Fluffy popcorn has recently become a viral hit on TikTok as a fun, Halloween-themed snack. This treat is similar to Rice Krispy treats but uses popcorn instead of rice cereal, and is topped with things like sprinkles and candy corn. However, to enjoy this recipe safely, some alterations must be made to avoid potential health risks.
The issue lies in the use of raw flour within the cake mix, which can pose significant health risks such as exposure to harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. Registered dietitian Kathleen Garcia-Benson advises that raw flour should be thoroughly cooked to prevent these food-borne illnesses.
While the TikTok-famous recipe by @katelynnjeaneee, which garnered over 4.8 million views, involves mixing raw cake flour into the popcorn mixture, this practice is unsafe. The original method involves melting butter and marshmallows together, then adding cake mix and folding in popcorn to create a treat-like texture, followed by optional toppings.
Garcia-Benson underscores the importance of baking the mixture to at least 160°F to ensure safety, particularly for populations more vulnerable to foodborne diseases, such as children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems. She suggests spreading the mixture on a baking sheet and baking it at 350°F until adequately heated.
Alternatively, to avoid the baking step, the cake mix can be omitted or replaced with instant pudding mix, which provides flavor without the need for baking. A blend of ¼ cup powdered sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract can also be used to achieve a cake-like taste.
Always ensure safe practice by washing hands after handling raw ingredients and using a food thermometer with the above baking method to verify the internal temperature of 160°F is reached.
