My coworker and I go to Whole Foods a few times a week and always enable each other into buying some impulse sweet or another, typically of the snacky and/or chocolatey variety, and the one time we thought we were going to get out of there with everything we came for but nothing more, we came across bags of chocolate-covered, almond-studded popcorn in – of course – the checkout aisle.
Of course, if you want to add more so that the taste is more powerful, feel free. On the other hand, if you think spicy-sweet isn’t your favorite, or you had a Mexican hot chocolate the other day that made you gag, skip the chili powder all together, or replace it with cinnamon.
Either way, it’s a quick, poppable party mix that’s perfect for a party, or your 3pm snack craving!
Spicy Chocolate Popcorn Snack Mix
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 2 Tablespoons flavorless oil, plus more for popping if using the stovetop
- 2 cups whole raw almonds
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt, optional, or to taste, plus more for garnish
- 1-2 teaspoons chili powder, optional, or to taste, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder, or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon Natvia or other granulated stevia product, adjust to taste
- 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks, melted and slightly cooled
Instructions
- Pop the popcorn. If you want to use the stove top, toss the kernels in 2 Tablespoons of oil in the bottom of a large stock pot and cover. Cook over medium high heat, shaking periodically, until the popping slows to about 2-3 pops per second. Otherwise, pop the kernels in the microwave.
- Transfer the popped kernels to a large, clean bowl or bag (I used a clean paper grocery bag) and toss with another 2 Tablespoons of oil.
- Add almonds and shake again.
- Sprinkle salt, chili powder, cocoa powder and stevia over popcorn, close the bag and shake vigorously to distribute. Taste and adjust ingredients if desired.
- Transfer the popcorn to a baking sheet covered with wax or parchment paper, or a nonstick pad. Spread into an even layer, pour melted chocolate over the top, and toss gently to coat.
- Garnish with additional sea salt or chili powder, if you want.
- Allow the mixture to cool and the chocolate to firm up before serving.
- Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Notes
The almonds weigh far more than the popcorn, so tend to sink to the bottom. If you would like them to stay mixed better, try coarsely chopping the almonds before you add them to the popcorn.
If you are not a fan of spicy chocolate flavors, replace the chili powder with cinnamon or omit entirely.
Yield: About 10 cups
Joanne says
SO true about the Whole Foods checkout line. I am totally guilty of rewarding myself for good behavior on a regular basis with a small chocolate bar of some sort. It’s a problem.
Aaaannnnddd I could totally eat a whole bowl of this in one sitting. Or less.
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
Oh same here, Joanne. I am the worst with the chocolate! This popcorn is SO dangerous. I think the whole bag was gone in about 10 minutes. Not that there’s anything wrong with that!
Lynn | The Road to Honey says
I couldn’t help but laugh about your account on Whole Foods. Who doesn’t spend way to much on food there? But somehow Whole Foods has figured out the recipe to they keep us coming back for more. They just opened up a new Whole Foods by my place. . .it it has a full service spa. . .just what I need. . .another temptation. My hubby has banned me from that store. But let’s get to that popcorn. . .divine! I love that you paired the chili powder with the chocolate. Mmmmm! A zing for the taste buds.
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
A SPA!? I thought the massage chair at my WF was bad. That is so much worse (and by worse, of course, I mean better)!
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
Ohhh, thats a dangerous spot… the checkout line! ‘They’ know just right where to put that stuff, eh? Love your version… popcorn and chocolate is soo tasty and then to add the spice is even better! Perfect for snackin…. but dangerous during a movie (I tend to overeat popcorn, especially during a suspenseful flick)! Thank you Nora!
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
They do! They actually do extensive studies about how to lay out the store so that people will buy more….AND IT WORKS.
You should make this for your next movie night!
Monica says
LOL “twice the GDP of Spain” touche…goodness! Grocery stores are so sneaky though; they purposely put all those delicious snacks and sweets so conveniently, so you can’t help but plop on in your basket at the last possible second (I’m thinking Trader Joe’s too).
Oooh spicy truffles. I think chocolate and spice can be super delicious. I really like Whole Foods’ chipotle chocolate-covered almonds. And then there’s Mexican hot cocoa hehe. But you know how much I basically love all hot chocolate. But anyway, love this popcorn snack mix. Maybe could even rival Garrett’s! 😉
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
Yep, Trader JOe’s is so bad about it too and I always end up buying like 10 extra things!
Yeah give those truffles a try. They are from Vosges. Wait how have I missed those chipotle chocolate covered almonds???
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says
I’m glad I’m not the the only one who falls victim to the Whole Foods trickery of putting everything delicious next to the checkout line. This popcorn snack mix looks amazzing and I love the added spice.
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
Thanks, Nicole!
Amy | Club Narwhal says
Nora, I’m dying over your WF description because it is TOO spot on! Popcorn is my absolute favorite food of all time and I’m always looking for new ways to use it. This sounds like a winner on every single level!
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
Awesome!! I’m glad to give you another excuse to eat your favorite food!