Salty-sweet popcorn is already elite, but adding miso takes it into that “wait, what is this flavour?” territory. It’s buttery, glossy, deeply caramelised, and just savoury enough that you keep going back for “one more handful”. Perfect for festive movie nights, gifting in little jars, or bringing to a party when you want to be everyone’s favourite.
Ingredients
For the popcorn:
-
3 tbsp coconut oil
-
½ cup popcorn kernels
For the miso caramel:
-
½ cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
-
3 tbsp butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
-
2 tbsp white miso paste
-
2 tbsp maple syrup
-
½ tsp vanilla extract
-
Pinch of sea salt
-
Optional: sesame seeds or nori flakes for garnish
Method
-
Pop the popcorn: Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add a few kernels and wait until they pop. Add the rest of the kernels, cover, and shake occasionally until popping slows. Transfer to a large bowl and remove any unpopped kernels.
-
Make the miso caramel: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine coconut sugar, butter, miso paste, and maple syrup. Stir continuously until the mixture melts and becomes smooth (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
-
Coat the popcorn: Pour the miso caramel over the popcorn and toss quickly to coat evenly. Work fast - the caramel sets quickly.
-
Set and cool: Spread the coated popcorn onto a lined baking tray in a single layer. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes until the caramel hardens. Break into clusters.
-
Finish: Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt, sesame seeds, or crushed nori if you want extra umami punch.
Serving Suggestions
-
Package in glass jars with ribbon for edible gifts
-
Serve in bowls for festive gatherings or movie nights
-
Add crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a sweet-tart contrast
-
Toss with toasted cashews or almonds for extra crunch
The Recipe's Health Benefits
-
Miso Paste: A fermented soybean paste rich in probiotics that support gut health and digestion. Miso contains beneficial enzymes, B vitamins, and minerals like manganese and zinc. The fermentation process creates amino acids that contribute to its distinctive umami flavour while making nutrients more bioavailable. White miso is milder and slightly sweeter than darker varieties, making it perfect for caramel applications.
-
Coconut Sugar: Coconut sugar is often used as a more “natural” swap for refined white sugar, with a deeper, caramel-like flavour and small amounts of minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium. It also contains a little inulin (a type of fibre), which may support digestion. It’s still a form of added sugar, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation.
-
Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that contains antioxidants and minerals including manganese, zinc, and calcium. Unlike refined sugars, pure maple syrup retains beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory properties. It adds complexity to the caramel while contributing trace nutrients.
-
Sesame Seeds (optional): Rich in healthy fats, protein, and minerals including calcium, magnesium, and iron. Sesame seeds contain sesamin and sesamolin, lignans that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They add a nutty flavour and satisfying crunch while boosting the nutritional profile.
Product spotlight: Essentials Plus
Festive season is basically a long stretch of late nights, social plans, and meals that don’t always look like your usual routine, and that’s exactly when a daily baseline matters most. Essentials Plus is designed to support steady energy, focus, and overall wellbeing day-to-day, so you’re not relying on last-minute coffees and sugar hits to get through parties, work, and everything in between.
Think of Essentials Plus as the “foundation” that makes the fun stuff easier: you can enjoy a sweet-salty treat like this miso caramel popcorn, then still feel clear-headed and capable the next morning. When December gets busy, keeping one simple daily habit can make all the difference.
