Quick flavour for fresh popcorn

I worked at a movie theater for a few years in high school. We cooked popcorn in coconut oil and applied Popcorn Salt (the kind that includes artificial flavorings in addition to the salt) during cooking and at time of serving per customer's request.

For application after cooking we stocked many flavors of a brand of popcorn seasoning known as "Kernel Seasons." Those flavorings range from the expected cheddar and french onion to the stranger marshmallow and caramel.

These flavorings were fun every once in a while but most of them had strong chemical aftertastes. It's quick and easy to apply. Kids have a blast with it. People who object to artificial flavors will not enjoy it though.

You could try something like a powdered ranch dressing mix or some other spice mix for similar results.

The key is adding some salt during the cooking process. It sticks much better that way. Any additional seasoning should be added as quickly as possible after popping while the corn is still "wet" with oil on the surface, again for stickiness.

Yes, there are popcorn flavorings available in most grocery stores. In the US, those can usually be found with the popcorn. The thing that makes popcorn salt different from table salt is that it is very fine, that's why it sticks better. You can turn table salt into popcorn salt in the food processor, or buy popcorn salt. Another fun thing for popcorn is cheese powder

You have to have some oil or butter, salt or powdered flavorings won't stick to dry, air-popped popcorn. Even just a very quick spray of butter flavored non-stick spray (Pam) will help salt and/or flavorings adhere.

My two favorites:

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper - just grind right onto the bowl.
• Nori seaweed, sugar, salt, and dried chiles, powdered. The powdered mix can be stored for quite a while. Original source: http://www.plantoeat.com/blog/2010/12/fusion-popcorn/

My wife's suggestion:

• Brewer's/nutritional yeast (somewhat cheesy, can be an acquired taste)

I like to use pre-blended seasonings for similar reasons to you. They come in little jars that can be shaken over your popcorn. For example.

• Thai Seasoning: http://www.masterfoods.com.au/herbs-spices/seasoning-blends/thai-seasoning/
• Tuscan Seasoning: http://www.masterfoods.com.au/herbs-spices/seasoning-blends/tuscan-seasoning/

I've also used things like curry power and paprika powder.

You still need to throw in some oil or butter in there to make it stick to the popcorn better. And I think some mixes don't taste as good without a little bit of salt.

A very healthy and believe it or not, an addicting popcorn enhancer is Nutritional Yeast. I eat meat and am not a health food nut. It's very like a powdered cheese flavoring but it's not dairy, just yeast.

Favorite at our house is a spice blend (nutritional yeast, garlic powder, cumin, salt, sugar, paprika) called Shane Lyons's "Magic Dust" -- grind everything to a fine powder in a bullet blender.