TikTok’s latest viral food fad is sparking debate: Would you try freezing popcorn?

Free will is a strange thing, because what’s to stop you from taking a freshly popped bag of popcorn and, say, tossing it in the freezer?

TikTok is no stranger to viral food sensations, from the viral cucumber salad to the “onion boil.” Now, frozen popcorn is having a moment online. This latest trend has late-night snackers swapping the microwave for the freezer, turning the classic warm, buttery treat into a crisp, chilled bite that’s sparking debate across social media.

“You’re telling me for 40 years I should’ve been putting it in the freezer first,” asks one TikToker in a now-viral video. After giving it a try, he admits, “It’s actually really, really good.” He praised its firmer, buttery texture and saltiness, adding that the chilled kernels didn’t stick to his teeth. The cool temperature also gave the buttery coating a melt-in-your-mouth quality that leveled up the classic snack.

“It’s like the butter soaks into it,” a person added in another video. Comparing the frozen snack to a freshly made handful, they concluded, “I actually think this is better.”

Recipe developer Nicole McLaughlin from Allrecipes hopped on the trend on TikTok. While she didn’t mention exactly how long the popcorn had been in the freezer, another TikToker suggested freezing it for at least an hour for optimal results. McLaughlin and fellow fans agree that chilling popcorn transforms it into a crunchier, more flavorful snack that’s surprisingly addictive.

The method is straightforward: Pop your favorite popcorn, let it cool, pack it into a ziplock bag, and freeze.

Not everyone is convinced, however. “Who wants to eat cold popcorn?” commented one person under a video. “Freezer-cold popcorn is criminal,” added another. For those who love the warm, buttery scent of freshly popped kernels, frozen popcorn might not be their first choice. But those feeling adventurous could experiment with toppings like truffle oil, cinnamon, or sugar.

And according to the comments section, “Frozen chips are so good too.”

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