Patent ID: 11864576
Assignee: PERFECT SNAX, LLC
Field: Food chemistry (Chemistry)
Classification: CPC A | IPC A

Claim 0:
1. A method of manufacturing candied popcorn, comprising the steps of:
providing:
a kettle configured to pop popcorn kernels into popped popcorn;
a drum configured to tumble the popped popcorn and to sift out unpopped or undersized popcorn;
a hopper configured to place the popped popcorn onto a tray;
a scarf plate configured to distribute a first dry-ingredient coating onto the popped popcorn;
a first drizzle applicator configured to apply a first layer of an edible adhesive to the popped popcorn; and
a second drizzle applicator configured to apply a second layer of edible adhesive to the popped popcorn;

the kettle preparing a volume of popped popcorn using a wet pop technique;
the drum sifting out unpopped or undersized popcorn;
the hopper transferring a predetermined amount of the sifted popcorn onto a tray;
adjusting the height of the tray relative to a manufacturing belt and placing the tray onto the manufacturing belt;
the manufacturing belt passing the tray under the first drizzle applicator to enrobe the sifted popcorn with the first layer of edible adhesive while the sifted popcorn is maintained within a desired temperature range;
the manufacturing belt passing the tray under the scarf plate to coat the enrobed popcorn with the first dry-ingredient coating while the popped popcorn is maintained within the desired temperature range;
the manufacturing belt passing the tray under the second drizzle applicator to enrobe the previously enrobed and dry-ingredient coated popcorn with the second edible adhesive-while the previously enrobed and dry-ingredient coated popcorn is maintained within the desired temperature range;
cooling the now twice enrobed, dry-ingredient coated popcorn;
packaging the twice enrobed, dry-ingredient coated popcorn; and
wherein 42% to 56% of the twice enrobed, dry-ingredient coated popcorn consists of the edible adhesives and the dry ingredient with the dry ingredient captured between the first and second layers of edible adhesive.