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    Home » All Recipes » Appetizers

    Palomitas Seasoning Mix

    Published: Nov 4, 2022 · Updated: Jun 10, 2025 by Maggie Unzueta

    This Palomitas Seasoning Mix will take your movie night to the next level. It’s a spicy and sweet combination that makes this munchable snack even more enjoyable!
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    Spicy palomitas sitting in a white bowl and topped with the seasoning mix.
    Spicy palomitas sitting in a white bowl and topped with the seasoning mix.
    Palomitas topped with Spicy Seasoning Mix

    This Palomitas Seasoning Mix will take movie night to the next level! 

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Table of Contents

    • 1 What are palomitas?
    • 2 Ingredients
    • 3 Instructions
    • 4 Mexican Toppings for Popcorn:
    • 5 Other Mexican Snacks:
      • 5.1 HUNGRY FOR MORE?
    • 6 Palomitas Seasoning Mix
      • 6.1 Ingredients
      • 6.2 Instructions
      • 6.3 Notes
      • 6.4 Nutrition

    What are palomitas?

    Palomitas translated into English means “popcorn.”

    It’s one of my favorite snacks ever!

    Just as in the US, popcorn in Mexico is sold at movie theaters, sports games, concerts, etc. 

    We have some interesting toppings in Mexico. Keep reading to learn more.

    I like to sprinkle it with this easy popcorn seasoning recipe. Spicy, sweet, delicious!

    Ingredients

    The ingredients needed to make the Palomitas Seasoning Mix labeled and sitting on a white marble surface.
    • Popcorn – Pop some fresh from kernels, in the microwave, or pick up a bag from the grocery store. 
    • Salt enhances the flavors of the popcorn and other spices. 
    • Sugar for balance
    • Oregano adds a robust herby taste. 
    • Cumin is earthy and warm. 
    • Garlic Powder is pungent and tasty. 
    • Chile de Arbol is spicy. Swap out for paprika if you’re not into really spicy food.
    • Red Pepper – Either flakes, crushed, ground, or look for red chili powder or ground cayenne.

    Want to spice it up even more? Try adding ½ teaspoon more of the chile de arbol or add ½ teaspoon of ground chipotle. 

    Instructions

    Making the spicy popcorn seasoning mix in a white bowl and added to cooked popcorn.
    • Combine all the spices in a bowl. 
    • Spray the popcorn with butter spray or add melted butter.
    • Pour the seasoning mix over the popcorn. 
    • Toss to combine. 

    Popcorn is best when it is freshly popped. Bagged popcorn doesn’t last more than a few days. 

    I suggest adding a little of the seasoning mix at a time. Add more or less depending on personal taste. 

    This is a working recipe, a starting point. Adjust as you see fit. 

    Double the batch and save some for later. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 months.

    Popcorn topped with seasoning mix in a glass bowl.

    We have some rather unusual toppings in Mexico.

    Mexican Toppings for Popcorn:

    • A very popular topping is hot sauce like Valentina or Tapatio. 
    • Pickled jalapenos are tangy and sweet. 
    • Ketchup. Yes, ketchup, the same red tomato sauce used on top of hot dogs. 
    • Mayonnaise. Or, a mixture of mayonnaise with ketchup. 
    • Tajin is tangy, sweet and a little spicy. 
    • Lime juice makes popcorn zesty and bright. 
    • Chamoy is syrupy and spicy, often paired with candy and other antojitos. 
    • Butter. A classic that is enjoyed all around the world.

    Not all of these are found at movie concession stands, but you will find some, if not several. Don’t knock them til you try ‘em. 

    A large glass bowl with palomitas seasoning mix surrounded by spices.

    Other Mexican Snacks:

    Chicharrones de Harina

    Pepinos Locos

    Tostilocos

    Mexican Fruit Cups

    This Palomitas Seasoning Mix is a delicious combination of flavors. Make it for movie night, game day, or as an afternoon snack. So tasty!

    HUNGRY FOR MORE?

    Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter for my latest recipes and videos.

    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

    Spicy palomitas sitting in a white bowl and topped with the seasoning mix.

    Palomitas Seasoning Mix

    This Palomitas Seasoning Mix will take your movie night to the next level. It’s a spicy and sweet combination that makes this munchable snack even more enjoyable!
    5 from 20 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 3 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 8 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 cups
    Calories: 55kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 6 cups popcorn (already popped)
    • 1 tablespoon salt
    • ½ tablespoon sugar
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
    • ½ teaspoon ground oregano
    • 1 teaspoon ground chile de arbol
    • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes or powder
    • butter spray (or melted butter)

    Instructions

    • Pop the popcorn.
    • Meanwhile, mix the seasoning ingredients in a bowl.
    • Spray the popcorn with oil, or drizzle with the melted butter.
    • Add little by little to the popcorn until you reach desired taste.
    • Toss to combine.
    • Serve and enjoy.

    Notes

    Chile de Arbol – Swap out for paprika if you’re not into spicy. 
    Red Pepper – Either flakes, crushed, ground, or look for red chili powder or ground cayenne. 
    Want to spice it even more? Try adding ½ teaspoon more of the teaspoon chile de arbol or add ½ teaspoon of ground chipotle. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 55kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 1187mg | Potassium: 86mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 639IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

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    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the face behind In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been publishing Mexican recipes and creating delicious recipes since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 20 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Laura Arteaga

      November 14, 2022 at 12:28 am

      5 stars
      We tried your spice mix for our palomitas on our classic Friday movie night and we loved it! especially the spicy touch form chile de arbol. We made them with sweet paprika for our kid, and he really liked his too!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        November 21, 2022 at 12:41 pm

        Glad you enjoyed this recipe.

        Reply
    2. Alex

      November 13, 2022 at 11:40 pm

      5 stars
      I made this for a party and everyone wanted the recipe! It was a total hit.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        November 21, 2022 at 12:42 pm

        Happy to hear you liked it.

        Reply
    3. Erin

      November 13, 2022 at 11:19 pm

      5 stars
      I wasn’t quite sure about this but I made it and LOVED it! I never want plain popcorn again.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        November 21, 2022 at 12:42 pm

        Thanks. Gracias.

        Reply
    4. Loreto

      November 13, 2022 at 4:06 pm

      5 stars
      I absolutely love popcorn, and to think of the flavor that this spice mix brings to it has me craving this do much. Thanks so much for sharing! This brings popcorn to the next level!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        November 21, 2022 at 12:43 pm

        Thanks for your comment.

        Reply
    5. Evi

      November 12, 2022 at 5:31 pm

      5 stars
      I tried this on some popcorn and it was so good! I’ve never had anything like it before, but the spice and flavor are really good. I also sprinkled some seasoning on my eggs this morning, and it was also delicious!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        November 21, 2022 at 12:44 pm

        Very delicious. Thanks for your comment.

        Reply
    6. Helene

      November 12, 2022 at 4:24 am

      5 stars
      I must admit that I used to add sweet toppings to pimp my popcorn. I decided to give your recipe a try, and it was delicious. The spices give a little kick, a perfect combination.

      Reply
    7. Leslie Sawmiller

      November 11, 2022 at 7:48 am

      5 stars
      I love this! Popcorn is such a great snack and I love adding new flavors to it! This is great!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        November 21, 2022 at 1:52 pm

        Thanks. Gracias.

        Reply
    8. Jamie

      November 10, 2022 at 6:43 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! This seasoning mix will definitely make any popcorn yummier! It’s definitely a great addition to the flavor and taste. Loved it!

      Reply
    9. patricia

      November 10, 2022 at 7:20 am

      5 stars
      I love finding new ways to “spice up” popcorn – one of my go-to snacks! The seasonings are nice and earthy and tasty!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        November 21, 2022 at 1:14 pm

        Very delicious.

        Reply
    10. Mel

      November 06, 2022 at 1:31 pm

      Oh wow this sure looks like a delicious way to eat popcorn! I need to try this

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 30, 2023 at 10:11 am

        You won’t regret it. This Popcorn Seasoning Mix adds a lot of flavor.

        Reply
    11. Loisw

      November 06, 2022 at 10:18 am

      5 stars
      Love this combination. I would love to try it, especially since I love popcorn and Mexican seasonings.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        November 23, 2022 at 2:30 pm

        So glad you liked this recipe!

        Reply
    12. Catalina

      November 06, 2022 at 10:01 am

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness! This is my favorite snack too! I will make it!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        November 23, 2022 at 2:31 pm

        Yay! I’m glad you liked it.

        Reply
    13. Lynndee

      November 06, 2022 at 5:24 am

      I like popcorn but I’ve never tried seasoning it. Your recipe sounds good!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 30, 2023 at 10:19 am

        Hope you try this Palomitas Seasoning Mix. I know you’ll enjoy it.

        Reply
    14. Beautiful Touches

      November 05, 2022 at 3:24 pm

      That looks like a really interesting combination for popcorn seasoning and I’d love to give it a try!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 30, 2023 at 10:28 am

        Yes! Such a yummy snack.

        Reply
    15. Renee

      November 05, 2022 at 10:03 am

      This seasoning is something I am going to have to try. I have to say though I would never have thought to put mayo or ketchup on popcorn.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 30, 2023 at 10:40 am

        I’m glad to hear you’re looking forward to trying the Palomitas Seasoning Mix, but I get that mayo and ketchup may seem weird on popcorn. It’s actually a popular way to enjoy popcorn in some countries like Mexico, and it’s surprisingly delicious! But, of course, feel free to customize the toppings to your liking, they are optional.

        Reply
    16. Sarah Bailey

      November 05, 2022 at 9:18 am

      This sounds like an absolutely delicious way to enjoy Palomitas, I definitely need to give it a try!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 30, 2023 at 10:41 am

        You’ll definitely love it!

        Reply
    17. Melsisa Cushing

      November 05, 2022 at 8:10 am

      5 stars
      I want to dig into a bowl of this popcorn as it looks so good and I am inning this recipe to make this savory popcorn recipe from and my husband 😉 Delish!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        November 06, 2022 at 8:39 am

        Thank you! Hope you and your husband like it.

        Reply
    18. Richelle Milar

      November 05, 2022 at 7:14 am

      5 stars
      This is really great seasoning mix! I really love to try this! Thanks for sharing this recipe!

      Reply
    19. Alita Pacio

      November 05, 2022 at 3:54 am

      5 stars
      This is perfect for a family movie night in the Holidays! I’m definitely trying this out.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        November 23, 2022 at 2:41 pm

        Hope you do. I know you’ll enjoy it.

        Reply
    20. Alita Pacio

      November 05, 2022 at 3:53 am

      5 stars
      These Palomitas are healthy and crunchy! Just toss freshly popped popcorn with the perfect blend of spices, and you’re all set!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        November 24, 2022 at 11:34 am

        Happy to hear you liked it.

        Reply
    Newer Comments »

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