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The Daily Insight

Why is it called Chicago mix?

Author

Robert Guerrero

Updated on February 19, 2026

Bruce said that the random claim-on-the-Internet that Chicago Mix is a century old probably refers to the concept of flavored popcorn, which was sold by Frederick William Rueckheim — the fellow who invented Cracker Jack — in Chicago at the end of the 19th century.

Also asked, what is a Chicago Mix?

Chicago style popcorn is a mix of caramel popcorn and cheese popcorn. It was made famous by Garret's popcorn in Chicago and up until recently it was sold as Chicago Mix®. Originally created in 1988 by Candyland, Inc, Chicago Mix® was trademarked as being a mix of Caramel, Cheese & traditionally seasoned popcorn.

Furthermore, what happened to Chicago Mix popcorn? Candyland holds the trademark to the "Chicago Mix" mark for flavored popped popcorn. Under the terms of the settlement with Garrett Popcorn Shops, also known as CaramelCrisp LLC, the chain will no longer use "Chicago Mix" when it refers to popcorn in the United States.

Subsequently, one may also ask, who came up with Chicago Mix popcorn?

Brenda Lamb came up with the concoction in 1988, and four years later applied for and received the federal trademark.

Why is it Chicago style popcorn?

It's been said that Chicago-style popcorn was inspired by locals who would combine caramel and cheddar flavours into one bag. We were pretty inspired, too. Ours starts with air-popped mushroom popcorn, a kernel that pops into a round, crunchy shape that's perfect for coating.

Related Question Answers

Who makes Chicago mix?

"Chicago Mix" trademark owner Candyland sued Cornfields and other popcorn makers in 2014 to protect the name for its proprietary blend of cheese, caramel and regular popcorn.

Who invented sweet popcorn?

Rueckheim introduced a molasses-flavored "Candied Popcorn", the first caramel corn; his brother, Louis Ruekheim, slightly altered the recipe and introduced it as Cracker Jack popcorn in 1896. Cretors's invention introduced the first patented steam-driven popcorn machine that popped corn in oil.

What is Chicago known for?

Some of the many things Chicago is famous for are: Chicago-style hot dogs, Chicago-style (deep dish) pizza, Maxwell Street Polish Sausage, jazz music, and 1920s gangsters, for example Al Capone. Chicago is also known for architecture, for example the Sears Tower and museums. It is also known for its loyal sports fans.

What is the famous popcorn place in Chicago called?

Garrett Popcorn Shops® The Original Chicago-Style Popcorn.

How long does Garrett's popcorn last?

For maximum crunchiness, protect your kernels from heat and humidity. Bags from our Shop and event and DIY favor bags sold online keep your Garrett Popcorn fresh for about a day. Sealed Tins are good for up to two weeks. Our snack packs and resealable pouches are designed to keep your Garrett fresher, longer.

Is Chicago famous for popcorn?

Popcorn is a big deal in Chicago, in case you weren't familiar. In 2003, it was designated by the Illinois General Assembly as the official snack food of Illinois.

Is Chicago mix trademarked?

Candyland trademarked the Chicago Mix name for flavored popcorn in 1992. The company also filed trademark lawsuits over the name against salty-snack-giant Snyder's-Lance Inc. and Cornfields Inc., which makes G.H.

How long does Chicago mix popcorn last?

When visiting Chicago, stop in Garrett. Be careful if you want to eat the famous Chicago mix (cheese / caramel), don't hold back. They bounce every day and stay fresh for at least 3 days after purchase, but they probably won't last that long.

Where did Garrett's popcorn originate?

First Shop

The first Garrett Popcorn Shops opened at 10 West Madison in downtown Chicago. Believe it or not, it was started by a female entrepreneur who brought her secret family popcorn recipes for CaramelCrisp®, CheeseCorn, Buttery, and Plain to The Windy City.

When was cheese popcorn invented?

The invention of cheese popcorn can be tracked to the creation of flavored popcorn in Chicago at the end of the 19th century. The flavors of cheese flavors typically are white cheddar and yellow cheddar, however, one can actually make any type of cheese popcornas long as you can make the cheese into powder!

Who invented caramel cheddar popcorn?

While we might like to take all the credit for the invention, caramel corn has actually been around for more than 120 years! As the story goes, in 1893 Frederick and Louis Rueckheim came up with the idea to cover popcorn with molasses to sell at the World Fair in Chicago.