Garrett's Makes Chicago's Most Iconic Popcorn | Legendary Eats

Popcorn is Illinois' official snack food, and Garrett Popcorn has been serving some of the best handcrafted popcorn in the state since 1949. The secret family recipe that's been handed down over three generations is still made in old-fashioned copper kettles with kernels that are grown just for the company. Garrett's handcrafts its popcorn in small batches throughout the day and can make anywhere from 30 to 150 batches daily. The famous Garrett mix consists of a mix of its CheeseCorn and CaramelCrisp flavors, creating a perfect blend of savory and sweet. There's almost always a line at all Garrett Popcorn shops, so Insider's Medha Imam visited one to see how the iconic mix is made and why it's one of Oprah's "Favorite Things."
Editor's Note: Insider visited Garrett Popcorn in March 2020, before Chicago restaurants closed to dine-in service. You can still order popcorn and more for pickup and delivery. For more information, visit: www.garrettpopcorn.com
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Garrett's Makes Chicago's Most Iconic Popcorn | Legendary Eats

[@likeasir5838]

As a chicago native, this popcorn is the BEST

[@elchia7113]

@White lives matter Chicago is one the most diverse cities african american, latino, and other ethnicities

[@fankdaggot8961]

Adam Ahmed It’s also one of the US’s biggest shitholes

[@sweetnezz7781]

Oh man, best popcorn EVER! Miss it 😔

[@RaymondHng]

How does it compare to Cracker Jack?

[@sergeybondarik6689]

Ok

[@hariniobla422]

As a person who visited Chicago, i can tell you this popcorn is NOT overhyped. It really is amazing. I am a health freak and i can resist any kind of candy, chocolate and junk. But when this popcorn comes about, lord i can't control myself :')

[@YuanCrossXIII]

We have Garrett branch in Malaysia as well, it’s REALLY GOOD. Maybe one day we’ll get to go the Chicago ones, but for now, the branch here will do

[@Max1996YT]

@S2-E2 DAWN ALETHEA LOWE EN I suppose it would really be something if movie theaters started selling the Garrett Mix?

[@pututunik8748]

@@YuanCrossXIII wait, a branch, in malaysia??? which city?

[@RaymondHng]

@@pututunik8748 Four in Kuala Lumpur and two in Selangor that are currently open.

[@simply-ml1he]

@@pututunik8748 in klcc and mid valley got one

[@TheDragonaf1]

Imagin coming home from Oprah and your family ask "OMG what did she give the audience? A car? Jewellery? A house? a Holiday???"...."Erm yeah...i got popcorn"...

[@sergeybondarik6689]

Ok

[@bbchocolate9347]

I'd rather have popcorn than jewellery

[@mew02020]

@@bbchocolate9347 ok

[@moldybread6720]

Ok

[@frostbitepokin9520]

Ok

[@karmellekouture17]

I live here and I know for a fact I can’t walk past without buying a bucket! Cheese and caramel 80/20 mix!

[@samantharuazol7928]

T.R. S.-Roberts facts.

[@rayvonrogers3018]

Yes!

[@GemFramboise]

Perfect Ratio! 🙌🏼

[@maryperez1235]

T.R. S.-Roberts it smells so good from a block away

[@jakec6800]

That's sick

[@RG-ns4tb]

I grew up about 5 min away from Garett’s..... and bought it almost every weekend. When I moved out of Chicago, before I got on the freeway out, I went and bought as much as I could fit in the truck! I love it!

[@augustuslunasol10thapostle]

You know the image of a dog in a truck with a comically large amount of garett popcorn is amusingly cute

[@revcounselor]

As a Chicago native I can attest that this is, bar none, the best popcorn in the world. However, their popularity has also driven up the price significantly.

[@bobbywang8283]

Literally every “legendary” food in America is just full of cheese

[@evelynluvss]

*ChEZBUrGeRs PleAse?!*

[@pockit5107]

Yes because cheese is tasty unlike tofu.

[@Amatersuful]

u dont know how to use tofu.

[@alixluu]

Ironically our cheese doesn’t actually contain any cheese

[@autumnlewis4825]

🙋🏾‍♀️... 31 year old American here. Yes, I can verify that most of my favorite foods consist of cheese.

[@ChicStyleReese]

native Chicago girl born and raised in Hyde park and I will NEVER pass up Garretts. like ever. I had Garretts in Tokyo that's how much I love it.

[@aracesista]

I’ve tried one in one of their stores overseas and I can’t get over how good it is omg

[@sphrcl.]

I was going to say a popcorn pun, but it was too corny.

[@Gauravsharma-ej8eo]

Nice 🌞

[@SlipDjab]

Ok...ok...I see what you did there.👍

[@bigpapichurro5197]

BOOOOO

[@dailydemoan6296]

Don’t worry it’s funny 😂

[@PLefevre95]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@thatswote4186]

"Handcrafted popcorn" What the hell do you expect, fresh out the freezer popcorn?

[@asmar5793]

Kernel pop

[@tidepodpadthai2633]

Bagged popcorn, I guess Like the stuff you just put in the microwave

[@churchgir1]

bagged kernels

[@kittenmimi5326]

@@tidepodpadthai2633 well this end up being bagged aswell.... If its the bagged popcorn you still put kernel n butter etc if you pop it in the microwave in a bag or an air popping popcorn machine or a pan... it isnt like one is "handmade" n the other is not... Ppl just say handmade blah blah every opportunity when selling stuff coz thats more appealing I guess...

[@andrepavatoni]

Well, the popcorn you can buy in some cinemas here is made at a central place 1-2 days before it gets sold to customers. I‘d say that‘s the opposite of handcrafted, fresh popcorn.

[@christophergoodman404]

If you grew up in Illinois, there's nothing better when it comes to snacks.

[@randomthoughts4996]

Its divine... I bought 2 buckets to bring back home to India from Chicago last year. It stayed fresh for a week. And its so yum.. so different from any other popcorn I've eaten before

[@aimobutt]

"I don't like to mix sweet and savory." Medha, have you ever heard of chaat!

[@rajvishukla458]

CHAAT YUM

[@ShahiMehndi]

Many chaats now are sweet and savory but not all. Chaat just means salad. A lot of chaats are not sweet at all. Especially those from certain regions. They are tangy and spicy.

[@aishanna]

She clearly says SHE doesn't like to mix sweet and savory.

[@ranjanbiswas3233]

Chaat is not that good though.

[@frostbitepokin9520]

Nah, she only eats cheeseburgers

[@buddhahoo1]

Went to Chicago for a conference. Of course everyone couldn't wait to go to a famous deep dish pizza place. But let me tell you I was blown away when I just happened on Garrett's. Me and my daughter could not wolf the Chicago mix down fast enough. Went back for more every day we were there. Had withdrawals when we left.

[@lovelybabyb00]

I went on a work trip to Chicago in 2019 from Toronto and brought this back for my coworkers to try. It was gone within less than 5 minutes. Everyone loved it!

[@ARSZLB]

2:17 YOOOO did i see that right on the sign behind her?! i NEEEEED buffalo ranch popcorn in my life right nowwwwwww

[@CadyVirina]

I've had Garrett's in Singapore and the Cheese Popcorn is insanely yum!!! I used to always give it to my friends as souvenirs when I visit Philippines.

[@cisse-bergerana6322]

She’s one of the sweetest host with her small voice !

[@bowenzhou5402]

cissé-berger ana u right😂

[@GemFramboise]

I love her energy ☀️

[@samaemeia3870]

She honest And she actually eat the food Unlike most of the previous host

[@emmal1399]

her reactions look real

[@elisabethfanfan9560]

Rught shes honest diesnt make fake facial expressions and seens to be around

[@youtubesicka4636]

"I don't need a husband, I only need Garret's popcorn"

[@InsiderFood]

Love Chicago? Billy Goat Tavern, established in 1934, is a burger institution in Chicago. Check out the Legendary Eats episode here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKTInmh5gNNgps0

[@sham9505]

Ok

[@hasitdawnedonyou]

We have it in Asia and it’s out of this world! Thank you for amazing popcorn!

[@briansivley2001]

As a Chicagoan you're welcome😜😜😜😜😜😜😜.

[@lutafee902]

Everything in Chicago: iconic

[@SalamBustanji]

Garrett’s is my absolute favorite! If I could eat one thing for the rest of my life, their caramel crisp popcorn would be it. ❤️

[@guidingstar814]

Salam Bustanji can I ask how much it cost?

[@GemFramboise]

I will totally join you! 🙌🏼

[@SalamBustanji]

Guiding Star 6$ - 22$ depending on the size and toppings

[@terrijdavis1953]

I’ve stood in line for over an hour to get this popcorn, it’s that good!❤️

[@sadaderlangga17]

"Maybe not the healthiest" *I SEE THIS AS AN ABSOLUTE WIN*

[@sarcasm8yearsago377]

I like your pfp 😌👍

[@rinyaratpattanakositwong8708]

I love your PFP 🧀🧀

[@octaviacarrero-falkner920]

I still love Garrett's to this day when my family members come home to Chicago's that's the first thing they want Garrett's Popcorn and then deep pizza❤❤❤❤❤🔥🔥

[@joel4214]

Ahhh i love garrets. I live in the windy city and it’s one of the greatest things we have here!

[@dnachistatrax1029]

So glad they put one, closer... it's in my old neighborhood! The pecan/almond caramel crisp (aside from the Chicago Mix) are my favorites!

[@bobbrooks123]

I can feel it exploding in my mouth which is pretty good.

[@jdrayton7224]

Your a naughty boy

[@Russia_Moscow_countryhuman]

I’ve had this and it’s literally amazing as hell. Whenever I go to Chicago, I grab some before going back home

[@VannieEats]

The popcorn looks so tasty 😍

[@rayvonrogers3018]

It is!

[@elchia7113]

As a chicago native, I can confirm that it is VERY delicious, but it ain't cheap because of high demand, which just goes to show how popular it is

[@necrosegamingreaction]

You can get some shipped to your house

[@rinyaratpattanakositwong8708]

Winning game to the popcorn 🎮⚽️

[@Seirryu-heart8]

Sweet and salty combinations in food is soo good… both enhances the flavour of the other.

[@michaelnobles2643]

Love Garrett’s popcorn! The best!

[@slumberpartybard6355]

i’ve never heard of Garett’s popcorn before...

[@CCP-Lies]

Yes it's so good especially the chocolate and cheese

[@jordanwashington1854]

Love a nice Chicago Mix! Used to get them a lot during work breaks when I worked downtown.

[@sandraaviles-wilkes7036]

Just received my order and the popcorn mix is AMAZING DELICIOUS!!

[@eggybread.]

Food insider at the end of the decade: 'WoRsT fOOd trEnDS OF tHe decADe'

[@evelynluvss]

LOL

[@SCP--rj8hm]

They actually did this, and it was hypocrisy ridden.

[@leonidlaevskiy3713]

Nothing is better than a crispy caramelized popcorn , makes my mouth water 🤤💯

[@janetslater129]

I absolutely love having Garrett's whenever I am in Chicago!

[@theyarnkitty]

My favorite popcorn! And they employees are so friendly!! 🍿💖

[@shawnpasco8513]

There goes my diet 😂

[@GemFramboise]

Wait, do I see popcorn on your profile pic...that’s so cool 👍😊

[@shawnpasco8513]

Gem Framboise lol ya

[@anniebvl]

Popcorn without all the sauces can be eaten while dieting tho. One of my nutritionists recommended that to me as a snack a few years ago. Popcorn is really light just like puffed rice.

[@shawnpasco8513]

just a random person lol good to know

[@sergeybondarik6689]

Ok

[@Irfan87]

A lot of Garrett's outlets here in Singapore, so thankful for it. Best popcorn period.

[@Lyniquechunte]

Chicago born and raised and this popcorn is soooooooooooooooopo good!!!!!! Its the best popcorn you have had in your life!!

[@TheMaskofVegito]

Totally not overrated. I bought some in Chicago on a trip there and it's delicious, particularly the chicago mix of cheese and caramel. They also have nuts mixed into it, pecan was amazing!

[@rohitpathak4354]

Medha Imam "I don't like to mix my savory snacks with sweets" Also Medha Imam in Portilo's video "The right way to eat these french fries is by dipping them in chocolate cake shake" LOL!!!

[@gustavowoltmann1623]

Garrets is a legend !! love it !!

[@tylerholland4652]

My cousins live right outside of Chicago and whenever they came to visit my family back in NJ, they would always bring Garrett’s popcorn. Such a treat

[@Solar_Nept]

Garrett’s is so good, it’s such a Chicago Classic :)

[@doddabarfi]

Imma tell you the ingredients 😂 water, jagerry, honey, chocolate, coconut butter, cocoa solids & cinnamon,

[@naritruwireve1381]

Hold up, how'd you know??

[@luyandamlambo5803]

@@naritruwireve1381 probably knows someone who worked there

[@m.rizqihudaya8288]

@@naritruwireve1381 it's pretty easy to notice once you eat it so yeah

[@Powerpuff772]

Ayyyyeeee fellow Indian 😂 Jaggery. Lol they don’t use jaggery here.

[@nejiiosama6016]

this is wrong 🤣

[@achuchi2078]

Whenever I arrive back home from school, it’s always a treat to grab some Garrett’s at O’Hare

[@wkrk12]

When I visited Chicago as a kid my Dad and I got a bag of this, ate it outside the front door in about 5 minutes, and then walked right back in for another

[@bananasenpai]

Tried this at Singapore and by far still the best popcorn I've ever eaten. Can't wait to try out the OG over at Chicago!

[@scceeeeetv9329]

Its so good in chicago

[@NaiBreeze]

Not locally known as "the chicago mix," that's what we call it here in Detroit as well. I don't even like popcorn, but I love the Chicago mix!

[@Appaddict01]

It is called the Chicago mix in Chicago.😂

[@nylaturpin622]

I'm a Chicago native and I promise you this is the BEST popcorn I've ever had. Garrett's has a spot in Lenox Mall in Atl but it is not the same. When I get homesick for the taste I order it online.

[@whoaitsreesy]

It’s way better than movie theater popcorn!😊

[@twdjt6245]

Didn’t know this was a Chicago original....I bought some on a snack subscription site before (wasn’t the garret brand name but had the same flavor combo) and it was the best popcorn I’ve ever tasted.

[@nicolemarshall1574]

I’m from Chicago and when I was 7 we went there all the time downtown and that was the first place we go now I’m 15 years old and after quarantine we plan on going back there for the popcorn

[@lvsweets]

My city and so proud of our awesome eats

[@edmundyhee7687]

We have it here in Singapore. Garrett makes real popcorns. Once you have tasted Garrett's, you will doubt what you have eaten all along these years at cinemas.

[@jjuicyxix]

I got this for my dad for his birthday and now this is the only ad I see

[@kamalkulshreshta4041]

I was on diet and accidently clicked it and start watching... Now: no diet... I will eat noodles

[@sergeybondarik6689]

Ok

[@lilacsanctuary3323]

This reminds me of a popcorn place i used to get at my mall! Trust me the cheese popcorn would always be finished before we got home. But the place also shared its side with another shop.

[@ineshadixon1377]

I go there every time I visit family in Chicago. By far one of their best trademarks!!!

[@rushitpalesha4058]

“I don’t mix my sweet n savoury”, says the same person who dipped her fries in the portillos cake shake

[@Brick_Squared]

So she's a freakin' liar! Hahaha!

[@rushitpalesha4058]

id call her somewhat self contradictory

[@MooninLeo]

I had to look it up but it looks like this video is older than the cake shake video which means she probably really never used to mix sweet with savory before this video. Must have liked this mix because she dipped her fries in the cake shake AFTER this video. I hope this makes sense

[@ohwow9910]

@rushit palesha true

[@duckwalter3502]

The popcorn looks so DELICIOUS 😍😍😍😍🤤🤤🤤❤❤❤

[@jazminmascorro334]

it is true, can confirm.

[@lisettebrown8317]

I live here and it is the best popcorn I have ever tasted.

[@nellgrill3845]

Agree !!

[@gilangmukti5798]

This food is legendary but not to mention that i would give props to the Host. She has that positive vibes that making this very enjoyable to watch.

[@aryas6936]

omg i love this popcorn, been to the usa twice and i would always buy this lovely garrett popcorn

[@hanireza]

Finally something from Chicago.

[@arielklay23]

I haven't had Garrett's version, but I *have* eaten the cheese and caramel popcorn combo and it's *very* good!

[@thomas45081]

I just found this video when searching for Garrett popcorn, because I'm sitting here in Dallas eating some that my daughter brought me when she flew in from Chicago last night. Damn! this is some good popcorn!! I got some cheesy, buttery, and spicy kind ... but REALLY GOOD!

[@alli0916]

I remember always getting this at the train station before and after getting on the train. And yes, a lot of people love popcorn here.

[@thehealinggarden7850]

I miss having this in the winter when it’s fresh 😭

[@itsnewzie]

Love their caramel popcorn 🍿

[@user-pp3wi6vb1g]

We used to have a Garrett Store here in Kuwait. It closed, but I must say, it remains a delicious part of my childhood.

[@jaimebendo5053]

Just finished me a bag myself. Love it!

[@skippss01]

Chicago is my favorite city in the US! There's no place like my home!

[@enjoymylife]

Watching a video of sensual popcorn. Your video looks really real.

[@kimberlyanderle]

This is the best stuff EVER!!!!!

[@insomnialemon]

Garrett’s really is the best 🥺

[@harisharpindoful]

Indonesian : We fly to Singapore just for Garrett Chicago Mix 😄👍

[@MultiCklee]

U must be rich ....only wealthy Indo(s) can afford such splurge

[@tobz1693]

@@MultiCklee Just indo, indons have bad conotation for indonesian.

[@Hana_37]

So true! Lol

[@kartikaa.8104]

True, i miss going to Singapore for Garrett popcorn 😂

[@dinofinger]

Malaysia, KLCC have one (just saying we r cheaper than Singapore 🤭)

[@Pleboa]

mmm gotta love that sweet and savory combrination

[@CloudGGMU]

I went to Garrett's in Singapore, originally planning to only buy it for my friends back at Indonesia but ended up buying three extra bags because its that good!!

[@forevercomescrashing]

I grew up in Illinois and where I live we had a shop called Karmelcorn. They sold Icee slushes and many different flavors of popcorn but everyone I know got a Mix. I remember the first time I had Garett, I was blown away by how much better it was. Now I go to a local place called Holland's Popcorn and their Holland's Mix is comparable to Garrett. Unfortunately a company in Minnesota trademarked the name Chicago Mix, but just like the Sears Tower we don't call it by it's renamed title. We call it what it is. Chicago Mix

[@walkerwhere1948]

I loved the movie theaters when still more common music that takes me back only listening to new rock bands like the delta parole gives me the epic movie feelings.

[@morgan.r_taylor]

I tried this, it's legit heaven 😍 a bit pricey, but if you're in the area definitely stop by for a small bag!

[@alishacarr-bennett5643]

Omg I love they popcorn one of the things I missed the most in Chicago glad I can order it online

[@debonaireslots]

I am from Detroit, and every time we go to Chicago for a weekend trip we stop at Garrett's... delicious

[@hk5322]

Chicago mix is my style, bought it at least once a month. And the nearest garrett store from my city is 90 minutes by plane

[@purberri]

Best caramel corn ever I always buy when I go thru Chicago airport. The cheese breaks the sweetness of the caramel.

[@alitzamartinez4858]

When I travel through the airport of Dallas Its a must buy My favorite 😍😍😍😍

[@gigi-gc8gu]

Chicago native. As a child I loved the cheese but now that I’m older I love the Carmel. I always get the Chicago mix :)

[@Lia-uo8ig]

Ayeeee who else is from Chicago 😂

[@sids3479]

Me

[@notmedude]

Sorry

[@zhaoxinyang4333]

I live in sg and once in sentosa I saw a garret popcorn shop, idk if it’s the same shop but the logo is the same

[@Lia-uo8ig]

Zhao Xin Yang it probably is! It’s just a another garrets popcorn chain

[@sweetnezz7781]

South side ❤

[@patarends813]

It’s Christmas Eve and I’m eating a tin of Garrett’s while absolutely hammered, and yet I still feel like punching a wall listening to her pronounce caramel

[@helpgirlimhavingalifecrisis]

That’s how you pronounce it though 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@mriz7258]

Garretts is the best thing Chicago brings to Singapore!!

[@KatKiddEnt]

We used to call it Downtown Popcorn because we had to go downtown Chicago to get it. That’s one of the best things about hanging out there! ❤️❤️❤️

[@KatKiddEnt]

@MasteroMatter That’s where they began. They had 2 locations downtown, and one on the south side. I’ve heard there’s a location down here in Georgia, where I am, now. I haven’t been there, tho.

[@riewonggg]

oml 🤩😩 i want them so badly 😭😭😭

[@rinyaratpattanakositwong8708]

OMG BIG POPCORN!! 🌸🧘🏻‍♀️

[@Kanal7Indonesia]

Now I want me some popcorn 🍿

[@CS-qc7np]

Love it!

[@sindotj]

You made my mouth water just for a popcorn...