Critical DMs: A peek into the MPR News arts team's Slack conversations about Minnesota’s vibrant art scene.
This week, arts editor Max Sparber and arts reporter/critic Jacob Aloi chat about Candyland’s Chicago Mix popcorn.
Max Sparber: Popcorn time!
Jacob Aloi: Even though I'm in Chicago right now, I didn’t manage to get my hands on Chicago Mix. But honestly, is it even truly Chicagoan?
**Critical DMs**: Inside the MPR News arts team’s Slack, where Minnesota art and culture take center stage.
This week, arts editor Max Sparber and arts reporter/critic Jacob Aloi delve into Candyland’s Chicago Mix popcorn.
Max Sparber: So, let’s dig into the popcorn.
Jacob Aloi: Even though I’m currently in Chicago, I didn’t manage to snag any Chicago Mix. But honestly, is it even really from Chicago? It’s more of a Minnesota creation, right?
Sparber: The origins of the mix are a bit murky—popcorn blends have been around for ages. However, the name is a Minnesota original, thanks to Candyland in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Stillwater. Garrett Popcorn in Chicago calls theirs Chicago Mix, and Candyland took legal action.
Aloi: “Chicago Mix” does sound catchier than “Twin Cities Mix.” Sorry, MSP!
Sparber: Exactly. Candyland picked the name because it just sounds like popcorn you’d want to try.
Aloi: Let’s break it down. Candyland’s Chicago Mix combines cheese popcorn, caramel popcorn, and what they call “seasoned” popcorn.
Sparber: The cheese flavor comes from cheddar powder. And for those worried about spicy seasoning—don’t be. The seasoning here is just popcorn oil and salt. I’ve had mixes with hot pepper, but this isn’t one of them.
Aloi: Salt is technically a seasoning—clever marketing!
Sparber: No false advertising here!
Aloi: What I like about it is the balance of savory and sweet, with a bit of extra sodium from the seasoned popcorn.
Sparber: It’s a staple at my place. I eat a lot of it, my girlfriend does too, and our dog constantly begs for it.
Aloi: Do you stock up year-round? I always thought of it as a winter treat until I started at MPR, where it’s the go-to meeting snack.
Sparber: I pick it up whenever I’m near a Candyland. Living close to downtown Minneapolis and having a Candyland a few blocks from our St. Paul office means I get it quite often. I also buy store-bought versions, which have their own charm but usually lack the seasoned popcorn, making the sweet and savory flavors less integrated.
Aloi: Yeah, you need that regular mix to balance out the stronger flavors.
Sparber: I agree. Despite the name, Candyland’s version feels quintessentially Minnesotan. There’s something endearing about the way Minnesotans sometimes downplay their local pride, much like Prince telling Matt Damon he lives inside his own heart.
**Aloi**: Chicago Mix: the Prince of snack foods.
**Sparber**: That’s a fantastic tagline.
**Aloi**: Or maybe we should call it the snack food formerly known as Chicago Mix.
**Sparber**: Chicago Mix: It’s like living in your own heart, Matt Damon. Although, it’s more akin to Vince Vaughn—born in Minneapolis but with a Chicago claim.
**Aloi**: Whatever you call it, Candyland undeniably holds the crown for Chicago Mix.
**Sparber**: By decree!
**Aloi**: It’s odd how the Jucy Lucy took off locally while Chicago Mix doesn’t seem to carry the same weight.
**Sparber**: It’s all about name recognition. The title is catchy but doesn’t quite make it a hometown legend.
**Aloi**: Exactly. If the Jucy Lucy had a different name, like the Santa Fe Lucy, it probably wouldn’t have the same fame.
**Sparber**: Chicago Mix giveth and Chicago Mix taketh away.
