A colorful way to sweeten popcorn for a festive 4th of July treat. With just three ingredients and no baking, this Patriotic Popcorn is an easy, allergy-friendly snack everyone can enjoy. Free of gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanuts and tree nuts — top-8-free.
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We love popcorn at our house. Once my son was able to eat corn, popcorn became a staple snack — sometimes plain, sometimes with coconut oil and salt. It’s quick, crunchy and kid-friendly.
I recently welcomed a new baby, so I’ve been spending a lot of time at appointments and enjoying magazines. I spotted this idea in a magazine and adapted it at home to make it allergy-friendly and simpler.
The original recipe used butter and extra sugar. I substituted dairy-free, soy-free shortening and skipped the added sugar because the flavored gelatin powders provide enough taste. Concentrating the gelatin with the shortening gives the popcorn a bright, tangy sweetness that’s less cloying than standard jello.
This popcorn is perfect for parades, picnics or fireworks. It’s festive without being overly sweet — the tang and crunch make it a fun addition to typical holiday treats.
Kids adore the red, white and blue colors. It was a challenge keeping little hands away while I photographed it, so I let my son hold a bowl to keep him entertained while I worked.
Enjoy this Patriotic Popcorn with family and friends. I’m grateful to live in a place where I can raise my family and celebrate freely. God bless America.
PS — If you need a simple BBQ menu for the holiday, here’s a quick lineup that’s allergy-friendly and top-8-free:
The Best Grilled Lemon Chicken (plan ahead to marinate!)
Corn on the Cob
German Potato Salad (or grab potato chips if you’re in a hurry)
Watermelon
Allergy-friendly Chocolate Sheet Cake
BOOM. Done.
3-Ingredient Patriotic Popcorn
12 cups
20 minutes
5 minutes
25 minutes
A colorful, no-bake popcorn treat made with just three ingredients. Allergy-friendly and festive for any patriotic celebration.
Ingredients
- 12 cups popped plain popcorn
- 1/2 cup dairy-free, soy-free shortening
- 3 oz. package red gelatin
- 3 oz. package blue raspberry gelatin
- Sheet pan with parchment paper
Instructions
- Divide popped popcorn into three equal portions. Keep one portion plain for the white section.
- Spread the other two portions on a sheet pan lined with parchment or foil.
- In two small saucepans, heat 1/4 cup shortening over medium-low heat in each pan.
- Stir one packet of red gelatin into one pan and one packet of blue gelatin into the other. Warm and stir until the powder dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the red mixture over one third of the popcorn and the blue mixture over another third. Use forks or tongs to toss and coat evenly.
- Allow coated popcorn to cool and set, then combine with the plain portion and serve.
DON’T FORGET TO PIN IT!
LOOKING FOR OTHER 4TH-OF-JULY RECIPES? TRY THESE FAVORITES:
3 Layer Patriotic Jello Bundt
Allergy-friendly Patriotic Toast