Poppington's Review: Popcorn Clubs

You know that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you're sharing a treat with friends and family? That's exactly what inspired Poppington's Gourmet Popcorn club. When the founders noticed there wasn't a single popcorn shop in downtown Greenville, SC, they decided to change that - and since opening in 2012, their gourmet popcorn shop has been delighting local customers. In 2023, new owners Skyler and Brittanie Burkett took over, bringing fresh energy and creative new flavors that have helped transform this local favorite into a destination for popcorn lovers everywhere.

Popcorn subscription prices have gone down...

We were excited to discover that Poppington's has substantially lowered their prices since the last time we reviewed them. The 3-month subscription is $85 (down from $114), and the 6-month option is $167 (previously $228). You can also choose a one-time purchase for $36.

...but shipping fees have doubled

Unfortunately, Poppington's may be recouping the cost with higher shipping fees. Where shipping used to be calculated around $12 at checkout, it's almost doubled at $23.12 for UPS Ground.

Try four flavors per shipment

One more thing has changed since the last time we took a look at Poppington's. Where their popcorn subscription boxes used to contain three distinct flavors, they've since added chocolate varieties to their offerings, bringing each box's contents up to a whopping four gourmet popcorn flavors each month. Poppington's is perfect if you're someone who loves trying new flavors rather than getting stuck with large quantities of the same thing. Each variety comes in a 4-cup bag and follows a carefully-curated calendar of flavors that balances classic favorites with adventurous combinations.

Sweet, savory, and everything in between

Poppington's flavor lineup includes everything from comforting classics to bold innovations. Here's a taste of what you can expect throughout the year:

• Spring brings creative options like Havarti Dill and Lemon Chiffon Kettle in April, followed by Jalapeño Pepper and Churro Caramel in May
• Summer heats up with unique flavors like Cotton Candy, Golden Cheddar, and Tuxedo Chocolate
• Fall and winter feature seasonal specialties like Caramel Apple, Harvest Time, and festive options including Christmas Tree Cake and Peppermint Mocha

Leans toward sweeter popcorns

There are a couple of drawbacks to keep in mind with this popcorn of the month club. For instance, you can't choose specific flavors, and Poppington's does reserve the right to make substitutions if needed. Also, some subscribers have mentioned feeling like the boxes contain too many sweet popcorn flavors and that they'd love to see more savory selections. That said, these things are not out of the ordinary when it comes to popcorn of the month clubs, and might not be of concern to you at all.

Gift-giving details for Poppington's popcorn club

Sending Poppington's popcorn of the month club as a gift? You can add a personalized touch with a handwritten message on their custom notecards - just look for the gift message box under the payment section when ordering. Keep in mind that if you're planning to start someone's subscription, timing matters: orders placed after the 15th of any month will begin with the following month's shipment. You also can't select a specific delivery date.

No returns for perishables

Poppington's return policy is pretty typical for a company selling perishables. You can't return food items unless they're clearly defective (for example, the bag is torn), and if you receive an incorrect item, don't open it - reach out to their customer service team directly for resolution. During warmer months, don't panic if your chocolate-covered popcorn arrives a bit melted - just pop it in the fridge for about an hour. Also worth noting: once your order is prepared, they can't cancel it or issue store credit if you change your mind.

Not as many online reviews as some rivals

While Poppington's has earned an "A+" from the Better Business Bureau, it's difficult to find reviews specifically about their popcorn club subscription. That makes it hard to evaluate how reliable their shipping and customer service are, which could be a reason to choose another popcorn club if you're purchasing a monthly subscription as a gift for someone else. However, there are plenty of positive reviews for their Greenville, SC location on Yelp. Customers who've tried their popcorn love their diverse flavor selection. One enthusiastic reviewer raved about their spicy dill and Chicago mix varieties. Another called the Birthday Cake flavor "insanely delicious".

Pricier than some, but great quality

Poppington's popcorn club is pricier than some alternatives with its moderate monthly portions (about 12 cups), and it may not be the perfect pick for gift-giving due to limited shipping date customizability. However, you're still getting something special here - the chance to explore four unique flavors in each shipment, all while supporting an enthusiastic small business that really knows their kernels. Poppington's club could be an excellent choice if you're treating yourself or someone you love to a gourmet popcorn subscription.

Learn More  ➜

On the Poppington's website