Make Summer Pop with a Super Snack

(Family Features) When it comes to summer snacking, it’s hard to top the combination of favorite seasonal flavors.

You can enjoy both the sweetness of freeze-dried strawberries and popped popcorn, a whole grain that’s 100% unprocessed with no additives, hidden ingredients or GMOs, in this three-ingredient Strawberries and Cream Popcorn recipe.

Just drizzle white chocolate over popped popcorn then sprinkle with ground freeze-dried strawberries for a perfectly delicious way to meld all your favorite flavors of summer into one easy, convenient snack.

Find more summer snacking solutions by visiting Popcorn.org.

Strawberries and Cream Popcorn

Recipe courtesy of The Popcorn Board
Servings: 4-6

• 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries
• 6 cups popped popcorn
• 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted

1. In small food processor or spice grinder, pulse freeze-dried strawberries until finely ground. Place popped popcorn in large bowl. Drizzle melted chocolate over top; toss until well coated. Sprinkle evenly with ground freeze-dried strawberries; toss until well coated.
2. Scrape onto large parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spreading into even layer.
3. Let stand at room temperature 30-60 minutes, or until chocolate is set and hardened. To serve, break into pieces.
4. Tips: To melt chocolate, place chocolate chips in heatproof bowl set over saucepan of barely simmering water, stirring 3-5 minutes, or until smooth.
5. To melt chocolate in microwave, place chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup. Microwave on medium, stirring every 30 seconds, for 1-2 minutes, or until smooth and melted.

SOURCE:

Popcorn Board

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The beloved bite-sized favorite returns nationwide with new meal options and a social media twist

For years, KFC customers flooded social media with one simple request: Bring back Popcorn Chicken.

Now, after more than three years off the menu, the fast-food chain has answered that call. KFC announced the nationwide return of its iconic Popcorn Chicken, reviving one of the restaurant’s most requested menu items in recent memory.

Originally introduced in the early 1990s, Popcorn Chicken quickly became a favorite among fans who appreciated its crispy, bite-sized pieces that were perfect for dipping, sharing, or enjoying as a quick snack. The menu item disappeared from restaurants in 2023, sparking years of online petitions, comments, and customer requests asking for its return.

According to KFC, those voices did not go unheard.

“We read every comment, every DM, and even every online petition signature,” said Melissa Cash, Chief Marketing Officer for KFC U.S. “The message was impossible to ignore.”

The company says the return is part of its broader “Kentucky Fried Comeback” strategy, which focuses on reconnecting with longtime fans while introducing new ways for customers to engage with the brand.

Three Ways to Enjoy Popcorn Chicken

Customers can now order Popcorn Chicken in several different formats, while supplies last:

• $10 Popcorn Chicken Bucket – A 16-ounce bucket served with four dipping sauces, designed for sharing.
• Popcorn Chicken Big Box ($10.99) – Includes 6 ounces of Popcorn Chicken, two Original Recipe Tenders, medium fries, a medium drink, two dipping sauces, and a chocolate chunk cookie.
• Popcorn Chicken Combo ($8.49) – Features 6 ounces of Popcorn Chicken, medium fries, a medium drink, and one dipping sauce.

Prices and participation may vary by location.

More Than a Menu Item

KFC isn’t just bringing back the food—it is also embracing internet culture.

To celebrate the return, the company partnered with GIPHY to launch a collection of exclusive Popcorn Chicken-themed GIFs featuring Colonel Sanders. The animated reactions are designed to appear alongside the familiar “grab the popcorn” moments that dominate social media during sporting events, reality television, and other viral moments.

The campaign reflects how restaurants are increasingly extending product launches beyond the dining room by engaging customers through social media and digital platforms.

The Power of Nostalgia

The return of Popcorn Chicken highlights a growing trend across the restaurant industry: the revival of discontinued menu favorites.

Major restaurant chains have increasingly found success bringing back nostalgic products after years of customer demand. Limited-time returns often generate excitement on social media while encouraging longtime customers to revisit the brand.

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For KFC, Popcorn Chicken represents more than just another menu option—it is a reminder of a product that helped define the chain for an entire generation of customers.

Whether enjoyed as a quick snack, paired with fries, or shared with family and friends, fans once again have the chance to enjoy one of KFC’s most recognizable comfort foods.

The returning menu item is available now at participating KFC restaurants nationwide while supplies last.

Why This Matters

The revival of Popcorn Chicken demonstrates how customer feedback—especially through social media—can directly influence menu decisions. Rather than relying solely on introducing new products, brands are increasingly looking to nostalgia and fan favorites to reconnect with loyal customers while attracting a new generation of diners.

Related Links

• KFC Official Website
• Yum! Brands
• GIPHY

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(Family Features) If you’re in a tight spot for a last-minute potluck barbecue, don’t just throw together any salad. This Queso Cheese Corn Salad features a zesty homemade dressing and a salad base with a bit of heat (if you dare). Discover more cookout recipes by visiting Culinary.net.

Queso Cheese Corn Salad

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6

Dressing:

• 2          limes, juice only
• 1/4       cup mayo
• 1          pinch salt
• 1          tablespoon sugar

• 2          cans whole corn, drained
• 1          cup chopped bell pepper
• 1/4       cup chopped red onion (optional)
• 1          hot pepper (optional)
• 1          cup shredded queso cheese
• freshly chopped cilantro, for garnish

1. To make dressing: In bowl, mix lime juice, mayo, salt and sugar.
2. In separate large bowl, mix corn; bell pepper; onion, if desired; hot pepper, if desired; and queso cheese.
3. Pour dressing over corn mixture and mix well. Top with cilantro.

SOURCE:
Culinary.net

What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News Food and Drink newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!