The Little Kernel Popcorn Review: Big Flavor, Small Kernel
Popcorn is a universal snack, loved for its crunch and ability to adapt to various flavors. Yet, among the hundreds of brands lining grocery store shelves, one brand is making a subtle but delicious impact. Enter The Little Kernel—a pint-sized, flavorful popcorn brand that’s truly living up to its name.
From Reality TV to Snack Aisles: The Story Behind The Little Kernel
For fans of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, the name The Little Kernel might already ring a bell. It was created by Jacqueline and Chris Laurita, two stars from the hit reality show. The brand made its on-screen debut during the episode A Life to Envy, which aired on July 31, 2016. Chris, with his entrepreneurial spirit, shared the popcorn’s inspiration with the design agency, Flood Creative, explaining that the idea came from their son, Nicholas.
Nicholas, who is on the autism spectrum and follows a gluten-free diet, loves popcorn, but the larger pieces of regular popcorn proved to be challenging for him to eat. To solve this problem, Chris created The Little Kernel—a smaller, easy-to-eat version of the classic snack. But this wasn’t just any popcorn. It was designed with the modern, health-conscious snacker in mind.
Why The Little Kernel Stands Out
The first thing you’ll notice when you open a bag of The Little Kernel is its size. These mini kernels are about half the size of traditional popcorn. But don’t let the smaller size fool you—what these kernels lack in stature, they more than make up for in flavor and convenience.
This nearly hulless popcorn eliminates the annoying experience of getting pieces stuck in your teeth, making it a top contender for best popcorn among snack lovers. It’s also packed with health benefits: The Little Kernel is non-GMO, whole grain, low in sodium, dairy-free, and cooked in 100% pure olive oil. For those of us trying to snack smarter, this popcorn offers a satisfying crunch without the guilt.
And the flavors? They’re nothing short of impressive. As someone who loves a blend of sweet and salty, I was immediately drawn to their Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn. One bite, and I was hooked—the kettle corn is light, crispy, and offers just the right balance of sweetness with a touch of salt.
“Never Surrender to Subpar Snacks”
More than just a delicious snack, The Little Kernel stands for something bigger. With the tagline “Never Surrender to Subpar Snacks,” the brand carries a mission of providing high-quality, enjoyable treats while making a positive impact. In 2016, The Little Kernel pledged to donate a portion of its sales to Generation Rescue, an organization dedicated to supporting families affected by autism.
The brand’s fun packaging further adds to its charm. Each flavor tells a unique story, brought to life through custom illustrations created by Melissa Piombo, the lead designer for the company. These illustrations helped The Little Kernel win the prestigious GDUSA 2016 Graphic Design Award—an accolade that speaks to the brand’s commitment to detail and creativity.
A Popcorn With Variety
Whether you’re a fan of savory or sweet, The Little Kernel has a flavor for everyone. The brand offers six distinct flavors: Naked, Truffle Sea Salt, Sweet and Salty Kettle, Pink Himalayan Salt, Butter, and White Cheddar. Each one is crafted with all-natural ingredients, ensuring you get the best possible flavor without unnecessary additives.
Personally, I’ve found myself gravitating toward the Truffle Sea Salt flavor lately—there’s something about that earthy, sophisticated taste that feels a little more indulgent, like I’m treating myself to a gourmet snack at home.
Where Is The Little Kernel Now?
Although The Little Kernel seemed to have everything going for it—a great story, delicious flavors, and widespread distribution—it has faded from the spotlight in recent years. By 2021, it seems the brand has largely fallen into obscurity, possibly due to larger competitors entering the market with aggressive mainstream marketing. It’s a shame, because the quality and concept behind The Little Kernel truly set it apart.
Despite this, The Little Kernel left its mark, especially for those of us who are always on the lookout for healthier, tastier snack options. I can’t help but wonder if this small-but-mighty brand will make a comeback someday.
Try Something New: The Call to Snack Smarter
While The Little Kernel may be harder to find these days, the good news is that the world of popcorn continues to evolve. If you’re looking for a smart snack that’s as tasty as it is mindful of your health, I encourage you to check out other high-quality, alternative popcorn options. You can find some of my favorite recommendations here: Explore Popcorn Options on Amazon.
Which flavor would you like to try first? Do you prefer a sweet or savory snack? Let me know your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below!
Final Thoughts
The Little Kernel proves that good things really do come in small packages. From its unique origin story to its bold flavors and health benefits, this is a popcorn brand that truly understands what it means to provide a better snacking experience. Though it may have slipped under the radar in recent years, I hope that its legacy will inspire other snack brands to prioritize both flavor and well-being.
*We received The Real Kernel popcorn in exchange for this post. All opinions and our love for snacking on popcorn remain our own.