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The 4th of July is already coming up so fast! I love to come up with a fun treat each year, and this year is a patriotic popcorn recipe that is dairy-free and vegan.
Everyone that follows Chemistry Cachet knows I LOVE popcorn!! You see it all the time on snapchat (add: alexisroch) and instagram 😉
Popcorn is the perfect healthy snack option or indulgent treat. There are so many fantastic ways to dress it up, eat it plain, or make something totally different like these healthy kettle corn bars. For years, my mom has always made a Christmas popcorn with almond bark that everyone loves each year. So, popcorn is great for holidays!
For this holiday, I wanted to create something that looked festive, was suitable for all diets, and delicious!
Pin This: Patriotic Popcorn Recipe Vegan & Dairy-Free
- 6 cups popped popcorn (Pop it yourself or buy it already popped)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (see sugar-free options below)
- 1 tbsp water
- 5 drops natural red food coloring (see details under chemist tips)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp water
- 7-10 drops natural blue food coloring
- Dairy-Free dark chocolate chips, melted
- Sprinkles (optional)
- Divide the popcorn equally in half onto baking sheets (3 cups on each one).
- Mix up the red glaze in a small bowl. Add the powdered sugar, water, and food coloring. Stir until smooth.
- Drizzle on one baking sheet, coating as much of the popcorn you want.
- Add red sprinkles while glaze is still wet.
- Do the same procedure with the blue glaze and sprinkles if desired.
- Melt chocolate then drizzle over both sets of popcorn.
- Allow to dry completely for a few hours.
- Once dry combine the two colors (or leave separate if you want).
- Store in an air-tight container until serving.
- Check out the chemist tips below for details on sugar and natural food dye!
Chemist Tips for Making Patriotic Popcorn
This recipe is really simple, but there are some substitutions you can make if needed.
First, always use natural food dye when you can. It is made from fruit and vegetable sources unlike chemical dyes. I buy it on amazon and love this brand. You’re welcome to use anything you have on hand too. Regular food dye will need less drops.
Enjoylife chocolate chips are the best dairy-free option for chocolate!
Powdered sugar is the perfect way to make an easy glaze with food coloring. You can also use sugar-free powdered sugar. Making sugar-free powdered sugar is really simple. I recommend using a baking stevia or one that is granulated.
Here is the quick recipe:
- 1 cup sugar-free sweetener of choice (make sure it is granulated)
- 1 tsp corn starch
Add ingredients to a high quality blender, like a vitamix, or a food processor. Pulse a few times, it will turn powdery in a few seconds.
Be careful, because it will be smokey shortly after making! Let it settle before removing!
I hope you enjoy this! It is such a fun treat for the 4th of July!
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Alexis is an investigative chemist sharing her expertise in cleaning, skincare, gardening, and home hacks. She personally tests out products like the best skincare products or home products then shares not only the science behind how it works, but also her personal results. She is the mom of two living in Texas with her husband. Find her on Instagram for fantastic videos, tips, and behind the scenes.
so colorful and I bet yummy….love mom
It is really delicious!! 🙂
Oh wow, this looks amazing! I love that it’s healthier too. I’m a big fan of popcorn. 🙂
Popcorn is the best! This is a really fun way to have it 🙂
This looks fun and delicious! And very suitable for the 4th of July holiday. Never thought about natural food coloring until today… mind blown. 🙂 Always used those little squeezy bottles from the grocery store. Could you add some salt for a “kettle corn” flavor (sweet and salty)?
I love using the natural food coloring! And it works just as good 🙂 You could definitely add some salt for a little sweet and salty taste!
My goodness, this looks so fun, colorful and yummy! I’ve got to try this out. I love that it’s so simple to make! Hugs…RO
It really is so simple, but super delicious! My family has gone crazy over it lol.:)
So nice & very patriotic for the 4th of July!
Thanks Linda! It is really fun for the 4th!
How fun is this?! And total game changer that there is natural food coloring. SO good to know <3
Green Fashionista
I love using natural food coloring! Definitely a smarter choice 🙂
I never think to buy popcorn as a snack but your patriotic twist makes it sound so delish. Perfect for a sweet treat at a 4th July party!
Popcorn is definitely our favorite snack 🙂 So fun for parties too!