Meal Pattern Minute: Flavored Popcorn

Popcorn is a popular, budget-friendly snack that many programs love to serve. It’s crunchy, fun to eat, and easy to prepare for most age groups. But with so many varieties on the shelves, from kettle corn to cheesy blends, you might wonder how popcorn fits into the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements. Before serving it as part of your reimbursable meals or snacks, it's important to know when popcorn credits and when it may not credit. 

 Listen in to this Meal Pattern Minute as Isabel Ramos-Lebron, MS, RDN, LD, provides federal guidance on crediting popcorn in the CACFP. 

Transcript: The answer is that it depends. While plain popcorn can count as a grain, adding toppings like caramel or sugar may be perceived as a grain-based dessert, which are not creditable in the CACFP. Program operators should use discretion and follow guidance for grain-based desserts when evaluating the different types of popcorn. USDA encourages limiting toppings that add sugar, sodium, or saturated fat and suggests healthier alternatives such as herb blends or serving plain popcorn.  

Below are resources to reference to help you serve popcorn in the CACFP. 

• Crediting Popcorn in the Child Nutrition Programs (USDA FNS Memo Code SP23 CACFP10 SFSP09-2019 Revised) 
  • Here’s what to keep in mind when deciding if popcorn is creditable. 
    • Plain, unflavored popcorn is creditable as a grain. 
    • Popcorn with sugary toppings such as caramel, kettle corn, or candy coatings may be considered grain-based desserts. As a reminder, grain-based desserts are not creditable in the CACFP. 
    • Program operators should use discretion and follow USDA’s grain-based dessert guidance when evaluating flavored popcorn products. 
    • USDA also encourages limiting added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat, recommending healthier toppings like:  
      • Herb blends 
      • Savory spices 
      • Serving popcorn plain 
    • When in doubt, always reach out to your sponsoring organization or State agency. 

• Reducing the Risk of Choking in Young Children at Mealtimes 
  • Popcorn is considered a risk for children under the age of four. Please keep this in mind when adding popcorn to your menu. 

Try adding a topping like sour cream and onion or white cheddar for fun flavors the children can explore!

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