“Fluffy popcorn” is the newest food trend taking over TikTok. But while most TikTok food trends are worth at least trying out, you should think twice about this one.
The “fluffy popcorn” promises a sweet and crunchy snack similar to Rice Krispies Treats. This creation was popularized by @katelynnnjeaneee, whose video recipe received more than five million views on TikTok.
In the clip, @katelynnnjeaneee melts butter and marshmallows in a pan before adding a cake mix and then folding in the popcorn. She then scoops the “fluffy popcorn” in a bowl and adds some sprinkles.
While the final result looks quite appealing, “fluffy popcorn” made this way actually poses a big health risk. This is due to raw flour in cake-mix, which can result in bacterial disease when consumed.
“Flour doesn’t look like a raw food, but most flour is raw. That means it hasn’t been treated to kill germs that cause food poisoning, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella. These harmful germs can contaminate grain while it’s still in the field or flour while it’s being made,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains on its official website.
Luckily, there is a way to enjoy “fluffy popcorn” without the accompanying risk.
How to Make a Safe Version of “Fluffy Popcorn”
In order to make a safe version of “fluffy popcorn,” follow the original recipe but skip the cake-mix part. You can also swap the cake mix with an instant pudding mix. Check out some safe versions of the recipe below.