Did you know popcorn played a role in the war efforts during both World Wars? During World War I, Americans rationed food so it could be sent to Allied troops, leaving many in need of a substitute for wheat, meats and other food. In 1916, Mary Hamilton Talbot published the book “Pop Corn Recipes” which contained recipes like meatloaf made from popcorn and popcorn pudding. During World War II, sugar was rationed causing an increase in the price of candy. As a result, the amount of popcorn being consumed tripled compared to previous years. Oddly, it was Chicago candy shop owner, Charles Creators, who helped popularize popcorn as a snack back in the 1890s when he invented the popcorn machine. Today, most Americans will eat around 68 quarts of popcorn a year making it one of the most popular snacks in the United States.