How to Make Rainbow Popcorn

Perfect for parties, movie nights-in and snack time, rainbow popcorn has appeal well beyond childhood years! It's fun to make and always brightens up a party table.

Ingredients

180g/6.3 oz popping kernels
2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil (corn, sunflower, peanut, etc.)
180g/6.3 oz fine sugar
2 tablespoons water
1/2-1 teaspoon of four or so different liquid food colorings (four is the recommended amount, as it's easy to handle, reduces the amount of dishes used and it still looks like a rainbow theme)

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:
Popping the Corn

1
Add the oil to the large saucepan. Sprinkle the corn kernels over the base of the pan, in the oil. Put the lid on.
2
Put the saucepan on the stove top. Heat at full heat.
3
Wait for the popping. Every now and then, give the pan a shake to help prevent burning. Shake more often when you hear popping noises.
4
Remove from the heat when you think the popping is done.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:
Making the Colored Sugar Water

1
Add the sugar and water to the small saucepan. Bring to the boil.
2
Stir frequently as the mixture boils. Stir and boil until the sugar has dissolved completely.
3
Pour the sugar water into as many bowls as you have food coloring choices. Add a drop or two of different food coloring to each bowl.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:
Coloring the popcorn

1
Divide the popped corn into as many bowls as you have food coloring choices.
2
Pour one colored sugar water over one bowl of popcorn.
3
Repeat for the remaining colored sugar water and bowls of popcorn.
4
Stir and toss to mix the coloring through the bowls of popcorn thoroughly. It's more fun if you have a helper to do this with.
5
Air dry the bowl of colored popcorn before combining all the colors.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:
Serving the colored popcorn

1
Use one large bowl to combine all of the colored popcorn. Mix well.
2
Serve. You can either leave the large bowl out for everyone to share from, or you can serve in individual containers once the colors have been mixed. The latter method will require lots more dishes or boxes though!

Community Q&A

Question

Does the color come off the popcorn, and would it stain?

Community Answer

The sugar syrup acts as a seal and keeps the colors intact. The coating hardens and if stored properly it will not run or stain. It's very important to incorporate the sugar syrup.
Question

Can you mix the popcorn with color before popping?

Community Answer

No, because the color won't show up. If you want rainbow popcorn, add the color to it afterwards.
Question

Does the sugar syrup have to be cold before putting it over the popcorn?

Community Answer

No, it doesn't have to be cold.
Question

Can I make this recipe the night before it is due to be served?

Community Answer

It's best to make it the day of serving, as it would turn stale overnight.
Question

Can I use honey instead of sugar syrup?

Community Answer

Yes, you can.
Question

Will rainbow popcorn get soggy? Will it get stale if I put it in a container?

Community Answer

It might become soft during storage. If you heat it up in the oven, say 100ºC, for 10 minutes, then it will crisp and serve much better the next day.