As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Cozy up with this 6-ingredient spiced chai popcorn—It’s sweet, a little spicy, crunchy, cozy, and perfect for movie nights or anytime cravings hit! Plus, it’s ready in just 10 minutes!

Completed Chai Popcorn in three individual bowls.
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & get this sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!

Why You’ll Love This Chai Spiced Popcorn Recipe

Nothing completes a movie night, study session, or lazy Sunday like a big bowl of freshly popped popcorn. And while classic salty, ‘buttery’, or even sweet and salty popcorn is great, this chai-spiced popcorn is on a whole new cozy level. Sweet, crunchy, a little spicy, and seriously addictive with none of the refined oils and/or chemicals in microwave versions—I dare you to stop at just one handful.

Honestly, popcorn might even beat vegan chocolate in the happiness department (although chocolate coconut balls and vegan soft chocolate chip cookies are great if you’re wanting to enjoy some vegan chocolate too.)! The popping sound, the toasty smell, the fact it ends up everywhere (including my hair)… All part of the experience – pure joy. Plus, it’s easy to make on the stove or in a microwave, is ultra budget-friendly, and this addictive version is bursting with warm spices (chai spice OR pumpkin pie spice work interchangeably!) – perfect to munch while snuggled under a blanket.

You might also enjoy a spiced persimmon smoothie, homemade chai concentrate, or use chai spices for these cinnamon spice almonds.

The Ingredients

Ingredients for Chai Popcorn measured out on a white surface.

Don’t have spices? Grind the contents of chai spice tea bags, use Chai latte powder, or use pumpkin pie spice for pumpkin spiced popcorn.

Recipe Variations

  • Black pepper: (freshly cracked) For a ‘spicier’ chai spice blend.
  • Ginger: Add a pinch for zing.
  • Vanilla: Add some vanilla extract to the oil, OR add vanilla powder to the chai blend.
  • Vegan chocolate: Add cocoa powder to the spice blend, drizzle melted vegan chocolate over the spiced popcorn, or toss in dairy-free chocolate chips.
  • Coconut: Toasted coconut flakes taste amazing with this spiced fall popcorn.
  • Nuts: Add toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and healthy fats.

How to Make Popcorn

Stovetop Popcorn

  1. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat with 1 tbsp oil and 2-3 kernels, covered.
  2. When they pop, remove the pan from the heat for 40 seconds. Add the remaining kernels in a single layer and toss to coat.
  3. Return to the pan over medium-low heat with the lid slightly ajar (to avoid steaming the popped corn), and wait for the kernels to pop. Shake it occasionally to avoid burning.
  4. When the popping slows to every few seconds, remove the pan from the heat.

Unpopped kernels left in the pan? Return those to the heat.

Microwave popcorn

  1. Combine the popcorn kernels and one teaspoon of oil in a paper bag (or a plate-topped, microwave-safe glass bowl).
  2. Fold the top 2-3 times to seal, then place in the microwave upright.
  3. Microwave for 2-4 minutes (4-6 minutes in the bowl), until the popping slows to every few seconds.

How to Make Chai Popcorn

Keep scrolling to the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and recipe instructions.

Process shot showing a small bowl inside bowl of popcorn.
Process shot showing a bowl of popcorn alongside seasoning mix.

Step 1: First, use your preferred method to pop the popcorn kernels. Transfer the popcorn to a bowl and drizzle with the oil, tossing gently.

Step 2: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the sugar and chai spices. Sprinkle the chai spice over the popcorn, toss to distribute, then enjoy your chai popcorn!

FAQs

Do I need to use oil?

Oil helps cook the popcorn, while keeping kernels from burning, and helping the seasonings adhere, though paper bag microwave popcorn may be done without oil. To reduce the amount, use an oil spray to lightly coat the popped popcorn.

How many popcorn kernels do you need?

Popcorn is super affordable. As a general rule, each tablespoon of popcorn kernels makes about 2 ½ cups of popped popcorn.

Can I make it sugar-free?

Absolutely! Simply use your favorite powdered sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

Pro Recipe Tips

  • Use the right pan: When making popcorn on the stove, use a large, heavy-based pan with a glass lid (to monitor the kernels as they pop).
  • Don’t overload the pan: Remember that the kernels need space to pop. Pop them in batches if you only have small pots.
  • To avoid burned popcorn: Shake the pan occasionally and stop cooking when there is a 2-3 second silence between pops.
  • Taste and adjust: Start with half the spice mix and sweetener, then increase to taste.
Completed Chai Popcorn in a bowl against a white surface.

Storage Instructions

Store: Freshly popped popcorn has the best texture when enjoyed immediately. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.

Freeze: In a fully airtight (to avoid sogginess) container for 2-3 months, eating it right from the freezer.

Make ahead: You can prepare and store a batch of chai spice for several months.

Top Tip: Chai spice tastes amazing in vegan hot chocolate, oatmeal, overnight oats, vegan cookies, pancakes, and as a fun (and low-budget) gift!

Completed Chai Popcorn in a storage container.

More Simple Vegan Snack Recipes

If you tried this chai spiced popcorn recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks!

Chai Spiced Popcorn

5 from 26 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Cozy up with this 6-ingredient spiced chai popcorn—It’s sweet, a little spicy, crunchy, cozy, and perfect for movie nights or anytime cravings hit! Plus, it's ready in just 10 minutes!

Ingredients 

  • ½ cup of popcorn kernels
  • 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions 

  • Air-pop the popcorn using your preferred method and transfer it to a large bowl.
  • Drizzle the melted coconut oil over the popcorn and toss to coat evenly.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, salt, and cloves.
  • Sprinkle the spice mixture over the popcorn and toss well to coat.

Notes

  • Use the right pan: When making popcorn on the stove, use a large, heavy-based pan with a glass lid (to monitor the kernels as they pop).
  • Don’t overload the pan: Remember that the kernels need space to pop. Pop them in batches if you only have small pots.
  • To avoid burned popcorn: Shake the pan occasionally and stop cooking when there is a 2-3 second silence between pops.
  • Taste and adjust: Start with half the spice mix and sweetener, then increase to taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 176kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 293mgPotassium: 66mgFiber: 3gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 1mg

Additional Info

Author: Honor
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Asian
Method: Air Pop, Microwave
Diet: Vegan
Tried this recipe?Please tag us at @PlantBasedOnABudget! 🙂
About

Honor

Loves baking, gardening and preparing delicious, compassionate meals for her vegan family of four.

More about Honor
5 from 26 votes (25 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Comments

    1. We haven’t tried out that sub yet so can’t guarantee the results but please let us know how it turns out if you end up giving it a go! 🙂