A method for the packaging of popcorn kernels for popping in microwave ovens, in which the method comprises a stage of the dispensing popcorn kernels, a distribution agent, and a flavoring agent into a microwaveable package through an arrangement of independent discharge openings, adapted to supply and dose, respectively, the popcorn kernels, distribution agent, and flavoring agent.

A method for the packaging of popcorn kernels for popping in microwave ovens, in which the method comprises a stage of the dispensing popcorn kernels, a distribution agent, and a flavoring agent into a microwaveable package through an arrangement of independent discharge openings, adapted to supply and dose, respectively, the popcorn kernels, distribution agent, and flavoring agent.

A popcorn salt holding and dispensing system and method includes a container that has a quantity of popcorn therein. The container has a bottom wall and a peripheral wall which is attached to and extends upwardly therefrom. The peripheral wall has an upper edge defining an opening extending into the container. A housing has salt therein and the housing includes a first end, a second end and a perimeter wall extending between the first and second ends. The first end has a plurality of apertures extending therethrough to allow salt from the housing to flow outwardly of the housing through the apertures. The housing is removably coupled to the container with a mounting and moved back and forth over the popcorn to deposit salt on the popcorn.

Nutritious granular materials of fine particle sizes agglomerated within versatile micropellets are useful for inserting significant amounts of nutritious properties into snack foods. Expandable micropellet-containing formulations provide for introduction of fine particle ingredients such as proteins, minerals and other components or desirable nutrients into food processing lines not typically amenable to the fine particle sizes. Micropellet-containing formulations may consist entirely of micropellets, or may contain an expandable starch such as, for example, corn meal, sheeted doughs, and expanded collet products onto which the micropellets may be basted.

Nutritious granular materials of fine particle sizes agglomerated within versatile micropellets are useful for inserting significant amounts of nutritious properties into snack foods. Expandable micropellet-containing formulations provide for introduction of fine particle ingredients such as proteins, minerals and other components or desirable nutrients into food processing lines not typically amenable to the fine particle sizes. Micropellet-containing formulations may consist entirely of micropellets, or may contain an expandable starch such as, for example, corn meal, sheeted doughs, and expanded collet products onto which the micropellets may be basted.

Nutritious granular materials of fine particle sizes agglomerated within versatile micropellets are useful for inserting significant amounts of nutritious properties into snack foods. Expandable micropellet-containing formulations provide for introduction of fine particle ingredients such as proteins, minerals and other components or desirable nutrients into food processing lines not typically amenable to the fine particle sizes. Micropellet-containing formulations may consist entirely of micropellets, or may contain an expandable starch such as, for example, corn meal, sheeted doughs, and expanded collet products onto which the micropellets may be basted.

A popped snack product including a whole grain wheat component including a bran component having a particle size distribution such that at least 70 wt % of particles pass a 212 micrometer sieve. In some embodiments, the whole grain wheat component is present in an amount of at least 20 wt % finished product; 20 wt % to 25 wt % of the finished product; or about 23 wt % of the finished product.

A popped snack product including a whole grain wheat component including a bran component having a particle size distribution such that at least 70 wt % of particles pass a 212 micrometer sieve. In some embodiments, the whole grain wheat component is present in an amount of at least 20 wt % finished product; 20 wt % to 25 wt % of the finished product; or about 23 wt % of the finished product.

Systems and methods for producing sprouted popcorn kernels are provided, which can be popped into sprouted popped popcorn having unique organoleptic qualities. In an embodiment, a system incorporates a germination unit having one or more sensors to track the germination progress of unsprouted popcorn kernels and to automatically transition sprouted popcorn kernels to a drying process to provide dried sprouted popcorn kernels suitable for popping as a ready to eat product or for packaging for consumer popping preparation. The system promotes the preparation of commercial scale sprouted popcorn kernels through tracking of moisture content of the popcorn kernels through one or more processes of sprouted popcorn kernel production.

Systems and methods for producing sprouted popcorn kernels are provided, which can be popped into sprouted popped popcorn having unique organoleptic qualities. In an embodiment, a system incorporates a germination unit having one or more sensors to track the germination progress of unsprouted popcorn kernels and to automatically transition sprouted popcorn kernels to a drying process to provide dried sprouted popcorn kernels suitable for popping as a ready to eat product or for packaging for consumer popping preparation. The system promotes the preparation of commercial scale sprouted popcorn kernels through tracking of moisture content of the popcorn kernels through one or more processes of sprouted popcorn kernel production.