Mini-Popcorn With No Hulls? Nope - It’s Even Better. It’s Popghum.

June 22, 2009

ARLINGTON, VA - Popghum LLC, a new and unique snack food company based in Arlington, Virginia, today unveiled a line of what at first glance appears to be mini-popcorn, but when eaten reveals big flavor, a better crunch and - wait for it - no hulls! A triumph of modern food science? As a matter of fact, quite the contrary. It’s all natural, certified organic and very healthy (despite its addictive yumminess).

You might wonder why we haven’t seen this kind of popcorn before. That’s easy. It’s because it’s not popcorn at all. It’s popped sorghum. Or, as the company calls it, “Popghum” - a name that may come to define what its Chief Executive Officer, Dan Gadra, calls the “next generation ‘popcorn’.”

“Popghum is simply a better alternative to chips, popcorn and other similar snacks,” said Mr. Gadra. “It's smaller and easier to munch on than popcorn, it has a better crunch, and it's got fewer calories and less fat. It's high in fiber, protein and iron, and it's absolutely delicious.”

What exactly is sorghum? It’s actually the fifth most produced cereal grain in the world behind corn, rice, wheat and barley, and before more familiar grains like oats and rye. It’s related to corn, and like corn the kernels pop when you heat them.

Popped sorghum has many advantages over popcorn. It looks just like mini-popcorn, but it’s crunchier and it tastes better. It’s a bit sweeter and nuttier, which makes it deliciously addictive, even without seasoning. And best of all, it doesn’t have those pesky hulls, which every parent knows are a choking hazard, not to mention a real pain in the gums!

Popghum also opens up the snacking world to people who have trouble eating foods with gluten or corn. Sorghum is gluten free and it doesn’t contain the protein zein, which causes corn allergies. If you have a corn allergy, though, the company still recommends consulting a physician before eating Popghum or any product containing sorghum. Most of these products are mixed with other ingredients that could contain allergens.

Popghum (the company) isn’t just about snacks. It’s also about sustainability. Its mission actually requires it to donate a percentage of its profits to help save endangered species.

“I’ve always believed corporate responsibility makes life better for us all - even shareholders. At Popghum, we support sustainable agriculture and environmental responsibility not just because it makes us feel good, which it certainly does, but also because it makes perfect business sense,” explained Mr. Gadra.

“Environmental irresponsibility, such as over-development, pollution and the use of harsh chemical pesticides, kills animals and ruins farmland. When entire species disappear, so do their habitats, which contain the lands that give us our sorghum and other ingredients. So you see, by giving back to the environment, we help sustain both it and our business.”

Popghum is currently available in seven scrumptious varieties: Original (no salt added), Fleur de Sel (Premium Sea Salt), Southwestern Chili & Cheddar, Caribbean Adobo, Spicy Cajun Creole, Ethiopian Berbere and Green Curry. Two sweet varieties (Apple Pie Spice and Caramel & Fleur de Sel) are scheduled to debut in the coming months. Single and multiple serving bags will be available in specialty food stores and online by mid-July.

For more information about Popghum and to order, visit www.popghum.com. You may also order directly at www.virginiaspecialtyfoods.com.

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