
https://delspopcorn.com
142 N Merchant St, Decatur, IL 62523
In 1946, Del and Emily Barnett purchased “The Popcorn Shop” from John Baldwin, who opened the store in 1934. His shop was an immediate success, even amid the hardships posed by The Great Depression. The store has changed hands several times over the years but still offers its traditional flame-popped popcorn in small batches.
The Perfect Pop
https://theperfectpopgourmetpopcorn.com
134 St Clair Square, Fairview Heights, IL 62208
Stephanie Williams opened The Perfect Pop five years ago with her husband Eddie. She specializes in caramel corn, but sweet and savory options are also listed on the website. All seeds are fresh from a local farmer.
The Popcorn Shoppe
https://peoriapopcornshoppe.online
4700 N University St #43, Peoria, IL 61614
What started as a hobby for owners Niki and Matt became an opportunity that allowed them to take over The Popcorn Shoppe in 2022. Now in a new location, the business has continued to expand. The backbone of the business is its staff of disabled adults, providing opportunities in a delicious, buttery environment.
Trimble’s Produce Farm
https://facebook.com/TrimblesProduceFarm
101 W Main St, Heyworth, IL 61745
Since 1974, Trimble’s has been popping corn in the Heyworth area. As a produce farm, Trimble’s offers much more than popcorn. Its popcorn and other products can be found at local events and markets.
Woody’s Popcorn
https://woodyspopcorn.com
1741 Industrial Dr #24, Sterling, IL 61081
Although Woody’s does not have a storefront for customers, its popcorn can be purchased at stores throughout northern and central Illinois, as well as in parts of Iowa and Wisconsin. Bags and tins can also be purchased online with free shipping on all orders. Woody’s offers four flavors: white cheddar, caramel, cheddar and caramel cheddar mix.
