The story behind Joe & Seph’s Popcorn
At Joe & Seph’s, we’re all about transforming snack time into something special. What started as a late-night kitchen experiment back in 2010 has grown into an exciting adventure - one that now sees our gourmet Joe & Seph’s popcorn being served up all over the country through our partnership with Avanti West Coast.
How it all started
Long before we were providing Avanti West Coast with delicious train snacks, our story began with Joseph Sopher, the original popcorn connoisseur. He would regularly bring back popcorn treats for his family from his work trips to America.
Frustrated by the lack of exciting popcorn options in the UK, Joe and his family set out to create their own. Cue countless late nights, burnt pans, and taste tests in the family kitchen!
Eventually, Joe cracked the code: air-popped kernels, coated in a rich, smooth caramel made with the finest natural ingredients. Fast forward to today, and we now offer over 50 innovative flavours and have proudly picked up more than 100 Great Taste awards. We are still creating every batch by hand from our North London Kitchens and sending them off across the UK.
The Secret Behind Our Signature Crunch
So, what makes Joe & Seph’s gourmet popcorn so deliciously different? We believe it all comes down to craftsmanship (…and butter! Lots of butter). Here’s how we create the perfectly crunchy popcorn every single time…
1. Air-Popping for Perfection
It all starts with the corn. But not just any corn—we use mushroom corn, known for its large, round shape, creating the perfect surface for our caramel to cling to. We also air-pop our kernels, rather than frying them in oil, to create light and fluffy popcorn as our base.
2. Whisking the Secret Sauce
Next comes the caramel coating. While Joe keeps the exact recipe a closely guarded secret, we can tell you that our caramel is whisked to perfection (by hand no less), ensuring it’s thick enough to coat every kernel evenly.
3. Baked for the Ultimate Crunch
Finally, we bake each batch. This crucial step locks in the flavour and removes any remaining moisture from the caramel. Once cooled, the result is beautifully crisp popcorn—ready to brighten up your journey.
From Harlesden to Your Seat
From our Harlesden popcorn HQ, we can watch Avanti trains zoom past, so partnering with Avanti, a brand that champions local suppliers, means the world to us. It’s about more than just great snacks—it’s about supporting British businesses, reducing food miles, and delivering quality products that make every journey a little sweeter.
Next time you’re sitting back enjoying an Avanti train ride, look out for us in their tasty onboard menu. Joe & Seph’s popcorn is one of the best snacks for train travel - find out for yourself!
