popcorn Orville Clarence Redenbacher (July 16, 1907 – September 19, 1995) was an American food scientist and businessman most often associated with the brand of popcorn that bears his name which is now owned by Conagra Brands.

Orville Redenbacher's

Popcorn, Vegetable Oil (Corn, Canola, and/or Sunflower Oil), Cheddar Cheese (Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Whey, Buttermilk, Natural Flavor, and Salt. CONTAINS MILK INGREDIENTS.

Now owned by Omaha, Neb. -based food conglomerate ConAgra, Orville Redenbacher Gourmet Popcorn still relies on Indiana for much of its production. About a third of the 60,000 to 70,000 acres planted with popcorn in Indiana every year are growing for the Orville Redenbacher brand.

By 1965, Orville and his business partner Charles Bowman perfect their popcorn hybrid - it is light and fluffy, leaves hardly any unpopped kernels, achieves a 44:1 ratio in volume of popped to unpopped corn, and, of course, tastes great.

Orville Redenbacher was born on a farm in Brazil, Indiana, in 1907. At 12, he began to grow and peddle his own popping corn, which allowed him to save money for college. He graduated from Perdue University with a degree in agronomy and as a member of Alpha Gamma Rho, an agriculture-oriented fraternity.

By the mid 1970s, Redenbacher and Bowman had captured a third of the unpopped popcorn market. According to industry estimates, the brand, still the national leader in the $1 billion annual popcorn market, accounts for about 45 percent of the microwave market. These amazing successes are not all coming from luck.

But one of the most popular flavors is white cheddar. It has a sharp and savory taste that is perfect for those who love cheesy snacks. It's also a great option for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional popcorn because it is made with real cheese.

Some people even call white popcorn “rice popcorn” because it's so pale. White popcorn kernels come from white corn and are small with an almost oval shape. Even the hull on the white popcorn kernel is tiny, so many consider it hulless.

In 1952, Orville Redenbacher hand selected a small group of family farmers to grow his exclusive kernel. Generations later, farmers like Richard Overmyer continue to grow that same special kernel that pops up lighter and fluffier than ordinary popcorn. Because your family deserves the very best.

Fun Facts About Popcorn

• Popcorn is over 5000 years old.
• The first commercial popcorn machine was invented by Charles Cretors in 1885.
• Nebraska produces the most popcorn in America, around 250 million pounds per year.
• Microwaveable popcorn was invented by Pillsbury in 1982.

Originally made by local farmers, cheddar cheese became popular due to its long shelf life and portability, making it an ideal food for travelers and soldiers.