A method and popping machine for popping different types of popcorn kernels is provided, where the different types of popcorn kernels include at least mushroom type popcorn and butterfly type popcorn. The method includes determining a selected one of the different types of popcorn kernels to be popped in a first popping cycle based upon a selection made by an operator, and then retrieving and using a first set of predetermined cooking temperature set points associated with cooking the selected one of the different types of popcorn kernels during performance of the first popping cycle. The cooking temperature set points determine several items which may include when to heat a kettle of the popping machine, when to signal an operator to take action such as loading kernels or dumping popped popcorn, and when to add sugar if a sweetened popped popcorn type is desired.

A popping and mixing device includes a popping chamber for receiving popcorn kernels and converting the same into popped popcorn kernels. A mixing container receives the popped popcorn kernels from the popping chamber. A mixing motor in mechanical communication with the mixing container configured for rotating the popcorn mixing container.

The coating can have a low-sweetness perception. During manufacturing and processing, the coating maintains a flowability to allow a glaze state of the coating to be applied to a food. Upon cooling, the glaze state of the coating forms a glass state that provides a low-sweetness impact which facilitates application of savory taste perceptions.

The coating can have a low-sweetness perception. During manufacturing and processing, the coating maintains a flowability to allow a glaze state of the coating to be applied to a food. Upon cooling, the glaze state of the coating forms a glass state that provides a low-sweetness impact which facilitates application of savory taste perceptions.

A method of coating a wide variety of foodstuffs with tasty marshmallow material simply by enclosing foodstuffs with marshmallows in the same container that permits gaseous venting, but otherwise secures the enclosed foodstuffs. Microwaving the container for one minute or less causes the marshmallow, responding to the microwaves, to radically expand many times its original size. The expanding marshmallow quickly and conveniently coats the secured foodstuffs in the container with a layer of marshmallow material to produce a tasty food treat. The addition of a stick or other handling means is highly desirable, as is a means of easily extracting the food treat from the enclosure and aids in keeping hands clean while eating the food treat.

A method of coating a wide variety of foodstuffs with tasty marshmallow material simply by enclosing foodstuffs with marshmallows in the same container that permits gaseous venting, but otherwise secures the enclosed foodstuffs. Microwaving the container for one minute or less causes the marshmallow, responding to the microwaves, to radically expand many times its original size. The expanding marshmallow quickly and conveniently coats the secured foodstuffs in the container with a layer of marshmallow material to produce a tasty food treat. The addition of a stick or other handling means is highly desirable, as is a means of easily extracting the food treat from the enclosure and aids in keeping hands clean while eating the food treat.

Apparatuses for melting sugar and similar ingredients for use in the production of sugar-coated popcorn and/or other expanded food products are described herein. In various embodiments, a sugar melter can include a rotating, heated auger that moves sugar through the melter causing it to melt evenly without forming unmelted portions that may clog the melter and/or lead to waste. Various configurations of machines that can produce sugar-coated popcorn with the disclosed sugar melters are also described herein.

A flavoring apparatus for flavoring each of a plurality of popped popcorn is provided. The flavoring apparatus may include a delivery apparatus and control mechanism that selectively steers the plurality of popped popcorn to a conveyor belt housed in the flavoring apparatus. A plurality of spaced-apart cutout recess along an outward facing surface of the conveyor belt are adapted to temporarily retain the conveyed popped popcorn in a spaced-apart arrangement. A plurality of spray nozzles may be positioned adjacent to cutout recesses so as to spray a liquid flavoring onto each of the plurality of spaced-apart popcorn from various spray angles as the popcorn is conveyed to a receptacle.

A flavoring apparatus for flavoring each of a plurality of popped popcorn is provided. The flavoring apparatus may include a delivery apparatus and control mechanism that selectively steers the plurality of popped popcorn to a conveyor belt housed in the flavoring apparatus. A plurality of spaced-apart cutout recess along an outward facing surface of the conveyor belt are adapted to temporarily retain the conveyed popped popcorn in a spaced-apart arrangement. A plurality of spray nozzles may be positioned adjacent to cutout recesses so as to spray a liquid flavoring onto each of the plurality of spaced-apart popcorn from various spray angles as the popcorn is conveyed to a receptacle.

The present invention relates to the field of processing and/or flavouring foodstuffs. In one aspect of invention there are methods and/or devices related to foodstuff suitable for popping, such as kernels, as well as flavouring foodstuffs. In another aspect of invention there is provided a method of and/or device for providing flavouring into a sealed container, comprising providing a container, providing a pod having flavouring therein, attaching the pod to the container, and using the pod to deliver the flavouring into the container. In yet another aspect, there is provided a pod adapted to provide flavouring to foodstuff and/or a method therefor, comprising a housing adapted to holding at least one flavouring, a piercing element, provided within the pod, an attachment mechanism for attaching the pod to a bag or container, and a frangible surface operative in use with the piercing element.