5 Revealing Questions About Caramel Corn
At a Glance: Your Caramel Corn Questions Answered
- No, you don’t need a special machine to get started.
- Yes, it’s easier than it looks – with beginner-friendly mixes and tools.
- There are dozens of flavor possibilities beyond caramel.
- Caramel corn and gourmet popcorn sell well year-round, not just during holidays.
- Profit margins can reach 70% or higher.
Why Caramel Corn Is Easier (and More Profitable) Than You Think
Caramel corn is one of those timeless treats that people can’t resist. Yet despite its popularity, many businesses may shy away from offering caramel corn due to some persistent misconceptions. Let us separate fact from fiction by looking at the 5 top questions and revealing why caramel corn offers one of the most attractive opportunities in fun foods.
1. Do You Need a Special Machine to Make Caramel Corn?
Answer: Not necessarily. Specialized equipment is available that can help streamline the process and make it more efficient, however it is not a requirement.
One of the simplest ways to start out is with a product called Glaze Pop®. Caramel Glaze Pop is one of the most popular flavors. Glaze Pop is unique in that it is added to the popper allowing operators to make sweet popcorn straight in the kettle. After the popcorn is popped, it has a light candy glaze.
For those who desire a heavier caramel coating, a gas or electric caramel corn stove can be an option. These old-fashioned style kettles allow you to make batches mixed by hand. These are ideal for outdoor settings and also provide an entertainment value to customers. Simply use Gold Medal’s Caramel Corn Treat Mixes to create a rich, flavorful caramel corn.
2. Is Making Caramel Corn Complicated?
Answer: No – it’s surprisingly simple. With the right tools and ingredients, making caramel corn is easier than you may think!
The process of making caramel corn can be as simple or complex as you’d like. While some prefer the option to customize their recipe, others like to have mixes that give greater consistency and ease of use.
Ingredients
Gold Medal’s line of Corn Treat Mixes come in different varieties.
The great news is that you have options and can choose a mix that meets your preferences.
Automating the process with a cooker mixer is highly beneficial. It ensures the caramel corn is mixed gently and evenly for the best coating. For equipment, there are different models based on the volume of production.
Equipment
- The 2.5-gallon Karmel Baby® Cooker Mixer is great for smaller entry-level operations.
- The Mark 5 has a robust 5-gallon capacity to meet small to medium volume needs.
- The most popular size is the Mark 10, which offers 10 gallons of caramel corn per batch. Averaging three to four batches per hour makes it well suited for mid-sized venues.
- The Mark 20 is a large powerhouse machine for the most demanding popcorn coater needs making up to 80 gallons of popcorn per hour.
With these machines, you add the mix and ingredients as outlined in the instructions, then mix in the popped popcorn. Allow it to mix until fully coated, then dump and separate. Combining the right equipment with the proper supplies gives you a low-labor solution for making caramel corn.
3. Can I Make Other Flavors Besides Caramel?
Answer: Yes - Caramel corn is just the beginning, flavor variety is one of the best ways to grow your menu and the process is surprisingly simple.
Once you’ve mastered caramel corn production, the flavor possibilities are nearly endless.
Gold Medal is equipped with supplies to help you make savory and sweet flavors.
- Signature Blends® are candy glazes which are made in a similar fashion to caramel corn, combined with the Basic Corn Treats Mix in a cooker mixer. Enjoy more than 30 different flavors and color-only options like cherry, blue raspberry, pumpkin spice, and red, navy blue, and green colors.
- Signature Shakes® are seasonings in over 25 flavors including bacon, barbecue, dill, honey mustard, ranch, and sweet chili. These are made to be tumbled with Nondairy Flavor EZ to make savory popcorn.
- Cheese pastes allow you to enter another popular popcorn market, cheese corn. Available in cheddar and white cheddar varieties, cheese corn is made in a tumbler.
- Glaze Pop® allows you to pop flavored popcorn straight in the kettle. Choose from a variety of flavor options including chocolate, red cinnamon, grape, and more.
Explore Gold Medal’s recipe section for a sampling of tasty gourmet popcorn flavors!
4. Does Caramel Corn Sell Well Outside of the Holiday Season?
Answer: Yes, while the holidays are peak times for caramel corn sales, demand stays strong year-round.
Caramel corn is nostalgic, shelf-stable, and widely loved by kids and adults alike. Think about the many places where caramel corn can be sold:
- Fairs and festivals
- Amusement parks
- Sports concessions
- Movie theaters
- School fundraisers
- Grocery stores
- Convenience stores
- Farmers markets
With grab-and-go packaging, it is versatile for nearly any retail location.
In addition to Christmas, you can tap into other holidays and seasonal events. Brighten up Easter baskets in springtime. Sell in patriotic packaging for 4th of July. Create fall-inspired flavors like pumpkin spice. For Valentine’s Day try heart-shaped bags. Be creative! Caramel corn is an evergreen venture with sales opportunities every month of the year.
5. Is Caramel Corn Profitable Enough for My Business?
Answer: Yes, caramel corn has one of the best profitable snacks you can sell.
While caramel corn is a snack with high-perceived value, it may surprise you how affordable it is to make. Here’s why the profits are so attractive:
- Low ingredient costs: The basic ingredients are inexpensive, especially when ordered in bulk.
- Premium snack: Customers are willing to pay more for caramel corn.
- Shelf stability: Unlike baked goods or frozen treats, caramel corn doesn’t require refrigeration meaning you waste less product.
- Easy to upsell: Whether sold in individual bags, tins, or gift baskets, caramel corn is ideal for promotions.
Caramel corn profit margins can average 70% or higher. As an example, a 32-oz cup serving of caramel corn costs about a dollar to produce but can retail for an estimated $4.00 or a 75% profit margin.*
(Costs and profit projections are an estimate and for informational purposes only. These projections are not a guaranteed return on your investment. Cost does not include freight, shipping costs, or other miscellaneous supplies. Prices subject to change.)
Why Caramel Corn is a Smart Business Move
If you’ve been hesitating to add caramel corn to your lineup, it’s time to reconsider. With flexible equipment options, simple mixes, countless flavor possibilities, multiple sales opportunities, and a strong profit margin, caramel corn is a smart choice.
For more info on delicious caramel corn and gourmet popcorn flavors, we recommend: