The Cheap 1-Ingredient Upgrade That Makes Popcorn Taste Even Better Than the Movie Theater’s

I have been on a real popcorn kick lately. Freshly popped in the microwave or eaten straight out of a bag, I’m happy however it comes. Usually, I like the buttered kind with plenty of salt (this chef-approved popcorn salt is incredible), but lately, I’ve been experimenting with adding new flavors. 

Winona Pure exclusively makes popcorn sprays in four different flavors: Theater Style, Garlic Butter, Caramel, and Hot Sauce. I have tried all four flavors in a very scientific experiment (spraying them all onto salted bagged popcorn and tasting them), and Garlic Butter is a true standout. That said, Caramel is amazing for those who love sweet popcorn, and Theater Style tastes like the liquid butter you can drizzle on your at the movie theater (makes sense why it’s currently sold out at Amazon). 

The Garlic Butter Popcorn Seasoning Spray contains just five ingredients — non-GMO canola oil, natural flavor, garlic oil, onion oil, and annatto for color — and is sold in packs of two, three, and six. The two-pack is currently 51% off at Amazon, so it’s only $8.24. You can also find all four sprays currently in stock at Walmart, starting at $3.98. Plus, it’s great for more than just popcorn; you can use it to add flavor to potato chips, roasted chicken, baked salmon, and more. 

As a classic movie theater popcorn person, I never imagined spraying garlicky oil onto my popcorn and loving it even more. But it works! The garlic flavor is strong and savory and has some added oomph from the onion oil. Then that buttery note balances it all out, so the garlic and onion isn’t too sharp. 

The seasoning spray comes out in a single line for more of a drizzle than a mist. I spray it onto my batch of popcorn, which stays nice and crispy, then toss it all around to evenly coat every kernel before snacking. Every time I think I’m done, I go back in for a couple more pieces. It tastes just like my favorite garlic sauce from a major pizza chain.

On the back of the bottle, there are suggestions for other ways to use this spray (“popcorn, steak, chicken, fish, veggies, or wherever your imagination takes you”). I haven’t tried any of these just yet, but I’m thinking of spraying some onto my favorite frozen pizza next.