The Jonas Brothers Made a Popcorn with Priyanka Chopra — So, of Course, I Had to Try It

Justine Lee
Justine LeeRecipe Production Coordinator
Justine Lee is Kitchn's Recipe Production Coordinator and a food writer and recipe developer based in NYC. Her writing frequently appears in Food52, Bon Appetit, Food Network, The Infatuation, among others. She has also been featured in the New York Times and the Wall Street…read more
published Mar 22, 2023
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Mumbai Nights Rob's Backstage Popcorn
Credit: Justine Lee

As a lifelong fan of boy bands (do not ask me to rank them), it should come as no surprise that I hold a place in my heart for the Jonas Brothers. What can I say? They excel in many things: brotherhood, music, cheesy teen movies, reality TV, breaking up but triumphantly coming back together, tear-jerking documentaries about said break-up and comeback, entrepreneurship, and marriage to some pretty rad women. It’s the combination of the last two skills that I have to thank for my latest snack hyperfixation. 

Priyanka’s Mumbai Nights is the newest flavor from Rob’s Backstage Popcorn, the JoBros’ popcorn brand, made in collaboration with iconic actress and wife of Nick Jonas, Priyanka Chopra. The popcorn flavor pulls inspiration from Priyanka’s home country of India and the “hot seductive nights” she loves to spend in Mumbai. When I got the chance to try the new popcorn, I knew I couldn’t pass it up. But also, I had just failed to get tickets to the Jonas Brothers’ residency on Broadway (I’m still not over this) and this felt like the next best thing. 

Credit: Justine Lee

My Honest Review of Priyanka’s Mumbai Nights Popcorn

The popcorn is seasoned with a secret spice mix formula that is said to include turmeric, red bell pepper, carrot, onion, and garlic powder. Well-coated in vibrant yellow, each kernel boasts a deeply earthy curry spice with nuttiness and warmth, while carrot and red bell pepper work with the sugar to lend a gentle sweetness. Buttered movie-theater popcorn walked so Priyanka’s Mumbai Nights could run!

According to the brand’s site, the popcorn is friendly to people who are vegan and gluten-free. From a taste perspective, it is on the lighter, more aerated side. To be honest, I stopped buying bagged popcorn a while ago because it’s been a little too light on flavor (at times it was undetectable!). But that’s why Priyanka’s Mumbai Nights felt to me like a true revelation: It still has an audible crunch when eaten, not to mention Priyanka’s spice mix that you will want to lick off your fingers. It’s truly one of the best savory and crunchy snacks for any hour of the day. 

Outside of my very formal taste test, I’ve exclusively enjoyed this popcorn by the handful but I’m curious to see how it performs in a mean popcorn snack mix. Should you be so lucky to be invited to my listening party for the Jonas Brothers’ new album in May, we just might test out my hypothesis together. (And if you’re reading this and ever have tickets to their concert, you’re morally obligated to take me!)

Buy: Rob’s Backstage Popcorn Mumbai Nights, $23.99 for 4 bags at Rob’s Backstage Popcorn

Have you tried this popcorn? Tell us about it in the comments below.